Faroe Islands is safe to visit, with no major travel advisories.
Go here if you want dramatic sea cliffs, seabird colonies and compact road trips stitched together by tunnels and ferries. Most first trips base in Tórshavn, then add Vágar, Mykines and a loop through Streymoy and Eysturoy.
Why Visit the Faroe Islands?#
The big sell is raw Atlantic scenery that feels close up and untamed, plus small towns and villages that are easy to combine into short days.
Old town capital. In Tórshavn, wander Tinganes and the old town’s cobbled lanes, harbour cafés and wooden government buildings.
Iconic waterfall views. Gásadalur and Múlafossur on Vágar are a short walk from parking, with the waterfall dropping straight into the ocean.
Puffins and seabirds. Mykines is the classic seabird day trip, with puffin colonies along the hiking trails and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Fjords and villages. Do a loop through Saksun’s tidal lagoon and valley, then continue to Gjógv’s natural sea-filled gorge harbour.
Big viewpoints. Lake Sørvágsvatn and the Trælanípa cliff viewpoint are the famous ‘optical illusion’ stop on Vágar.
Boat trips by cliffs. Vestmanna bird-cliff boat trips run through sea caves and under towering cliffs for seabirds and coastal scenery.
Things to Watch Out For#
Cliffs. Treat cliff edges and exposed paths seriously in strong winds.
Weather. Weather changes quickly and can cancel ferries and boat trips.
Roads. Expect narrow roads, single-lane stretches, tunnels and sheep.
Cold sea. Sea temperatures are cold and currents strong, so swimming is usually unsafe.
High costs. Accommodation and food add up fast, especially in summer.
Who Is the Faroe Islands For?#
Couples
Families
Tórshavn museums and hikes to Saksun or Gjógv work well, if you stay flexible for weather.
Backpackers
You will find hostels and guesthouses, but transport and accommodation are pricey and limited.
Digital Nomads
Base in Tórshavn for reliable broadband and cafés, but expect high costs and little coworking.
Foodies
Try skerpikjøt, local lamb and seabass, plus creative dining in Tórshavn.
Adventure seekers
Cliff-top hikes, sea kayaking and bird cliffs deliver, but weather can raise the difficulty fast.
Party animals
Tórshavn pubs are friendly but small-scale, and there is no big clubbing scene.
Nature buffs
Go for seabird colonies, fjords and moorlands, with Mykines and Sørvágsvatn as highlights.
What you need to get in#
Many nationalities get up to 90 days visa-free. The Faroe Islands are outside Schengen, so check Faroese and Danish rules before travel.
When to go#
The short answer is May to September, when conditions are milder and ferries and boat trips are most reliable.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| May and September | Cool and breezy, with changeable conditions and rain. | Quieter than peak summer, but still good for hiking. |
| June to August | The mildest period, but still cool and often windy. | Peak season for hiking, birdwatching and festivals, so book ahead. |
| October to April | Colder with stronger winds, storms and limited daylight. | Many services scale back, and sea travel is more disrupted. |
The classic trips and what they cost#
Most first trips start on Vágar for the airport, then base in Tórshavn to reach ferries, day tours and island drives. Build in spare time because weather disruption is common.
Prices are rough totals for one person travelling alone, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | Vágar, Tórshavn base, Mykines day trip, then Saksun and Gjógv drive. | $900-$1,600, totals in DKK not stated. |
| 7 days | Tórshavn, Streymoy villages and Saksun, Eysturoy, Kalsoy to Kallur, Mykines, Klaksvík and Viðoy. | $1,600-$2,800, totals in DKK not stated. |
| 14 days | Tórshavn, Eysturoy and Streymoy loop, Mykines, Kalsoy and Klaksvík, Sandoy, Suðuroy, northern islands, Nólsoy. | $2,800-$4,500, totals in DKK not stated. |
Day to day, a backpacker budget is about 660-860 DKK ($100-130) a day. Mid-range is about 985-1,450 DKK ($150-220), and comfort is about 1,645-2,630 DKK ($250-400).
Keep one full spare day for Mykines or boat trips, because cancellations happen in rough weather.
The Faroe Islands in a nutshell#
- Capital: Tórshavn is the capital, and the easiest base for ferries and buses.
- People: About 48,000 people live across the islands.
- Money: The currency is [Krone (DKK)]. Cards are accepted in towns, but bring cash for remote shops and small ferries.
- Daily budget: A typical daily spend is $100-200, with backpacker budgets around 660-860 DKK a day.
- Electricity: Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, using plug types C, F and K, see Faroe Islands plug types.
- Driving: Driving is on the right. Roads can be narrow, windy and dark outside towns, and sheep are common on the road.
- Emergencies: For emergencies, dial 112.
Don't forget to bring#
Waterproof layers
Bring a proper waterproof jacket and trousers, because rain and wind are common even in summer.
Warm mid-layer
Pack a warm layer for exposed cliffs and cold, changeable days.
Good shoes
Use grippy walking shoes for wet trails and cliff paths, especially in wind.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Sun can be strong on exposed cliffs, even when it feels cool.
Cash in DKK
Cards work in towns, but carry DKK for remote places and small ferries.
Snacks and water
Tap water is safe, but groceries can be limited on smaller islands, so bring day-hike snacks.
Good to know before you land#
- Getting around: Tunnels and causeways link many islands, but ferries are still essential and can be cancelled in storms.
- Driving: Allow extra time in fog, rain or high winds, and watch for sheep, narrow bridges and limited lighting.
- Food and water: Tap water is safe. Restaurants and groceries can be limited and expensive on smaller islands.
- Costs: Self-cater where possible, and use ferries and buses instead of private tours.
- Land access: Respect local land access rules and shepherding practices when crossing pastures.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Faroe Islands guides#
First time in the Faroe Islands FAQs#
Is the Faroe Islands safe for tourists?
Yes, crime is low and scams are uncommon. The main risks are cliffs, sudden storms and driving on narrow roads and tunnels.
What is the best time to visit the Faroe Islands?
May to September is the easiest window for a first trip, with milder weather, seabirds and more reliable ferries and boat trips.
How many days do I need in the Faroe Islands?
Allow 5-10 days for a first trip. That gives you time for Tórshavn, Vágar and at least one or two island day trips.
Do I need a visa for the Faroe Islands?
Many nationalities get up to 90 days visa-free, but the Faroes are outside Schengen. Check Faroese and Danish rules before travel.
How much does a trip to the Faroe Islands cost per day?
Typical daily spend is $100-200. Mid-range travellers often spend about 985-1,450 DKK ($150-220) per day.