Things to do in Faroe Islands

What to see and do in Faroe Islands: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Faroe Islands

Nature

Watch the Múlafossur Waterfall plunge into the ocean

Gásadalur, Vágar Island

A stunning waterfall that cascades directly from a cliff into the Atlantic Ocean, framed by the tiny village of Gásadalur.

Nature

Stand at the edge of Sørvágsvatn, the lake above the ocean

Vágar Island

This large lake on Vágar appears to float high above the ocean due to a powerful optical illusion from the cliff edge.

Nature

Take a boat tour to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs

Vestmanna, Streymoy

Navigate by boat through narrow sea gorges and beneath towering basalt cliffs teeming with thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars.

Adventure

Hike to the viewpoint for Drangarnir sea arch

Vágar Island

A challenging but rewarding hike across private land leads to a spectacular view of the Drangarnir sea arch, a natural rock formation rising from the waves.

Nature

Visit the Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy island

Kalsoy Island

Perched on a remote and windswept cliff, this lighthouse is reached via a scenic hike.

Hidden gem

Explore the village and gorge of Gjógv

Eysturoy Island

A picturesque village named after its stunning natural gorge used as a tiny harbor.

Adventure

Summit Slættaratindur, the highest peak

Eysturoy Island

Hike to the highest point in the Faroe Islands at 880 meters.

Nature

Spend a day on Mykines island with the puffins

Mykines Island

Travel to this remote island, a major Atlantic puffin breeding colony.

Adventure

Kayak beneath the sea cliffs of Vestmanna

Vestmanna, Streymoy

Paddle a kayak through the calm waters at the base of the immense Vestmanna cliffs, getting an up-close view of nesting seabirds and intricate geological formations inaccessible by larger boats.

Hidden gem

Take the ferry to the island of Hestur

Hestur Island

Visit this small, tranquil island dominated by a dramatic cliff face.

Adventure

Hike to Trælanípa cliff for the optical illusion

Vágar Island

This hike on Vágar takes you to a cliff that provides the famous view where Sørvágsvatn lake appears to hover far above the ocean, creating a mind-bending perspective of scale.

Culture

Attend a performance at the Nordic House in Tórshavn

Tórshavn, Streymoy

This striking architectural gem, built into a hillside with a turf roof, hosts concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical performances.

Culture

Experience the Ólavsøka festival in Tórshavn

Tórshavn, Streymoy

Held annually in late July, this national holiday features a chain dance, boat races, and music.

Culture

Learn the Faroese chain dance

Tórshavn, Streymoy

Participate in or watch this centuries-old tradition, often performed in the town hall during Ólavsøka.

History

Visit the Faroese National Museum

Tórshavn, Streymoy

Explore exhibitions on Faroese natural history, including a complete whale skeleton, and cultural history, with artifacts from the Viking Age and traditional Faroese clothing and tools.

Food

Taste skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton)

Various, e.g., Tórshavn

This traditional Faroese delicacy is mutton that has been wind-dried in a *hjallur* (shed) for months.

Food

Dine on fresh seafood at Fútastova

Tórshavn, Streymoy

A cozy restaurant in a historic wooden house serving traditional Faroese cuisine with a modern twist.

Food

Sample local craft beer at Tarv brewery

Tórshavn, Streymoy

Tórshavn's first craft brewery offers tastings of their beers, which often use local ingredients like seaweed or heather.

Food

Enjoy a rhubarb cake at Gásadalur café

Gásadalur, Vágar Island

After visiting the waterfall, stop at the small café in Gásadalur for homemade cake, often featuring rhubarb from local gardens, paired with coffee and a view of the village.

History

Explore the ruins of Kirkjubøur, the medieval ecclesiastical center

Kirkjubøur, Streymoy

Visit the atmospheric ruins of St. Magnus Cathedral (begun c.

History

See Tórshavn Cathedral

Tórshavn, Streymoy

A charming white-washed cathedral with a turf roof, originally built in 1788.

City

Walk through the historic Tinganes peninsula

Tórshavn, Streymoy

This narrow peninsula in Tórshavn harbor is one of the world's oldest parliamentary meeting places.

City

Stroll along Tórshavn harbor at dawn

Tórshavn, Streymoy

Watch the fishing boats come in with their catch as the light changes.

Nightlife

Have a drink at Húsið pub in Tórshavn

Tórshavn, Streymoy

A popular local haunt in a historic building, offering a good selection of beers and a friendly atmosphere.

Hidden gem

Visit the abandoned village of Víkarbyrgi

Suðuroy Island

Hike to this hauntingly beautiful, abandoned settlement on the southern tip of Suðuroy.

Nearby destinations

All destinations