Atlantic · Destination guide

Faroe Islands

Island · Hidden Towns

Cliffs, fog and small villages in the middle of the North Atlantic.

Eighteen volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic, halfway between Scotland and Iceland. Cliffs, fog, grass roofs, and weather that changes every twenty minutes.

Atmosphere

What the place feels like

Empty, dramatic and quiet. The whole country has about fifty thousand people. Even the capital, Tórshavn, feels like a large village.

Getting there

Transport

Flights into Vágar; from there, a network of tunnels — including several undersea ones — connects the main islands. A rental car is essential.

On the water

Ferries and trains

Smyril Line ferries serve the outer islands of Suðuroy and Sandoy. Smaller passenger boats reach Mykines and Kalsoy when weather allows. There is no rail network.

Where to stay

Local towns and bases

Tórshavn is small and walkable, with grass-roofed wooden houses in the old town. Gjógv and Saksun are the photogenic villages. Klaksvík, in the north, is the second town and a quiet fishing port.

When to go

Seasonal travel

June to August for long days and the most reliable boats. September brings autumn colour and far fewer travelers. Winter is genuinely difficult.

At the table

Food and cafés

Lamb, fish, and fermented dishes if you want to try them. Koks, outside Tórshavn, is the well-known Nordic restaurant. Most villages have one café at most.

On foot

Walking routes

The Mykines puffin walk in summer, the trail to Trælanípa above Lake Sørvágsvatn, and the path along the cliffs at Kalsoy lighthouse.

Practical notes

Before you go

01Weather will cancel boats and flights — keep a flexible day at the end.
02Tunnels charge tolls; rental cars handle it automatically.
03Restaurants in small villages need to be booked the day before.

FAQ

Common questions

How long do I need?: Five days minimum, ideally a full week with weather buffer.
Is it expensive?: Yes — comparable to Norway. Self-catering helps.

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