Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are 18 steep green islands in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Norway. They are known for sea cliffs, turf roofed villages, sheep, sea birds and weather that changes every ten minutes.

Why it is on my list

Waterfalls that fall straight into the sea and villages under the cliffs. Mulafossur at Gasadalur and the stacks near Tjornuvik are the images that started it.

Best time to go

• May to August: long light, puffins and the best hiking weather. July is warmest but still mild.

• June: nearly endless daylight, with only a short dusk.

• September to March: moody storms, northern lights and few visitors. Some sights and ferries run on reduced schedules.

• Always: rain, fog and wind are normal. Bring layers.

Where to stay

• Torshavn: the small capital, with restaurants, harbor and most services. Hotel Foroyar sits on a hill above town.

• Gjogv or Funningur: quiet villages on Eysturoy with cliff walks.

• Vagar: near the airport and the Gasadalur waterfall.

• Mykines: simple guesthouses for puffin season.

Getting there and around

• Airport: Vagar (FAE). Atlantic Airways and other carriers fly from Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Edinburgh.

• From the US: one stop, most often in Copenhagen or Reykjavik.

• Internal: undersea tunnels link most islands. Buses and ferries cover the rest, and a rental car makes it easiest.

• Helicopter: cheap, scenic helicopter rides link remote islands on a few routes.

• Permits: some hikes cross private land and charge a small fee or need a guide.

What to eat

• Skerpikjot: wind dried mutton, a Faroese specialty.

• Raest fish: fermented fish, strong and traditional.

• Lamb: local and rich, usually boiled or roasted.

• Fresh seafood: salmon, cod, langoustine and mussels.

• Fine dining: Tórshavn has a well known fine dining scene around local ingredients.

What to drink

• Beer: Foroya Bjor and Okkara are Faroese brewers.

• Coffee: strong, hot and served with cake.

• Aquavit: a caraway spirit, often with dinner.

• Water: tap water is fresh and safe.

Don't miss

• Gasadalur and Mulafossur: the waterfall dropping into the ocean.

• Kallur Lighthouse: a hike on the island of Kalsoy to a dramatic cliff.

• Sorvagsvatn: the lake that appears to hang above the sea.

• Saksun: a village by a tidal lagoon and old turf houses.

• Vestmanna cliffs: boat trips beneath sea bird cliffs.

• Torshavn old town: Tinganes, the wooden houses and the harbor.

Day trips and side trips

• Mykines: puffin island, typically May to August.

• Kalsoy: the Kallur lighthouse and Mikladalur.

• Sandoy: green hills and quiet beaches.

• Tjornuvik: a black sand beach with views of sea stacks.

Festivals and events

• Olavsoka: the national festival, July 28 and 29, with rowing, dancing and chain dances.

• G Festival: a seaside music festival in Syorugota, usually in July.

• Summartonar: a summer classical concert series.

Music and dance

• Faroese chain dance: a slow circle dance with ancient ballads sung in unison.

• Folk and indie: the islands punch above their size with bands and festivals.

Nightlife

Nights are small and cozy. The capital has a few good pubs and some live music, and everyone seems to know each other.

• When people go out: dinner early, bars from about 9 on weekends.

• Where the action is: Torshavn pubs such as Sirkus and the harbor streets.

• Good to know: alcohol is expensive, and the long summer light keeps nights going.

Photography spots

• Gasadalur: the waterfall from the viewpoint.

• Kallur: lighthouse and cliffs on Kalsoy.

• Saksun: lagoon at low tide.

• Gjogv gorge: a small harbor in a natural cut.

• Drones: permitted with rules. Check Faroese aviation regulations and keep away from people and birds.

Cost of living

• Overall: $$$$ versus New York.

• Coffee: $4 to $6.

• Local lunch: $15 to $25.

• Dinner for two: $100 to $200.

• Beer: $8 to $12.

• Mid range hotel: $180 to $300 per night.

• Daily budget: $250 to $400.

Expect Nordic prices. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

• Wi-Fi: excellent in Torshavn and most villages.

• Coworking: a few spaces in Torshavn.

• Time zone: 5 hours ahead of US Eastern.

• Longer stays: short stays are visa free for US citizens. Longer stays need a Faroese residence permit.

• Nomad rating: 3/5.

Good to know

• Language: Faroese and Danish. English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Faroese krona, pegged one to one with the Danish krone. Danish notes are accepted.

• Plugs: Type C and F, 230V.

• Entry for US citizens: the islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but have their own border rules and are outside Schengen. Check current rules.

• Getting around apps: few ride apps. Rent a car or use buses and taxis.

• Tipping: not expected.

• Water: tap water is excellent.

• SIM/eSIM: local SIMs and some eSIMs work.

Useful phrases

• Goðan dag: good day.

• Takk: thank you.

• Ja and Nei: yes and no.

• Skal: cheers.

Meeting people

• Social scene: small and welcoming. Guesthouses and hikes are where travelers meet.

• Apps: local Facebook groups are more useful than dating apps.

• Etiquette: respect farmland and close gates behind you.

• Stay smart: leave no trace and honor hiking fees on private land.

Staying safe

• Weather: conditions shift fast. Check forecasts and carry waterproofs.

• Cliffs: stay back from edges, especially in wind and fog.

• Hiking: use a guide for remote routes and tell someone your plan.