Locations in the Faroe Islands

Places you must visit in the Faroe Islands

Every location and island in the Faroe Islands has its own charm and its own magic. Still, we would like to give you some recommendations on places you must visit on your trip to the Faroes.

Klaksvík - Is the second largest city of the Faroe Islands with 5,000 inhabitants and is located on Borðoy. Once here you will be able to see the Christians Church, the Norooya Fornminnisavn museum and take a beautiful hike to the abandoned settlement Skálatoftir with its beautiful view.

Tórshavn - The smallest capital in the world is rich in experiences. Tórshavn gives you plenty of opportunities to go to museums, go shopping and visit restaurants and bars. Tórshavn is rich in charm, urban life and cultural experiences.

Any place is never very far in the Faroe Islands, and getting around to the various sites is easy. However, memorizing 18 islands can be difficult, so here is a map of the Faroe Islands.

The Faroe Islands - divided into six areas

The Faroe Islands were created by volcanoes over 60 million years ago. This is how these 18 beautiful islands came from the sea. The islands lie close together and consist mostly of basalt.

Faroe Islands are divided into six areas, as you can see on the map above.

Mykines and Vágar

Vágar and Mykines is the westernmost islands in the Faroe Islands. Vágar is the third largest island in the Faroe Islands. The airport is on Vágar and the island is connected by a tunnel to Streymoy. The tunnel is called Vágartunnellen and was operational in 2004. At the northwestern end of Vágar is Gásadalur - you can drive there through a tunnel in under 20 minutes from the airport.

West of Vágar lies the secluded island of Mykines. There is no bridge or tunnel to Mykines, so if you need to go there you go by boat or helicopter. Mykines is famous for its rich birdlife and beautiful scenery. There is a small settlement on Mykines, home to a handful of Faroese who appreciate the quiet life on the island.

Streymoy - the largest of the Faroe Islands

Streymoy is the largest island in the Faroe Islands. In the bay to the southeast is Tórshavn, the world's smallest capital. In Tórshavn you will find a wide range of great cultural and gastronomic experiences. Discover the chain dance and party at the Olaifest in July, explore the fascinating old part of town Tinganes and eat at one of Tórshavns restaurants. The city also offers unique opportunities for those of you who are interested in art and culture in the Nordic House or the National Gallery.

Streymoy abounds like the rest of the Faroe Islands with impressive experiences of nature. From the small settlement Vestmanna you can get close to the Faroese bird life on one of the popular boat trips to Vestmannabjørgini, and in the idyllic town Saksun there is ample opportunity for beautiful hiking and fishing.

South of Streymoy lie the islands Koltur, Hestur and Nolsoy.

Eysturoy

Eysturoy is the second largest island of the Faroes. It is connected with Streymoy by a bridge across the strait between the islands. At the north end of Eysturoy is the Faroe Islands’ highest mountain Slættaratindur (882 m), which is a good challenge for those of you who like to hike and get in reward a spectacular view of all the Faroe Islands. Not far from the mountain lies the small authentic village of Gjógv, where you can experience the fascinating natural harbor in the gulf, for which the city is named.

The island is not just about nature experiences - every summer the Faroese organize their most popular music festival G! Festival on the beach in Gøta on the east side of Eysturoy.

Norðoyggjar - the Northern Islands

The Northern Islands consist of six islands: Fugloy, Svínoy, Viðoy, Borðoy, Kunoy and Kalsoy, lying close together in the northeastern part of the Faroe Islands. There is a tunnel from Eysturoy to Borðoy where the Faroe Islands’ second largest town Klaksvik is located. The tunnel has a beautiful light installation designed by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson. Klaksvik is the most important Faroese fishing port, and from there you can go fishing or on sailing trips to the other islands in the north.

The elongated island Kalsoy, which is the westernmost of the Northern Islands has four tunnels, making it possible to get around the island. Because of its elongated shape and many holes, the island is colloquially known as ‘the recorder’.

Sandoy, Skúvoy and Stora Dímun

These islands lie south of Streymoy, and unlike the Northern Islands the landscape here is not so hilly but flatter and more approachable. On Sandoy you can take a lovely walk in the tranquil countryside. From the village of Sandur there’s a little boat trip to Skúvoy with its beautiful bird cliffs.

In order to get to Stóra Dímun, the weather should behave. The small island is only three square kilometers and bordered by steep and inaccessible cliffs. Consequently, coming ashore is hard, but it’s a place of pure luxury for the many birds that live on the rocks.

Suduroy and Lítla Dímun

From Tórshavn you can board a ferry to Tvøroyri on Suduroy. As the name suggests, the island is the southernmost island in the Faroe Islands. The island is somewhat remote, and in the Faroe Islands it is said that the people from Suduroy are a bit more temperamental and open than other Faroese. Whether that is true, you can find out for yourself if you go and visit this beautiful green island.

Lítla Dímun is a tiny island located just north of Suduroy, and the only uninhabited island in the Faroe Islands. The island is surrounded by vertical cliffs and completely unapproachable. But just as unapproachable as it is, equally fascinating it is to behold - like a gigantic sculpture set on the sea.

Transportation between the islands

Infrastructure and roads are good in the Faroe Islands and it is much easier to get around than it was just 15 years ago. That was before the islands were connected by some of the latest tunnels. Sailing routes allow you to combine a beautiful boat ride with the experience of some of the more remote islands. Helicopter routes are also an option, and they are cheap because of support from the state. Going by boat or helicopter, be advised that weather can delay your departure. More on our map of the Faroe Islands.

Visit Tórshavn - colourful capital of the Faroe Islands

Colourful houses surrounded by green mountains, blue sea and a special light that binds it all together. Tórshavn is a unique city that creates the perfect setting for a holiday of peace and quiet, unspoiled culture and magnificent landscapes.

With its 19,800 inhabitants, Tórshavn is the world's smallest capital. Perhaps because it is small, there are lots of great experiences to be had. The city holds a special atmosphere that follows changes in the weather. You will discover quaint little streets, interesting local restaurants, charming shops and culture and not least the locals living their lives in the city.

Tórshavn is a must on your trip to the Faroes. Enjoy city life, be together and share the small and big experiences with each other.

Must-see experiences in Tórshavn

Set aside a day to holding hands and enjoying the sights. Walk through the old town with its colorful houses and see the old parliament building, the Tinganes, located right on the water. Swing by the harbor with the boats, life and happy locals. Walk through a city center of interesting specialty shops and cafes. Continue through the plantation to the Nordic House, a stunning building that blends in with the natural surroundings. The Nordic House is the Faroes’ primary cultural institution, and here you can explore Faroese culture and history.

There is of course much more to see in Tórshavn. You can read more about the attractions in Tórshavn HERE.

Accommodations in Tórshavn

You will find very nice opportunities for accommodation in Tórshavn. The ‘Hotel Tórshavn’ is a 3-star hotel featuring the popular ‘Hvonn’ cocktail bar, or treat yourselves to a stay at the newly renovated 4-star design Hotel Føroyar, where all the rooms have panoramic views of Tórshavn.

Tórshavn offers the best conditions for spending time together and you will quickly synchronize with the quiet rhythm of the city. Spend evenings together in the city at the local restaurants and bars and discover your favorite. And all is comfortably within walking distance. See more on hotels in Tórshavn HERE.

Your evening out in Tórshavn - Faroese world-class gastronomy

The Faroe Islands are a volcanic archipelago that rises up from the Atlantic Ocean to the north. This means steep cliffs, sea spray, green expanses, rich bird life, fish and sheep. This unique setting provides a unique food culture. Modern Faroese food culture is based on love of fresh local produce, traditions as well as contemporary cuisine.

At ‘Barbara Fish House’, there are dishes of fresh fish and great atmosphere. ‘Restaurant Áarstova’ is in a listed building, full of charm and inspiring dishes. ‘Etika’ will serve you sushi in beautiful surroundings, and at the ‘Hotel Hafnia’ restaurant you can experience authentic Faroese cuisine.

Treat yourselves and share a genuine Faroese evening meal at one of the restaurants in Tórshavn.

Faroese fashion - knitwear and creative people

The Faroese have an uncomplicated relationship with creativity. Faroese values of minds and hands, provide products filled with soul and presence. Whether it comes to fashion, music or crafts you will experience a natural approach to the creative process.

When in Tórshavn, you should go shopping - although the town is small, there are plenty of options. ‘Gudrun & Gudrun’ are the women behind the famous jumper, worn by Sarah Lund in ‘The Killing’. ‘Sirri’ has a wide selection of clothing, accessories and home accessories made ​​of beautiful local wool. ‘Öström’ is a design shop on Tórshavn harbour where you may find a wide selection of clothing, accessories and crafts produced by local designers.

Experience nature from Tórshavn

Tórshavn is located on the southeast side of the island Streymoy. From here there are plenty of opportunities to travel and experience the magnificent scenery in the Faroes.

Read more about the experience of nature in the Faroe Islands here.

Klaksvik - a fishing village in beautiful surroundings

With nearly 5000 inhabitants, Klaksvík is the second largest town of the Faroe Islands. Driving into Klaksvik, you pass a roundabout with a sculpture of a fish hook several meters high. The hook symbolizes that Klaksvik is a fishing port.

Klaksvik was connected with Eysturoy via the Nordøtunnel in 2006. This means that there is only an hour's drive from Tórshavn to Klaksvik. The tunnel is about five kilometers long and is decorated with light art by the Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson.

What to see in Klaksvik

Klaksvik is a cozy town characterized by a great cultural heritage. Go for a walk in the morning and experience life on the harbour. Pay a visit to the Christians church, inaugurated in 1963 in memory of King Christian X. A traditional Faroese boat hangs inside the church, as used by priests in the old days to sail around the islands to hold worship.

In an old trading house from 1838 there’s a small museum: Norooya Fornminnisavn. It's the museum of the northern islands including an exhibition of an old Faroese pharmacy as well as old-fashioned tools and instruments that gives you an insight into the daily life of older times.

On the main street in town is one of the Faroe Islands’ breweries, ‘Bjór’, which makes various popular Faroese beer. The brewery's logo, very appropriately, is a Faroese ram.

Trips from Klaksvik - on to the northern islands

Klaksvik is an experience in itself, but the village is also an ideal starting point if you want to experience the rest of the magnificent islands in the north. Nature in the northern islands is peculiar and impressive. From Klaksvik you can take a three-hour hike up the Klakkurfjeldet, which gives you a revelatory scenic view over the village and mountains.

In summer you can take a boat trip from Klaksvík to the record high promontory, Enniberg. It is a 750 meter high bird cliff on the northern end of the island Viðoy. Here, nature is truly great, and birds thrive in the harsh environment where the waves crash against the rocks and the wind blows.

Klaksvik is an old fishing village, and what could be more natural than going fishing from a village that since time immemorial have lived by fishermen who sailed out to sea to return home with food for their families.

Read more on what to do in Klaksvík and the northern islands HERE.