Europe › Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands

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Dramatic cliffs meet misty landscapes

The Faroe Islands sit between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean. These volcanic islands feature steep cliffs, green valleys and rugged coastlines shaped by wind and waves. Over 500,000 seabirds nest on remote rocks each year. Most people live in small villages with colorful houses and stone walls. The climate stays cool most of the year, but strong winds are common. Fishing supports much of the local economy while tourism grows slowly as travelers seek quiet nature spots away from crowded cities.

Country
Climate zone: Tundra

Tundra: Polar climates where warmest month remains cool, allowing only low-growing vegetation above permafrost or seasonally frozen ground.

See climate table
Price level: $$$+
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury

Note: There can be large regional differences in price levels within a country. Be sure to check the price data of individual cities or regions to get a more detailed view.

See price details
Safety: 9.1
General Safety:10
Health & medical:8
Accessibility:5
Tap water:10
Read details
Tourist English: 4/5
English proficiency is generally high in the Faroe Islands, especially among younger generations and those working in tourism. Most Faroese people speak good English as a third language after Faroese and Danish, making communication relatively easy for to
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Faroe Islands Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
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Read how our scores work
World-class for rugged island scenery. Hike dramatic cliffs, photograph waterfalls and villages, watch seabirds and explore wild North Atlantic landscapes.
Place score
8.9
Best at:
Islands
10
Natural sites
10
Sea
9
Spotless
9
Waterfalls
9
Personal score
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Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 7
Families
🧓 6
Seniors
❤️ 8
Couples
🛡️ 7
Travel Beginners
Faroe Islands – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type F:
Diagram of a Type F power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
£1 ≈ DKK 8.93
Cashless info: Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are accepted in many establishments in the Faroe Islands, but cash is still widely used. Credit cards are accepted in larger businesses.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is not expected in the Faroe Islands. However, small tips for good service in restaurants and hotels are appreciated.
Public drinking: Public drinking is generally not allowed in the Faroe Islands, and alcohol is consumed in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available outdoors.
Ólavsøka (St. Olaf's Day)
(29 July)
The Faroese national holiday, celebrated in Tórshavn with festivities, rowing races and the opening of parliament
Christmas
(25 December)
Celebrated with traditional family gatherings and meals
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps:
Other: The Faroe Islands are known for their dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, fjords, and seabirds. The islands offer a peaceful and nature-focused travel experience.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands
🌧️
Jan
🌧️
Feb
🌧️
Mar
🌬️
Apr
🌬️
May
☁️
Jun
🌬️
Jul
🌬️
Aug
🌬️
Sep
🌧️
Oct
🌧️
Nov
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Dec
High season: June - Aug.
Shoulder season: May, Sep.
Crowdedness: 5 (Moderate tourist numbers)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Most hotels, restaurants and tourist services close from October to April, main season runs May to August
Puffins nest on the cliffs from about May to mid August
Weather changes fast, fog and storms regularly cancel helicopter, ferry and flights, especially in winter

Why travel to Faroe Islands?

The Faroe Islands' appeal lies in their untouched natural beauty and otherworldly landscapes that feel like stepping into a fantasy realm. The islands boast some of Europe's most dramatic scenery, including towering sea cliffs, picturesque waterfalls that seem to drop directly into the ocean and emerald valleys dotted with grazing sheep. What makes the Faroes particularly special is the opportunity to experience these breathtaking vistas without the crowds found in more popular destinations, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, with frequent rain, wind and fog that can change rapidly throughout the day. According to climate data, the islands experience around 210 rainy or snowy days per year, making sunny days quite rare. The current inflation rate of 0.8% (as of Q4 2024) indicates a stable economy, but the Faroe Islands remain relatively expensive for visitors, with costs comparable to other Nordic countries. Additionally, the islands' remote location and limited transportation options can make getting around more challenging without proper planning.

🏙️Cities & Regions
  • 1 Tórshavn
    Capital of the Faroe Islands, this town sits on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Atlantic. It offers narrow streets lined with wooden houses, a historic harbor and easy access to dramatic cliffs, hiking trails and local seafood markets.
🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Risin og Kellingin
  • 2 Slættaratindur
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Streymoy
  • 2 Mykines
  • 3 Eysturoy
  • 4 Vestmanna
  • 5 Sandoy
  • 6 Kalsoy
  • 7 Viðoy
  • 8 Vágar
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Risin og Kellingin
  • 2 Gjógv natural harbor
  • 3 Múlafossur
  • 4 Bøsdalafossur
  • 5 Trælanípa
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 62°N Hotel City Center
  • 2 Guðrun & Guðrun
  • 3 Østrøm
  • 4 Føroya Heimavirkisfelag
🎈Events
  • Ólavsøka (National Holiday)
  • G! Festival
  • Summartónar (Summer Tones)
  • Faroe Islands Marathon
  • Tórshavn Marathon
  • Christmas Celebrations
  • Boat Festival
  • Vestanstevna Festival
  • Faroe Islands Birdwatching Festival
  • Cultural Festivals in Villages

Knowledge before you go

  • Pack waterproof layers; weather changes fast, even in summer.
  • Bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots and wool socks; trails are often wet and windy.
  • If hiking, carry a map, snacks, water and power bank; mobile coverage can be limited.
  • Skip umbrellas in strong gusts; locals rely on shells and layers instead for comfort.

How to travel to Faroe Islands

Most international visitors arrive in the Faroe Islands by air through Vágar Airport, with connections primarily from Copenhagen, though seasonal flights are available from other European cities. Another option is arriving by ferry from Denmark or Iceland, which allows you to bring your own vehicle. The journey by sea takes approximately 36 hours from Denmark and offers a unique way to approach the islands. As the Faroe Islands are part of the Danish Kingdom but not the EU, different entry requirements may apply compared to mainland Denmark.

Access summary

  • Fly into Vágar Airport (FAE) from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Scotland hubs.
  • From Denmark/Iceland: Smyril Line ferry with cars and passengers to Tórshavn.
  • Atlantic Airways based at FAE; independent, partnerships but no major alliance.

Where to stay in Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands offer a range of accommodations from modern hotels in Tórshavn to guesthouses in smaller villages and self-catering cottages in rural areas. Traditional turf-roofed houses converted into guesthouses provide a unique cultural experience. While luxury options are limited, the quality of accommodations is generally high, though prices tend to be on the expensive side, comparable to other Nordic countries. Booking well in advance is essential, especially during the peak summer season (June-August), as the limited number of rooms can fill quickly.

How to get around Faroe Islands

Getting around the Faroe Islands is best done by car, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop at scenic viewpoints. The islands are connected by an excellent network of roads, tunnels and bridges, making most areas accessible by vehicle. For those without a car, public transportation includes buses and ferries that connect the main islands, with multi-day travel cards available for unlimited travel. Helicopter service exists primarily for residents of remote islands, though tourists can sometimes book specific sightseeing tours through Atlantic Airways during peak season.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+38 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 38% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to DKK) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£109
£230
£593
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£56
£120
£263
🍝 Food per day
£41
£98
£294
🚕 Transportation per day
£11
£12
£37
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£39
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£17
🍟 Fast food combo
£14
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£13
☕ Cappuccino
£4.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£7.50
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£2.80
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£21
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£1.60
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£12.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£49
🤧 Cold medication
£7.50
💇 Basic haircut
£27

Safety information overview

General safety
10
The Faroe Islands are extremely safe with virtually no violent crime. The main safety concerns are related to natural hazards like steep cliffs, rapidly changing weather and strong winds. Exercise caution when hiking near cliff edges, especially in windy or foggy conditions.
Health & Medical
8
Healthcare in the Faroe Islands is of high quality, with modern facilities in Tórshavn. However, medical services in smaller communities may be limited. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. No special vaccinations are required, but be prepared for motion sickness on boats and ferries.
Accessi­bility
5
Accessibility can be challenging in the Faroe Islands due to the mountainous terrain. Many natural attractions require hiking over uneven ground and historic buildings may lack modern accessibility features. Major hotels and public buildings in Tórshavn offer better accessibility options.
Tap water
10
Tap water in the Faroe Islands is clean, safe to drink and of excellent quality. Bottled water is unnecessary, as the local water comes from pure mountain sources. Bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended for hiking and outdoor activities.

Packing recommendations for Faroe Islands

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