Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands - Travel Guide

The Faroe Islands offer a unique and breathtaking natural landscape with dramatic cliffs, green valleys, and a vibrant sheep population. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful escape with stunning photographic opportunities.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

FaroeFaeroeFøroyarDenmarkNorth AtlanticScandinaviaNordicTórshavnStreymoyEysturoy

🇫🇴 Country Information: Faroe Islands

CapitalTorshavn

CurrencyDanish krone (Kr.)

LanguageFaroese , Danish,English

Phone Code+298

Electricity230V (Type C, E, F, K)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not generally expected as service charges are usually included, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
Tipping taxi drivers is not common

Money & Payments

ATMs are available, especially in larger towns
Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa and MasterCard
Bringing some cash is advisable for smaller purchases or remote areas
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress in layers due to changeable weather; waterproof and windproof outerwear is essential
When hiking, stay on marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem and for personal safety
Greetings are typically friendly and informal; a handshake is common
Eating customs are generally relaxed, but good table manners are appreciated

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the Faroe Islands since 2017. LGBTQ+ people generally experience a welcoming environment.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Alcohol is sold in government
run monopolies (Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins) and licensed restaurants/bars
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Respect local customs and traditions, particularly during religious festivals or in small communities
Be mindful of the fragile natural environment; stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing wildlife
Drones may be restricted in certain areas, particularly near airports or protected bird colonies

Common Phrases

NoNei (nay)

YesJú (yoo)

HelloHalló (hal-LOH)

PleaseVinarliga (VEE-nar-LEE-gah)

Excuse meUm tú hevur orð (oom too HEH-vur ordh)

Thank youTakk fyri (tak FI-ree)

Climate

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Mild winters (Dec
Feb) and cool summers (Jun
Aug)
Frequent fog and rain year
round
Strong winds are common

Getting There

Fly via Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavik (KEF) to Vágar Airport (FAE)
There are no direct train or bus routes from mainland Europe
Ferries from Denmark are also an option for those bringing vehicles

Getting Around

Local buses connect major towns and villages
Car rental is highly recommended for exploring the islands
Taxis are available but expensive
No ride
sharing apps are widely used

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP) are generally recommended
No specific vaccines are required for the Faroe Islands
No concerns for altitude sickness or malaria
Motion sickness remedies may be useful for boat trips or winding roads

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available
Local providers like Føroya Tele and Vodafone Faroe Islands support eSIM
Airalo and Nomad eSIMs may also work

Local Cuisine

Skerpikjøt regional_speciality

Well-aged, wind-dried mutton that is a highly popular traditional treat. This meat undergoes a long fermentation and drying process in a 'hjallur' (dr

Fermented Fish (Ræst Fiskur) regional_speciality

Fish, often cod or haddock, that has been hung out to ferment, a preservation method known as 'ræst' that is central to Faroese food culture. This pro

Faroese Salmon must_try

Salmon from the Faroe Islands is internationally renowned for its exceptional taste and high quality, often preferred by top sushi chefs globally. It

Ræstkjøt regional_speciality

Lamb meat that has undergone the 'ræst' fermentation process but is not fully dried like skerpikjøt, maintaining a potent flavor profile. This ferment

Föroya Bjór alcohol

The oldest brewery in the Faroes, producing beer since 1888 from its original location in Klaksvík. They offer a range of lagers and other brews, expo

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Hotels/Guesthouses) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

Accommodation options are limited, especially outside the capital Tórshavn, and availability becomes extremely scarce during the peak summer season.

Ferries to Outlying Islands (Vehicle Reservation) Transport

Book 3–8 weeks in advance

Car spots on popular inter-island ferries often sell out, and reservations are required to guarantee passage, particularly if traveling with a rental car.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Guided Tours and Hikes tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 months in advance

Small-group tours, especially those to high-demand sites (e.g., specific guided lighthouse hikes or boat tours), have limited capacity and sell out quickly in summer.

KOKS Restaurant Reservation Dining

Book 2–6 months in advance

KOKS, the Faroe Islands' most acclaimed fine dining restaurant, has extremely limited seating and often requires reservations months in advance.

Fun Facts

1. The population of sheep on the Faroe Islands, at around 70,000, significantly outnumbers the human population of roughly 50,000.
2. The capital city, Tórshavn, receives only about 840 recorded hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the least sunny cities in the world.
3. No point in the entire Faroe Islands archipelago is located further than 5 km (3 miles) from the sea.
4. Prisoners in the Faroe Islands who are sentenced to more than a year and a half are sent to prisons in Denmark, as there is no prison for long-term sentences on the islands.

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