Destination roundup
Best birdwatching in Europe
From flamingo lagoons to puffin cliffs and raptor migration bottlenecks, a guide to Europe's best birding regions and when to visit each.
Destination guide
Places to Visit in the Faroe Islands, With a Sample One-Week Route
Puffins on Mykines, the Gásadalur waterfall, turf-roofed villages and sea cliffs — where to go in the Faroes and how to plan a week there.
The Faroe Islands rise steeply out of the North Atlantic between Iceland, Norway and Scotland: 18 main islands of grassy slopes, sheer sea cliffs, waterfalls and small villages linked by roads, tunnels, bridges and ferries. They are a self-governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark, with their own language and culture. For wildlife lovers the big draw is seabirds — puffins, gannets, fulmars, guillemots and more in summer — set against some of Europe's most dramatic coastal scenery.
This guide covers the places most visitors prioritize, a sample one-week route that you can adapt to the weather, and the practicalities that matter most: hiking access, fees and safety on cliffs.
Places to prioritize
Mykines — the puffin island
The westernmost island is the best-known place in the Faroes to see Atlantic puffins, which nest in burrows on the grassy slopes from late spring through summer. The walk out toward the lighthouse islet passes through seabird colonies. Access is by ferry or helicopter and is highly weather-dependent; boats are often canceled at short notice.
Because the slopes are riddled with burrows and the colony is sensitive, access is managed: visitors pay a fee and follow marked routes, and there may be daily visitor limits or guiding requirements. Stay on the path, keep a respectful distance and never reach into burrows.
Gásadalur and the Múlafossur waterfall (Vágar)
A small village above the sea on Vágar, with a waterfall dropping straight from the cliff edge into the ocean. A short walk leads to the viewpoint. It is close to the airport, which makes it an easy first or last stop.
Sørvágsvatn / Leitisvatn and Trælanípa (Vágar)
A lake that, seen from the cliffs at Trælanípa, appears to hang above the sea. The hike crosses private farmland and is managed by the landowners, who charge a fee. The cliff edges are high and unfenced.
Saksun (Streymoy)
A tiny settlement with a turf-roofed church overlooking a tidal lagoon surrounded by mountains. Respect signs in the village — residents have restricted access at times because of visitor pressure.
Gjógv (Eysturoy)
A village named for its natural gorge harbor, with a sheltered sea-filled cleft and walks along the coast. It is a good base for exploring northern Eysturoy.
Slættaratindur (Eysturoy)
The Faroes' highest peak offers sweeping views on a clear day. The ascent is short but steep; in cloud, navigation becomes difficult.
Tórshavn and Kirkjubøur (Streymoy)
The capital, Tórshavn, has a compact old quarter around Tinganes, one of the oldest parliamentary meeting places in the world. A short drive south, Kirkjubøur was the islands' medieval church center, with the unfinished Magnus Cathedral ruins and the still-used Saint Olav's Church.
Kalsoy and the Kallur lighthouse
A long, narrow island reached by ferry from Klaksvík, known for the Kallur lighthouse viewpoint at its northern tip. The trail crosses steep, exposed ground with sheer drops; it is managed by landowners and has seen serious accidents. Only attempt it in good conditions.
Klaksvík and the northern isles
The Faroes' second town is a gateway to the northern islands and their quieter villages and mountains.
Seabirds and wildlife
From roughly late spring to late summer, the cliffs host large numbers of breeding seabirds. Besides puffins, look for northern gannets (Mykines has a gannet colony), fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and great skuas. Oystercatchers are a national symbol and common in fields. Pilot whales, dolphins and seals may be seen from boats. For more puffin destinations, see the best birdwatching destinations in Europe.
A sample one-week route
This outline assumes you rent a car and base yourself in one or two places. Keep at least one day flexible — weather often decides when you can visit Mykines or hike to the cliffs.
- Day 1 — Arrive on Vágar. Visit Gásadalur and Múlafossur, then drive to Tórshavn or your base.
- Day 2 — Tórshavn and Kirkjubøur. Explore Tinganes and the old town, then walk or drive to Kirkjubøur.
- Day 3 — Mykines (weather permitting). Take the ferry or helicopter for the puffin colonies. If it's canceled, swap with another day.
- Day 4 — Vágar cliffs. Hike to Trælanípa above Sørvágsvatn/Leitisvatn.
- Day 5 — Eysturoy. Gjógv, the coastal villages and, in clear weather, Slættaratindur.
- Day 6 — Northern isles. Klaksvík and, if conditions are good, Kalsoy and the Kallur lighthouse.
- Day 7 — Saksun and buffer day. Visit Saksun and use any remaining time for the trip you missed earlier.
Planning further north
If the Faroes inspire you, Iceland's seabird cliffs and wild landscapes are a natural next step — see our guides to Iceland by campervan and Arctic foxes in Iceland.
References
Facts in the Key facts boxes are drawn from the sources listed under References. Rules, seasons and access change — confirm with the official authority before you go. How we work.