FULL GUIDE & 3, 5 & 7 DAY ITINERARIES FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS
Believe it or not I had to write this out of the demand due to my IG stories. I found the Faroes to be an absolute gem and if I’m honest it took me completely by surprise! It is one of the most picturesque countries I have visited and can only described as beautiful landscape on steroids! A full guide and itinerary of the Faroe Islands is a must, especially if it’s your first time.
Warning: This itinerary is jam packed and will take you to every corner of the country.
🗺 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: WHERE IS THE FAROE ISLANDS? 🗺
The Faroes may look like something out of a fairy-tale but they are a lot closer than you may think. The archipelago is located just north of Scotland and south of Iceland.
📆 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: WHEN TO GO 📆
The Faroe Islands is a tiny country and it doesn’t take a lot of tourists to give the impression of it being over crowded. The summer months of June – September can be very busy, so I would suggest the shoulder months of May or late September.
When to go: May or September
⏳ FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: HOW LONG TO STAY ⏳
If you are short for time, you can see all the best parts like I did within 3 full days, as long as the weather was good to you. Just be aware you will be constantly on the go but renting a campervan will save you precious time! 5 and 7 days are also options if you are looking to get to a few of the other islands. These require a boat to get to which again are subject to the weather.
How long to stay: 3 days minimum
🛫 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: HOW TO GET THERE 🛬
Flights are accessible throughout Europe but my options were limited from either Edinburgh, Reykjavik or Demark. However, flights are also seasonal so do check well in advance.
How to get there: Faroes are most accessible from Denmark
🌪 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: WEATHER 🌪
Like most of northern Europe, the weather can at times be very challenging and as the Faroes is manly an activity based & exploration destination you are going to want to give yourself the best chance of some dry weather. Summer runs from June to August but there is really no “dry season” per se. but these months will give you the best chance of avoiding rain. However as said you will come up against the crowds so go in the shoulder months. Either way you are odds on to experience rain at some stage but its absolutely worth it!
Weather: Unpredictable!
TIPS:
- Most of the land in the Faroes are private and therefore the hikes can cost upwards of $30
- Always have cash on you
- Stock up on food, snacks and water when you can
- Enjoy the drive between sites, that’s what makes the Faroes so enjoyable.
💳 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: MONEY 💳
As the Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory of Denmark they use their own form of the Danish Krone. Which is the same currency but locally issued banknotes. Danish Krone is also accepted and is 1:1.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island, however I would keep some money on me as ATMs can become limited as you get away from any of the towns.
Money: Faroese or Danish Krone. Have cash if possible
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🗣 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: LANGUAGE 🗣
Faroese is the first language spoken throughout the country followed by Danish as the second language. Danish is taught in schools and used by the government with public relations. English is also well known, especially with the younger generation. If you speak English then you will have no problems. Either way the locals are very accommodating.
Language: Faroese, Danish & English
🚗 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: HOW TO GET AROUND 🚗
There is only one method to get around the Faroes and that’s renting a vehicle. I know of some who go as part of a tour which is great if it suits them but I’m always keen to keep my options open. Being able to jump in the car and drive anywhere suits me perfectly especially as the weather could change your plans.
How to get around: Rent a car or better still a motorhome
📱 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: INTERNET & MOBILE 📱
Wi-Fi is common place around the country however I would highly recommend you get at least a 5GB sim card at the airport. Ideal if you run into problems on the road or on one of the hikes.
Internet & mobile: Wi-Fi readily available, buy a sim card
🧳 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: WHAT TO PACK 🧳
I’ll admit, its not the easiest trip to prepare for as it’s very common to see 4 seasons within 30minutes so I have had to make a separate post for this to ensure I cover all the basis.
What to pack: Click here
🍽 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: WHERE TO EAT 🍽
Outside of the main towns the options are quite limited. If you are renting a caravan I would make sure it has cooking apparatus and suggest you drop into a supermarket to buy the essentials. This will free up more time and allow more flexibility. If you are staying in hotels or guesthouses then check they offer dinner and breakfast.
💰 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: CAN IT BE DONE ON A BUDGET 💰
The Faroes sure aren’t on a par with Asia but depending on your accommodation and eating choices you could easily travel fro around $50 a day. Some of the hikes are more expensive and flights and accommodation will need to be booked well in advance.
Can it be done on a budget – It’s not cheap but can be budgeted
FACTS:
- Formed by volcanic activity over 30 million years ago
- The population is 50,000
- There is no McDonalds
- In the Faroe Islands there are more sheep than people
- There is no prison on the Faroes
- There are no trees on the Faroe Islands
🚐 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: WHERE TO STAY 🚐
There isn’t a huge amount of opens when it comes to accommodation and if you were visiting during the peak season, I would make sure you had it all pre booked well ahead of time.
As the weather was never guaranteed, I wanted to remain as flexible as possible so I didn’t book accommodation until the night itself. This is only possible out of high season but if I was to go again I would rent a campervan. For the Faroes there is no other way to travel but by campervan. This will give you all the flexibility you need. Parking up and sleeping isn’t a problem off season but I would imagine during the peak months that it is something you might need to be careful of, due to the number of others who would be trying to do the same.
Where to stay: Camper-van or guesthouses
FULL ITINERARY FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS: 3, 5 & 7 DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1, OFF THE FLIGHT AND ON A MOUNTAIN
Copenhagen – Faroe Islands – Trælanípan – Leirvik
10:00
TRÆLANÍPAN
Arriving early into the Faroe Islands, it’s time to pick up the car and make the short journey to Trælanípan. Trælanípan is a unique site here in the Faroes, once at the top it gives the impression the river Søvágsvatn sits 100m above the sea level when it is fact just 30m. Be sure not to miss out on Bøsdalafossur just down from the viewpoint. The hike is very easily and I would be confident anyone could do it, don’t be put off by the fact it is 3km.
16:00
FOOD
After the hike head to the small town of Sandavágur for a bite to eat. I ate at a tasty fast food place called Smidjan, exactly what I needed after the hike. During the late afternoon is the time where you really make up for the loss of time. Instead of finding accommodation here and settling down for the night we take the driver up north and find accommodation to as close to tomorrows activity as possible. If you’re in a campervan then get as close to Vidareidi as possible however I stayed at visitHOMES in Leirvik.
DAY 2, OFF THE FLIGHT AND ON A MOUNTAIN
Leirvik – Vidareidi – Múli – Gjogv
08:00
VILLINGARDALSFJALL
After breakfast we make the short drive to Vidareidi to hike Villingardalsfjall, one of the highest peaks in the country. This hike will be subject to the weather as I was nearly blown off the mountain at a stage. The hike isn’t long but can be steep at times, if you are concerned with your fitness, take your time, you will be glad of it when you reach the top.
14:00
MULI
After the 4 hour hike it’s time to jump into the car again and head across the bay to a small town called Múli. There isn’t much to see here but it’s very interesting as the town is now deserted.
15:00
GJOGV
Gjogv is one of my favourite towns in the Faroes. Incredible quaint and picturesque, You have will have enough time to walk around and take plenty of photos. I would recommend the natural harbour for some more epic photos. I stayed here as I arrived late but if you climb Villingardalsfjall first thing in the morning you won’t have the same issue.
18:00
EIÕI
Head further south and get as close to Eiõi as possible.
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DAY 3, OFF THE FLIGHT AND ON A MOUNTAIN
Eiõi – Fossá – Tjørnuvik – Saksun – Tórshavn – Múlafossur
08:00
EIÕI
Interested in seeing one of the most impressive football stadiums in the world? Even if you aren’t a fan of football I would suggest you take the short drive over to Molin for a look. Be aware that this is now used as a caravan park during the summer months so you might not get to see it in all of its glory. The local team have moved their stadium into the town of Eiõi.
09:00
FOSSA WATERFALL
This morning we head back to Streymoy island to see some of my favourite sites the Faroes have to offer. Fossa is a waterfall on the main road which can see be seen from across the bay as you drive from Eiõi. Be sure when you stop to have a look that you climb to the top for some great photos.
10:30
TJØRNUVIK
An quite scenic drive along the cliff face will lead you to Tjørnuvik, an isolated town in the north of Streymoy. There isn’t so much to see here apart from enjoying the approach to this tiny bay.
12:00
SAKSUN
As reaching Tjørnuvik leads to a dead end you will come back onto yourself and drive towards, Saksun, a place not to be missed when visiting the Faroes. This is probably the most photographed place in all of the country which it’s turf roofed houses, waterfalls and lake. A lot of time could be spent here on there trails and checking the place out. You can either stay here for a little longer and miss out on Tórshavn. This will save you a heap of time.
13:30
TÓRSHAVN
It’s only right when visiting the Faroes that you check out the capital, even if it’s only to grab something to eat or for a few photos of the Marina. However, if you are struggling for time then feel free to give it a miss.
15:30
MÚLAFOSSUR
At this stage we need to head south before it gets too dark. Our last stop of the trip is Múlafossur, a small waterfall with an impressive backdrop. You will have to park at the car park just at the entrance of the town and head to the viewpoint called Gásadalur.
18:00
FLIGHT HOME
From here you will head to you accommodation before your onward or return flight the following day
5 & 7 DAY ITINERARIES
If you have a little extra time then I would suggest slowing down for a start. The 3 days I done were hectic but with the time constraints I had it was the only option. Not to mention it pretty much worked out perfectly.
I would suggest you use the extra days to visit Kalsoy and Mykines. Kalsoy can only be reached by boat from Klaksvík, so do check the times and make sure the weather has affected any sailings. The island only has a population of around 100 and I would recommend the incredible lighthouse hike you can do.
Mykines is the best place to see the puffins, who doesn’t want to! The boat leaves from Søvagúr daily. Again this is weather permitting.
If those don’t take your fancy then consider going Kayaking into the Atlantic. This can be done from a number of towns.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I honestly can’t recommend this place enough for a unique adventure. It has yet to fall victim to the crowds of tourists but after visiting myself I know it’s only a matter of time! Get there before everyone else does!
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
To read about my Faroes trip, click here or check out my stories on my Instagram.