I will be honest, the Faroe Islands was never really on my radar until Bruce spotted that Atlantic Airways flight directly there from Gatwick over the summer, and you can do it two hours. Previously it had meant going via Copenhagen but the idea of being able to get there in just two hours suddenly made this other worldly group of 18 islands seem much more attractive. Having spent a week there this summer, here are 13 things you should know about the Faroe Islands
Sheep outnumber the people – but barely.
The Faroe Islands are home to about 50,000 people – and around 70,000 sheep. Yes, you’ll likely see more woolly wanderers than fellow humans. Faroese sheep are free to roam, and you’ll spot them lazily grazing on impossibly steep hillsides. Just don’t be surprised if they casually stroll onto the road. Keep your car brakes sharp
No McDonald’s, no Starbucks, and no problem!
That’s right, the Faroe Islands have successfully dodged the grip of global chains. But fear not, the local food scene more than makes up for it. With a wealth of fresh seafood, locally sourced lamb, and innovative cuisine in family-run restaurants, you won’t even miss your usual coffee run. We fell in love with the Faroe Islands’ commitment to keeping things local – a refreshing change from the commercialised world we’re used to.
Weather? Expect the unexpected
If you think British weather is unpredictable, brace yourself. The Faroe Islands take weather mood swings to a whole new level. You could experience all four seasons in one day – sun, rain, fog, and winds that seem determined to lift you off the cliffs. Always, and I mean always, carry a waterproof jacket and layers. And when the sun does break through, the dramatic landscapes become even more breathtaking. Forget the umbrella though, when it is blowing a 60mph gale you have no chance of keeping hold of it.
Village names sound like they’re from Middle-earth
Kirkjubøur, Gjógv, and Saksun – the village names alone are worth a visit! It’s as if J.R.R. Tolkien himself had a hand in naming these places. Each settlement is a tiny gem tucked in a picturesque setting, often surrounded by sheer cliffs and ocean views. Plus, the locals’ Faroese language sounds delightfully lilting – although English is widely spoken, you’ll still hear the magical-sounding native tongue around you. If I tell you one thing it is that you MUST visit Saksun and Gjogv, thank me later.
Gásadalur: The hidden village with a waterfall view
Once only accessible by foot over a mountain (yes, really!), Gásadalur is a must-see on your trip. It’s now connected by a tunnel, making it easier to reach – but the magic of this hidden village, perched beside a waterfall tumbling straight into the sea, remains untouched. Be prepared to pause in awe; this view is postcard perfection.
Puffins!
Move over, Scotland – the Faroe Islands are a puffin paradise. Every summer, these charming birds nest along the cliffs, their beaks bursting with fish. We got lucky at Gasadalur when a fellow photographer suggested we lean over the barrier slightly and look down to see puffins nesting just below us. We had done a boat trip that morning and seen them flying but we hadn’t been able to catch a decent photograph of one. This was perfect and felt like a real bit of insider local knowledge.
For guaranteed puffin sightings take a trip to Mykines over the summer.
No trees, but endless vistas
Here’s a fun one – the Faroe Islands are virtually treeless. Sounds odd, right? But don’t worry, the dramatic landscapes more than make up for it. Rolling green hills, soaring cliffs, and fjords plunging into the Atlantic make for some of the most Instagrammable spots you’ll ever find. Just think: without trees, nothing blocks those jaw-dropping views.
Stay at a traditional Faroese turf-roofed house
Ever dreamed of living in a real-life hobbit house? Faroese turf-roofed houses are your answer! These homes, with grass growing on their roofs, are scattered across the islands. They blend so beautifully into the surroundings that you might not even notice them at first. We stayed in one in the village of Bøur – cozy, charming, and perfect for feeling at one with nature.
The midnight sun is real
If you visit during summer, prepare to question your body clock. In June, the sun hardly set and I found myself lying in bed at 3am trying to take in the fact it was still daylight. This midnight sun bathes the islands in a surreal, golden light that lasts through the night. It’s fantastic for photographers and night owls. Just pack an eye mask if you value your sleep – curtains there don’t block out the midnight sun!
Tórshavn, the world’s smallest capital city
Tórshavn might be tiny, but it packs a punch. Strolling through its colourful, turf-roofed houses, it feels like a charming seaside village, rather than the capital of an entire nation. There’s a surprising amount to do: from art galleries to cozy cafés and the National Museum of the Faroe Islands. We found the locals super friendly, and there’s a lovely relaxed vibe – much like a small town rather than a bustling capital. For a small island there are also a surprising number of great places to eat. Koks, is Michelin starred though currently closed; Roks is run by the same team so will be superb; Barbara’s Fish House is small and fabulous; Raest is where to go if you want to try anything fermented; Áarstova is where the locals eat and it is easy to see why.
The Faroe Islands are a hiker’s dream
If you love a good hike, you’re in the right place. The islands are crisscrossed with hiking trails that take you over mountains, along cliffs, and through verdant valleys. There are many hiking trails on the islands but we aware that as the islands environments are protected it is mandatory to have a guide accompany you on many of them. Please do your homework and ensure that you have paid a fee or hired a guide prior to heading out. I could write a whole post on hiking even though we didnt do any so please read this post from Visit Faroe Islands if you are planning to do any.
As lots of people come to the islands purely for the hiking you wont be too far from away from other hikers. Head down to he KraftBeer bar next to the Barbara Fish House in Torshavn and the chances are you will find another group of people having a map planning session that you can chat to or exchange tips with.
Road tunnels have roundabouts.
Okay so only one of the numerous tunnels has a roundabout but it is spectacular and well worth the trip. There are several islands joined by tunnels, meaning you dont have to rely on ferries to get between them and Eysturoyartunnil opened in 2020, and is almost 7 miles long!
Some of them do come with a toll fee (which is taken from your deposit if you hire a car so you dont need to worry about paying the fee) but many of them are free to use. But it is another tick in the box of kudos collecting if you can say you have done the world’s only subsea tunnel with a roundabout.
It is home to the only road bridge over the North Atlantic
Yep, you read that correctly. There is a small bridge, the Streymin Bridge, joining two islands, Streymoy and Eysturoy which you have to drive over so you can say you have done it. It isnt a very long bridge, or at all spectacular but you get the kudos of saying you have done it.
In conclusion…
The Faroe Islands are like nowhere else you’ve ever been – a mix of wild beauty, quirky charm, and a genuine sense of discovery. If you’re craving an adventure that’s far from the beaten path, pack your woollies, leave the Big Mac cravings behind, and let the Faroe Islands cast their windswept spell over you. Just don’t forget to wave at the sheep!
So, who’s ready to book their flights?