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5 Amazing Things to Do in Faroe Islands in Winter

By Verified Expert

Are you travelling to the Faroe Islands in winter and curious what to do? Visiting this untouched destination in winter gives you the chance to see unbelievable landscapes in a magical light. Continue reading to find all the answers to your questions about things to do in Faroe Islands in winter. 



Faroe Islands is an unbelievable place in winter and a bucket-list worthy getaway. We recommend these 5 amazing things to do when exploring this windswept hideaway in winter.

1. Hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn

2. Visit the secluded village Gjógv

3. Chase the Northern Lights

4. Experience Múlafossur waterfall

5. Stay in a countryside sod-roofed house

The Faroe Islands weather is ever changeable. Even though the weather forecast says rain, you can experience sun and partly cloudy weather within the same day. 

Girl looking through boat window
Winter mood in the Faroe Islands onboard one of the ferries that connects the smaller islands to the main islands in the the archipelago. Photo by Michael Franz.

Be prepared for rain on most days but expect anything from gale force winds and storms to sunny spells. The highest mountain peaks might be snow-capped but there is no guarantee.

No matter the weather and even on a grey looking dark day go out in the countryside and feel the fresh air. What you will get for sure is an exclusive break where there are very few other people.

1. Hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn

The lake above the ocean
​The lake above the ocean as seen from the Trælanípa cliff. Photo by Michael Franz known as @maufderlauer on Instagram.

You will get a true nature interaction when hiking to Lake Sørvágsvatn aslo known as Leitisvatn. When you get to the end of the lake towards the ocean after an hours walk, you will get to the Trælanípa cliff.

Standing at Trælanípa will let you experience a fantastic optical illusion as the lake Sørvágsvatn looks as if it hoovers miles above the ocean. The chill in the air makes this easy hike even more adventurous.

2. Visit Gjógv

Sea gorge in Faroe Islands
Gjógv on Eysturoy island. The gorge is outstanding in winter.

Beautiful little towns with colourful houses are dotted around the Faroe Islands. Gjógv is one of the most picturesque of them all. In winter you will stay close to fresh air as you walk between the small houses in the village. 

Gjógv is known for its seaside gorge. You can even walk into the gorge but be very careful on windy days as the surf will find its way up on land.

3. Chase the Northern Lights

Winter in the Faroe Islands with northern lights
​Norðadalsskarð mountain pass on Streymoy island. Photo by Mortan Mortensen.

The dark and long Arctic winter nights are the best settings for an adventurous trip and Northern Lights hunting. Head to the northernmost part of the islands and experience this natural wonder dancing in the skies.

Base yourself in Viðareiði on Viðoy island and you are in the prime territory for chasing the Northern Lights. The islands Kunoy and Borðoy are reachable within a short drive and make up moments of real relaxation even if the Northern Lights do not put in an appearance on your visit. 

You need some luck in order to see the aurora borealis in the Faroe Islands. Even if the Northern Lights do not appear in the skies, the beautiful sceneries will still keep your camera busy.

4. Experience Múlafossur waterfall

Múlafossur waterfall
​The unbelievable village Gásadalur in winter. Photo by Michael Franz known as @maufderlauer on Instagram.

The mind blowing beauty of the Faroe Islands can be boiled down to the remote settlement Gásadalur. Here you will find the outstanding Múlafossur Waterfall that drops right into the North Atlantic Ocean.

Just as it can be hard to find the Faroe Islands on a map, it can be hard to predict the weather. What you are guaranteed during the winter months from November to February is that days are very short. So make sure to experience Múlafossur Waterfall during the day hour.

5. Stay in a countryside sod-roofed house

Grass roofed houses
​Grass-roofed cabins on Streymoy island. Photo by Iryna Horbachova on Shutterstock.

A trip to the Faroe Islands is all about leaving the city behind. You will enter a protected environment and you will be in contact with nature like nowhere else. 

We recommend you to stay in a turf-roofed cabin in one of the many tidy villages in the archipelago. This will let you be on your own with lots of space and privacy. With few if any other people around, this is the ideal base from where to explore the Faroe Islands.

Snowy mountains seen from ferry window
Peaks are usually covered in snow in winter. Photo by Michael Franz known as @maufderlauer on Instagram.

These and other activities will make your nature break to the Faroe Islands unforgettable. What you will bring back home after visiting the Faroe Islands this time of year is that the Faroe Islands in winter is a very special outdoor retreat. 

The shortness of daylight in winter is a memorable experience in itself. The skies are ever changeable and the light tranquillising. 

Plan Your Faroe Islands Winter Vacation

Inspired to experience the Faroe Islands in winter? Following these five recommendations will secure you a unique winter break that you will remember for years to come.

Take the next step and take a look at flights to the Faroe Islands right away. Make sure to also browse the widest selection of Tours & Activities only a click away.

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