Where on Earth Are the Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands sit in the North Atlantic, roughly halfway between Norway and Iceland, about 320 kilometers north of Scotland. They're an autonomous territory of Denmark — eighteen volcanic islands of extraordinary, almost surreal beauty, draped in mist and home to fewer people than a mid-sized town.
Most travelers fly right over them en route to Reykjavik. That's their loss, and your opportunity.
Why the Faroe Islands Are Special
The landscape is unlike anywhere else in Europe. Vertiginous sea cliffs plunge hundreds of meters into churning Atlantic waters. Villages of grass-roofed houses cling to hillsides above fjords of mirror-calm water. Puffins nest in the clifftops. Sheep outnumber people. And on clear days — which exist, despite the islands' misty reputation — the light turns everything golden.
The Faroes haven't been "discovered" in the way that Iceland has. Infrastructure is good, but mass tourism hasn't arrived. You can hike to viewpoints and have them entirely to yourself.
The Highlights
- Gásadalur & Múlafossur Waterfall: A waterfall that plunges directly into the sea from a clifftop, with the tiny village of Gásadalur behind it. One of the most photographed scenes in the North Atlantic — and still peaceful in person.
- Sørvágsvatn Lake: An optical illusion lake that appears to float above the ocean. The hike out to the viewpoint takes about 90 minutes and rewards with one of Europe's most astonishing panoramas.
- Tjørnuvík: A remote beach village at the northern tip of Streymoy, with black sand, dramatic sea stacks called Risin and Kellingin, and an end-of-the-world atmosphere.
- Kirkjubøur: The historical and spiritual center of the Faroes, with a ruined medieval cathedral dating to the 1300s and one of the oldest inhabited wooden houses in the world.
- Vestmanna Bird Cliffs: Take a boat tour into the sea caves and beneath the towering cliffs — the birdlife is extraordinary.
Getting There & Getting Around
Atlantic Airways operates direct flights from Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Edinburgh, and London (seasonal). The main island, Streymoy, is home to the capital Tórshavn — a charming, walkable city with excellent restaurants punching well above their weight.
Getting between islands is easy: most are connected by tunnels (including an underwater roundabout — yes, really) and ferries. Renting a car is the best way to explore at your own pace.
When to Go
| Season | Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| May – August | Mildest weather, long days, puffins present | Hiking, photography, wildlife |
| September – October | Autumn colors, moody skies, fewer visitors | Dramatic landscape photography |
| November – February | Dark, stormy, possible northern lights | Aurora hunting, cozy village stays |
Practical Notes
- The Faroes use the Danish Krone (DKK). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Weather changes fast. Layer up and carry waterproofs regardless of the forecast.
- Some hikes require a guide or permission from local landowners — check Visit Faroe Islands for current access rules.
- Tórshavn has a handful of excellent restaurants focusing on local lamb, seafood, and fermented Faroese specialties.
The Bottom Line
If you've been to Iceland and craved something rawer, more intimate, and entirely less crowded, the Faroe Islands are your answer. Go before everyone else figures it out.