Faroe Islands Travel Guide: A Wild, Underrated Stop Worth Adding to Your Iceland Trip
Before this trip, I barely knew where the Faroe Islands were—let alone how uniquely beautiful it was. They weren’t on my radar until we realized how close they were to Iceland and started looking into adding them after our Ring Road adventure. A few photos of dramatic green mountains, coastal hikes, and winding roads later, we were sold.
We spent five nights in the Faroe Islands (though technically only had four full days of exploring thanks to a very memorable rental car incident—more on that in a minute), and it ended up being the perfect amount of time to experience this small but incredibly scenic destination. If you’re already planning a trip to Iceland or craving a rugged, uncrowded adventure, the Faroe Islands deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Why Visit the Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands are home to just 54,000 people, more sheep than humans, only three traffic lights, and no McDonald’s. Tourism is still relatively low compared to Iceland, which means fewer crowds, peaceful hikes, and a slower pace of travel.
Despite their small size, the islands are packed with dramatic landscapes—steep cliffs, ocean views, waterfalls, and hiking trails that feel untouched. It’s a destination that feels raw, quiet, and wildly beautiful.
Getting Around the Faroe Islands (Car Rental & Base Location)
Renting a car is the best way to explore the Faroe Islands. We picked ours up directly at Vágar Airport (FAE) after landing, which was quick and easy thanks to the airport’s small size. The Faroe Islands drive on the right side of the road, making it stress-free for visitors.
We stayed in Tórshavn, the capital city, for all five nights and used it as our home base. From there, we drove to different areas of the islands each day. Most drives were between 45 minutes and 1 hour. While you could change accommodations nightly, staying in one place made the trip simpler, especially since lodging options outside Tórshavn are limited.
The Night We Wrecked Our Rental Car (Yes, Really)
And now for the story that still makes me laugh… and cringe.
On our first night in the Faroe Islands, we were exploring late—thanks to the midnight sun and still running on California time. Around midnight, we spotted a gravel road hugging the water and decided to drive down it. I was driving, and my friend was flying the drone. I looked over for just a second to watch the footage… drifted slightly off the road… and instantly popped two tires and scratched the front of the car.
On a tiny island. At midnight. Oops.
We called the number on the rental car keys, and the company had absolutely no idea what to do—clearly, this wasn’t a common situation. Eventually, they sent an off-duty firefighter to help us. He picked us up, brought us to the fire station, and we spent the next hour chatting, laughing, and eating cookies with the firefighters before they drove us back to our Airbnb around 1 a.m.
It was chaotic, wholesome, and very on-brand for this trip.
We didn’t get a new rental car until the following day, which forced us into a full rest day—something we didn’t plan, but honestly needed after eight straight nights in Iceland. I was initially charged $1,500 for the damage, but it was later refunded thanks to my travel credit card (Venture X). Lesson learned: always book rental cars with a credit card that has solid coverage.
What to Pack for the Faroe Islands
The weather in the Faroe Islands is similar to Iceland—cool, windy, and unpredictable, even in summer. We visited July 15–20, the warmest month, and still needed layers every day.
Packing essentials:
- Base layers (leggings + long sleeves)
- sweaters or hoodies
- Waterproof windbreaker or puffer jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm socks
- Waterproof pants
- Gloves and beanie
- Small daypack
Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands
- Summer (May–August): Mild weather, peak hiking season, and 20–22 hours of daylight
- Fall (September–November): Fewer tourists, chance to see northern lights, more wind and rain
- Winter (December–February): Snowy landscapes and northern lights, but harsh weather and limited daylight
- Spring (March–April): Puffin season begins, flowers bloom, and days grow longer
For hiking and road trips, summer is the best time to visit the Faroe Islands.
Crowds (or Lack Thereof)
The Faroe Islands felt refreshingly uncrowded. Even during summer, we never felt overwhelmed by tourists. While you could use the midnight sun to explore during off-hours, there wasn’t really a need. We adjusted back to local time so we could enjoy cafes, shops, and dinners.
Food & Eating Out
Our Airbnb had a kitchen, so we made breakfast most mornings before heading out. For hiking days, we packed sandwiches, and if we came across a cozy café, we’d stop in.
We ate out at restaurants a few times in Torshavn and also grabbed quick meals like pizza and sandwiches. And no need to buy plastic water bottles—the tap water is clean and safe to drink.
Language & Getting Around
Getting around the Faroe Islands was incredibly easy. Almost everyone speaks English, and everyone we met was friendly and welcoming. The national language is Faroese, with Danish as the second official language.
What We Did in 4 Full Days
Because of our rental car mishap, we explored for four full days, each in a different part of the islands. The hikes and spots we visited included:
- Klakkur Hike
- Trælanípa (the “floating lake”)
- Kallur Lighthouse Hike
- Gjógv Loop Trail
- Múlafossur Waterfall
- Saksuns Beach (Út á Lónna)
- Tjørnuvík Beach
- Cafes and shops around Tórshavn
I have a separate post with our full 5-night itinerary 5 Night Faroe Islands Itinerary and another dedicated post breaking down the four hikes in detail 4 Must-Do Hikes in the Faroe Islands so if you’re planning your own trip, those will help a lot.
Is the Faroe Islands Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Faroe Islands are quiet, dramatic, and refreshingly uncrowded—a place that feels untouched and authentic. They’re perfect for travelers who love road trips, hiking, moody landscapes, and destinations that don’t feel overdone.
If you’re already visiting Iceland or looking for an adventurous European escape, the Faroe Islands are more than worth the detour.
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