[Updated April 2020]
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See the Faroe Islands in one week with this comprehensive Faroe Islands itinerary!
Exploring around the Faroe Islands is an experience I highly recommend to those who love rugged nature and wild beauty.
When Nathan and I began planning our trip, we knew we wanted to spend at least a week in the Faroes . Of course, a week isn’t enough to see absolutely everything this stunning region has to offer. However, it certainly allows visitors the opportunity to get a sense of its wonderment.
Don’t forget to check out everything you need to know to visit the Faroe Islands, including getting to the Faroes, getting around, cost estimates, gear recommendations, and more.
This Faroe Islands itinerary was adapted from our own trip. We provide recommendations based on our personal experiences (to make sure you experience the good and avoid the bad!).
Tip: Print your itinerary out and highlight specific locations to show to locals for assistance!
Suggested 7-day Faroe Islands Itinerary
This Faroe Islands itinerary is very extensive. Feel free to jump to the sights you’d most like to see!
Click the Google Maps image to see all the sites listed in this itinerary.
DAY 1 – Arrive to Faroe Islands, Travel to Mykines
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION: Jákubina via Airbnb
Mykines (pronounced ME-CHIN-ES) is one of the many important bird areas on the Faroe Islands. It is home to tens of thousands of nesting birds in the summertime, making it the perfect place from which to jump start your trip.
The village of Sorvagur is worth a walk around, especially around the waterways when the tide is out and plenty of birds are foraging. Photo by Christa Rolls
If your flight arrives to the Faroes earlier in the morning, you have some options for breakfast.
First, you can make the five-minute journey on foot over to the Vagar Hotel. They have a delicious buffet breakfast, and it’s easy to get to (it’s just outside the airport).
Second, you can walk, taxi, or drive into Sorvagur to get food and snacks from the grocery store, PE. The walk to Sorvagur is approximately ten minutes from the airport.
We suggest going by the PE to get snacks for your trip to Mykines anyway, as other snack shops won’t have as great a variety or as good of prices.
Getting to Mykines – Faroe Islands Itinerary Must-do
Visiting Mykines on the first day allows you to avoid a day of car rental costs. Get your car rental from the airport or Torshavn when you get back the next day.
The ferry location coordinates are 62.070952, -7.326825.
You can walk 20 minutes from the airport, through Sorvagur, and to the ferry dock; taxi from the airport to the ferry dock; or rent a car on day one to avoid the back-and-forth between town and the airport.
Being without your own vehicle is more limiting, especially if you have an early flight in with a later ferry reservation to Mykines. Nearly everywhere you go will require public transport or a personal vehicle.
All those specks you see floating in the fog are thousands of sea birds nesting on Mykines! Photo by Christa Rolls
Ferry Details
Ferries run promptly from Sorvagur to Mykines at 10:20 AM and 16:20 PM, so you have two options for getting to the island during the day.
You don’t need to arrive to the ferry dock well-ahead of time. Simply show up shortly before departure and give the captain your name for check-in.
- If taking the 10:20 ferry, stock up on snacks and head over to the ferry pick up point. You’ll be spending the day and night on Mykines.
- If taking the 16:20 ferry, you have a few options:
- Drive your rental vehicle over to Bour and the beautiful Gasadalur waterfall to explore.
- Take the bus from the airport to a nearby stop in Miðvágurt.
- Take the Bøsdalafossur Trail Head (Coordinates: 62.042023, -7.199427) to hike along the lake toward stunning cliffs and seaside waterfalls!
If you decide on the latter option, make sure you allocate a few hours for this journey. Verify the bus schedule at ssl.fo to get back to catch your ferry on time.
Tip: Simply tell the bus driver where you want to go and they’ll take you there, as well as give you an estimated cost.
Details about Mykines
RECOMMENDED TOUR GUIDE: Heini at Visit Mykines
Mykines is a fairly large island with a small main village, into which the ferry will dock.
Year-round, less than 20 people permanently inhabit the island, so once the visitors have left on the last ferry of the day, it’s incredibly peaceful and quiet.
The highlight on Mykines is visiting the main bird area. Reaching the bird area requires approximately 40 minutes walking on foot, including a steep climb up a large hill from the main village.
The main bird area is also the “restricted area,” leading out toward the lighthouse, which is a must-visit as well.
From 1 May to 31 August, visitors can visit the restricted area from 11:00 to 17:00 without a guide. Outside of these hours requires a guide.
While having a guide isn’t required during the pre-specified times, we highly recommend using Heini at Visit Mykines.
While there are other guides on the island, we loved the informative tour offered by Heini. We even enjoyed a cup of coffee afterward!
Don’t forget to have your day pack out with water, snacks, extra layers, a camera, and binoculars to bring along with you. Or, you can arrange for Heini to make up a bag lunch for you ahead of time.
Terns, Puffins, and all manner of sea birds can be spotted in the “Restricted Area” on Mykines. Photo by Christa Rolls
Mykines Logistics
- If you arrive on the 10:20 ferry, Heini will be waiting for you when you get off the boat. If you aren’t sure where he is, simply ask one of the locals and they’ll point him out for you. Yes, the island is that small :) You’ll take your tour with him on your arrival day to the island.
- If you arrive on the 16:20 ferry, you may not be able to explore the restricted area of the island that evening. The exception is if you pre-arrange this with your guide. If not, grab a book to relax and soak in the Island’s beauty at the Mykines Stova cafe. You’ll have your tour the following morning and take the afternoon ferry back to the mainland.
The cafe offers fish soup, burgers, cake, snacks, and more extensive dinner options, such as salmon. Let your accommodation know ahead of time and they can arrange food for you.
For accommodation, we recommend staying with Jákubina via Airbnb. Her place is cozy and comfortable and she’s very accommodating!
The restroom and shower are the public baths in the building right next door. We never had an issue with this while visiting, and for 20 DKK (coins only) you get 7 minutes of hot shower bliss.
Adding our stay on Mykines to our Faroe Islands itinerary was SUCH a great choice!!
Checklist – Don’t Forget To…
- Book your ferry to Mykines as early as possible. You can only book through the Mykines ferry website, not the main SSL bus and ferry system.
- Book your tour on Mykines as early as possible. Use a guide or visit the restricted area outside pre-specified hours.
- Book your accommodation on Mykines as early as possible.
- Pay your Mykines tourist fee before your trip.
- Take out Faroese money at the airport before heading to the ferry.
- If prone to seasickness, bring Dramamine for the ferry ride.
DAY 2 – Back to Mainland, Sightsee around Vagar
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION: Village of Vestmanna AirBnB*
*We tend to recommend accommodations with cooking facilities to allow you to cook on your own if desired.
Plan to have some snacks with you for the morning if you choose to explore before the cafe and other places open for the day.
Jákubina’s AirBnB has coffee, tea, and a refrigerator to help with breakfast plans. Even if you aren’t going into the restricted area (unless you plan ahead with a guide when it’s before 11:00), there are plenty of birds to spot on the top of the hill. It may not be as impressive as the nesting cliffs, but still wonderful to see!
If you’re taking the morning ferry back to the mainland, make sure you are at the dock on time. There typically aren’t many people going back in the morning since not many people stay on the island. You’ll also have most of the ferry to yourself!
Once back in Sorvagur, pick up your rental car and begin your sightseeing exploration!
Suggested Sightseeing for the Day
If you didn’t get the chance the day before, drive over to Bour and the beautiful Gasadalur waterfall.
Gasadalur Waterfall
Spend some time walking through the tiny town of Gasadalur, stopping for a coffee at one of the local cafes.
If you’re feeling spry, park the car before the Gasadalur tunnel, and do the hike over the mountain. It will take about 2-3 hours round trip. *Don’t* attempt this hike if the weather is nasty or very foggy! There are steep drop offs at the top of the plateau, and it can be incredibly dangerous if you get turned around and stray from the pathway.
Share your explorations with the many Faroese sheep found throughout the Islands. Photo by Christa Rolls
Bøsdalafossur and Sandavagur
After your visit to the waterfall, head back up past the airport to Miðvágurt and take the Bøsdalafossur Trail Head (Coordinates: 62.042023, -7.199427). This hike goes along the lake toward stunning cliffs and seaside waterfalls! The route is easy, but caution should be exercised around the pathway rocks, especially when wet.
You’ll see other birds that you might not have seen before, including Arctic Skua nesting in the fields along the pathway. Allocate a few hours for this walk.
The adorable town of Sandavagur is worth a quick stop, especially to Sandavágs kirkja, a beautiful church built centuries ago that is home to a stone rune, believed to be the location where one of the first settlers landed back in the 13th century. Walking along the rocky lake shore, or sitting back with a book and a nice cup of coffee, is a wonderful way to appreciate the surrounding area.
Sandavagur’s Sandavags Kirkja is beautifully ornate, sitting on the water’s edge. Photo by Nathan Rolls
There are also a handful of possible hikes to explore on Vagar.
Tip: We suggest getting as much exploration of Vagar done as possible on this day. The underground tunnel that connects Vagar and Streymoy, the next major island, requires a toll for each round-trip journey.
Drive to and Stay in Vestmanna
Vestmanna is a nice village on the edge of the sea. It is another great place to base yourself for more bird watching goodness!
The Vestmanna bird cliffs are renowned throughout the Faroes. Boating up to the extensive rock faces allows visitors to see tens of thousands of nesting birds. This is also a great way to better spot sea birds fishing in the water for food.
If you are feeling a nice dinner out and want to open your mind and pallet, eat dinner at renowned two-star Michelin rated KOKS. While you’ll have to open your wallet pretty wide, this is a truly unique foodie experience.
Because of our budget, Nathan and I opted to go to the grocery store in lieu of eating out.
Click here to see the top places to visit in the Faroe Islands for Nature lovers!
DAY 3 – Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, Village Exploration of Saksun, Tjørnuvík, and Gjogv
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION: Gjaargardur Guesthouse Gjogv*
*We ended up staying in Nordragota for three nights and used it as our base while driving a little further out to sightsee. This is an option for those who don’t want to move too much gear around too often. It does require some extra driving, though.
Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
The Vestmanna Bird Cliff visit (visit puffin.fo) is seasonal, best between May and July, and the trip is weather dependent.
Boating to see the birds offers a new perspective on their habitats. It also presents a fun way to take photos of birds in the ocean and diving for food!
Book your tickets for the bird cliffs well in advance, as this is a popular spot for bird lovers. Arrive at the dock just next to the Tourist Information Center just before your scheduled tour.
After your morning Vestmanna bird tour, head east to explore Saksun, Tjørnuvík, and Gjogv.
If you’re coming from Torshavn, there are tours that go all the way up to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs directly from the city.
The nature surrounding Saksun makes the visit to this historic location even more incredible. Photo by Christa Rolls
Village Exploration of Saksun, Tjørnuvík, and Gjogv – Faroe Islands Itinerary Must-do
This was one of our favorite days on our Faroe Islands itinerary! We just loved these little villages.
The beach walk that goes from the visitor center at Saksun is beautiful and relaxing. You can see birds near the beaches and cliffs, especially Oystercatchers and Terns.
If you start early enough in the afternoon, it is possible to hike to the top of the hill overlooking all of Saksun.
Although strenuous, if the weather is pleasant, this is definitely a sight to behold. The hike continues all the way to Tjornuvik, though it takes a few hours, so plan ahead of time if you want to make the longer journey.
Tjørnuvík is a stunning beach area to have a coffee at the Sand Cafe. The Cafe has stellar fish soup and carrot cake! This may seem like a strange mix, but I wouldn’t miss their homemade goods.
Learn about the lore of the giant and the witch, large stones that can be seen at the ocean’s horizon.
Take care on the roads to Tjornuvik, as it’s narrow and you’ll often have to pull off to anticipate another person’s driving.
Gjogv is your destination for the night. Take a stroll to explore this beautiful town!
Over by the cliffs you’ll spot nesting Puffins and Terns in groups. Stop and have a brew at Gjáarkaffi while looking out to the ocean and nearby islands!
The Sand Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy the beach of Tjornuvik and read about the tale of the Giant and the Witch. Photo by Christa Rolls
Checklist – Don’t Forget To…
- Book your Vestmanna Bird Cliffs tour as early as possible. There are morning and afternoon tour options daily (weather dependent).
- If prone to seasickness, bring Dramamine for Vestmanna Bird Cliffs.
DAY 4 – Ferry to Kalsoy, Sightsee Klaksvik
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION: Village of Klaksvik AirBnB
If this particular accommodation isn’t available, check out some of the other cute options in Klaksvik.
Visiting Kalsoy – Faroe Islands Itinerary Must-do
Kalsoy is most famous for two things. It is an important Bird Area for the tens of thousands of birds that nest on its cliffs in summertime. Also, its dramatic landscape and local legend make it a top site for many visitors.
Visitors can catch the ferry in Klaksvik (after enjoying a tasty breakfast at the Fríða Kaffihús) from Ferjulega Ferry Port to Kalsoy.
Arrive to the ferry port at least an hour early, especially in the height of summer. No advance reservations can be made, so you’ll want to make sure you get a spot.
Though not a necessity, tours can be booked through the Tourist Information Center, one of which is located directly in Klaksvik. Here, you can go with a guide around Kalsoy to learn the history of its villages.
A bus can take you through the tunnels that lead to each of the Island’s four small villages. In Mikladalur, see the Selkie statue and read about her long-told and tragic history.
Continuing on to Trøllanes, hike to the Kallur Lighthouse and take in the natural surroundings!
Grass roofs can be seen on houses throughout the Islands, initially used as an insulator and to protect the roof from relentless rain. Photo by Christa Rolls
Sightseeing Klaksvik
Back in Klaksvik, there are shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
This is a bigger town than most you’ll have seen thus far, so some extra shopping may be in order.
If you’re interested in some walking in the area, the Park of Klaksvik goes along the water’s edge and is a good place to spot waterfowl!
Checklist – Don’t Forget To…
DAY 5 – Hike Vidoy, Sightsee Torshavn
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION: Central Apartment in Torshavn
Visit and Hike Vidoy
Vidoy is the northernmost island in the Faroe Islands, and it’s a wonderful place to continue your exploration of the nature and bird life in the Faroes.
After braving an especially rugged tunnel (don’t forget the rules of the road and pulling into turn outs when needed) between Vidoy and Bordoy, Vidareidi is the main location you base yourself for the day.
Walking through the meadows leading to the Enniberg Cliffs. Photo by Nathan Rolls
Continue up the road from the Hotel Nord and park your vehicle on the widened road pull-off (Coordinates 62.364216, -6.541907). From here you can hike up into the hills, until you reach the mountain’s peak.
Bring plenty of water and a snack, as the hill is a fairly steep and steady grade.
Beautiful views abound all around you, and birds will be flitting around in the meadows.
It is possible to reach the Enniberg bird cliffs from this path, but we recommend going with a guide for this section, especially if weather has the possibility to turn inclement. Guides can be arranged from the tourist Information Center in Klaksvik.
We spent some time at the water’s edge near the Viðareiði Kirkja, where there is also a public restroom. The waves here crash onto the rocky shores, and you can get quite close to the water.
Warm up afterward with a nice coffee and cake at the Hotel Nord.
You might not yet be ready to leave the beauty of the North Islands, but more of the Faroe Islands await your visit!!
Note if you’re coming from Torshavn, there are tours that go all the way to the northern islands in a day!
Sightsee Torshavn – Faroe Islands Itinerary Must-do
Begin the journey back to Torshavn, taking your time to stop at some of the many pull-offs to enjoy the scenery as you go.Some of these random stops were some of our favorites!
View from the lovely Paname Cafe, Torshavn. Photo by Christa Rolls
Check into your hotel and explore around Torshavn for a little while.
The Paname Cafe has delicious coffee and pastries.
Some shops may close in early afternoon, then reopen again, and some are not open on Sundays. Otherwise, the town is a lot of fun to walk around and see the local products, especially things made of sheep’s wool!
Consider also checking out the Foroya Bjor (Faroese Beer) factory!
Tip: If you rented your car from Torshavn, today you can return the rental. The town is easy and small enough to explore on foot, and you won’t need a vehicle on Nolsoy over the next two days. *This is only if you are OK with taking the bus to the airport. Otherwise, keep the vehicle parked at the ferry dock to drive to the airport for your departure later.*
Checklist – Don’t Forget To…
- Consider returning your rental car today if renting directly from Torshavn.
- Contact tourist information center ahead of time re: Vidoy Bird Cliff Hiking Tour (if desired)
DAY 6 – Continue Sightseeing Torshavn, Ferry to Nolsoy
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION: Kaffistovan í Nólsoy
Continue sightseeing around Torshavn, visiting any sites or shops you didn’t have the chance to visit the day prior.
Don’t worry, you do not have to book your ferry to Nolsoy ahead of time, as there are multiple ferries from Torshavn every day.
You pay for the round-trip ferry ticket to Nolsoy directly on the ferry boat once you board.
Tip: If you do not want to bring all of your luggage or gear to the island with you, there are extra-large lockers located in the ferry/bus terminal.
After getting off the ferry, meander into the village and follow the signs toward the “Kaffistovan.” Photo by Christa Rolls
Visit Nolsoy and Storm Petrel Colony – Faroe Islands Itinerary Must-do
Prepare yourself for a magical night!!
Stay at the Bed and Breakfast Kaffistovan í Nólsoy on the island, and eat dinner there.
Take a rest and nap, and walk the small streets of this tiny island town. You’ll want to nap because you really won’t be getting back to sleep until around 3 am!
As you walk around the small village, check out the old boat buildings by the harbor. They have some really beautifully painted murals that tell the story of the Faroes.
You will be picked up by the local guide around 9-10 PM to begin the hike to the bird cliffs. Don’t forget to bring plenty of layers and a raincoat, as well as some water. Better yet, ask the Kaffistovan for a complimentary thermos of hot tea or chocolate to enjoy later in the night.
We were really lucky with our weather, saw and heard hundreds of storm petrels, learned about the history of the region, and saw the other nesting birds that frequent and nest on the island.
Follow an epic trail along the ocean toward the Nolsoy bird cliffs. Await the sound of Storm Petrels calling from burrows right under your feet! Photo by Christa Rolls
While our whole Faroe Islands itinerary was epic, this night in Nolsoy will go at the top of our recommended bucket-list items!
Checklist – Don’t Forget To…
- Book your Storm Petrel tour as early as possible. The tour can be booked through the Kaffistovan directly.
- Book your accommodation on Nolsoy as early as possible. Contact the Kaffistovan directly – limited rooms are available.
- If prone to seasickness, bring Dramamine for the ferry ride. To Nolsoy, it is only a 30-minute ferry ride.
DAY 7 – Explore Nolsoy, Depart the Faroe Islands
Since you’ll be getting back to the Kaffistovan early in the morning, you’ll be able to sleep for a bit. Around 11 AM, the late morning ferry arrives to Nolsoy.
If you want to get in some more bird watching before going back to the mainland, head to the NW side of the island to watch the tern colony from the i Stong road (Coordinates 62.018042, -6.683093).
You wont’ be able to go off of the dirt road, since this is fenced off farming and grazing land, but you’ll be able to get a good look at all the terns nesting nearby!
Keep watch on the weather. You’ll want to take the earlier ferry if it seems like the weather will end up turning foul later in the day.
Your Nolsoy ferry ticket is round-trip, so no worries on paying again. Any ferry you take back to the mainland is acceptable.
If you are taking the bus back to the airport, take the ferry that brings you back to the Torshavn bus terminal in plenty of time.
The #101 bus goes directly to the airport. Again, this is only if you’ve already returned your car rental.
Additional Considerations
Option to go with a local guide
You can go with a local guide that will arrange your accommodation and car for you.
Booking things ahead of time and on your own will yield fewer expenses.
Tour companies include Make Travel, 62 Degrees North, and Greengate. Inquire within about early bird discounts or specials!
Visit other islands on the Faroes
If you’ve got more time on the islands, head down to Sandur for a night or two.
Explore the island of Skuvoy, named after the many Skua that live and breed on the island.
The ferry that goes there leaves from Torshavn and takes a good amount of time. Because of this, you’ll want to plan to stay for at least one extra full day.
Get further inspired to visit the Faroe Islands by watching a video of our Faroes trip!
Are you planning a trip to the Faroe Islands? What parts of our Faroe Islands itinerary will you be following? Let us know in the comments!
Happy travels!
Nathan and Christa
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