Things to do in Faroe Islands

25 things to do in Faroe Islands

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Watch the Múlafossur Waterfall plunge into the ocean

  A stunning waterfall that cascades directly from a cliff into the Atlantic Ocean, framed by the tiny village of Gásadalur. The dramatic setting, especially with the surrounding grass-roofed houses, is iconic Faroese scenery.

  Gásadalur, Vágar Island

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

  This large lake on Vágar appears to float high above the ocean due to a powerful optical illusion from the cliff edge. The short hike to Trælanípa cliff offers a breathtaking perspective of this geological marvel.

  Vágar Island

• Take a boat tour to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs

  Navigate by boat through narrow sea gorges and beneath towering basalt cliffs teeming with thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The sheer scale and wildlife density are unforgettable.

  Vestmanna, Streymoy

• Hike to the viewpoint for Drangarnir sea arch

  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. The arch is a iconic symbol of the Faroe Islands.

  Vágar Island

• Visit the Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy island

  Perched on a remote and windswept cliff, this lighthouse is reached via a scenic hike. The panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the open ocean are spectacular.

  Kalsoy Island

• Explore the village and gorge of Gjógv

  A picturesque village named after its stunning natural gorge used as a tiny harbor. Walk along the gorge's edge for dramatic views of the sea and surrounding cliffs.

  Eysturoy Island

• Summit Slættaratindur, the highest peak

  Hike to the highest point in the Faroe Islands at 880 meters. On a clear day, you can see all 18 islands and even Iceland's Vatnajökull glacier in the distance.

  Eysturoy Island

• Spend a day on Mykines island with the puffins

  Travel to this remote island, a major Atlantic puffin breeding colony. Walk among thousands of puffins on the grassy slopes and hike to the Mykinesholmur islet lighthouse.

  Mykines Island

• Kayak beneath the sea cliffs of Vestmanna

  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.

  Vestmanna, Streymoy

• Take the ferry to the island of Hestur

  Visit this small, tranquil island dominated by a dramatic cliff face. The main activity is hiking to the edge for vertigo-inducing views and to see the island's unique 'Hesturin' horse-shaped rock formation.

  Hestur Island

• Hike to Trælanípa cliff for the optical illusion

  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.

  Vágar Island

• Attend a performance at the Nordic House in Tórshavn

  This striking architectural gem, built into a hillside with a turf roof, hosts concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical performances. It's a key cultural venue for the entire Nordic region.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Experience the Ólavsøka festival in Tórshavn

  Held annually in late July, this national holiday features a chain dance, boat races, and music. The highlight is the traditional chain dance, a living link to medieval ballads, performed in the streets.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Learn the Faroese chain dance

  Participate in or watch this centuries-old tradition, often performed in the town hall during Ólavsøka. Dancers form a circle, hold hands, and sing epic ballads without musical accompaniment.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Visit the Faroese National Museum

  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.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Taste skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton)

  This traditional Faroese delicacy is mutton that has been wind-dried in a *hjallur* (shed) for months. It has a intense, gamey flavor and is often served sliced thin with bread.

  Various, e.g., Tórshavn

• Dine on fresh seafood at Fútastova

  A cozy restaurant in a historic wooden house serving traditional Faroese cuisine with a modern twist. Dishes often feature locally caught fish, langoustines, and fermented specialties.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Sample local craft beer at Tarv brewery

  Tórshavn's first craft brewery offers tastings of their beers, which often use local ingredients like seaweed or heather. The brewpub has a relaxed atmosphere for socializing.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Enjoy a rhubarb cake at Gásadalur café

  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.

  Gásadalur, Vágar Island

• Explore the ruins of Kirkjubøur, the medieval ecclesiastical center

  Visit the atmospheric ruins of St. Magnus Cathedral (begun c. 1300) and the adjacent Olav's Church, the oldest still-used wooden church in the world. This site was the islands' religious and political heart.

  Kirkjubøur, Streymoy

• See Tórshavn Cathedral

  A charming white-washed cathedral with a turf roof, originally built in 1788. Its simple wooden interior reflects the modest style of Faroese religious architecture.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Walk through the historic Tinganes peninsula

  This narrow peninsula in Tórshavn harbor is one of the world's oldest parliamentary meeting places. Explore the red-painted wooden government buildings and cobblestone paths.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Stroll along Tórshavn harbor at dawn

  Watch the fishing boats come in with their catch as the light changes. The harbor is a hub of activity, with colorful houses and the historic fortress Skansin overlooking the scene.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Have a drink at Húsið pub in Tórshavn

  A popular local haunt in a historic building, offering a good selection of beers and a friendly atmosphere. It's a great place to meet locals and experience Tórshavn's modest but lively nightlife.

  Tórshavn, Streymoy

• Visit the abandoned village of Víkarbyrgi

  Hike to this hauntingly beautiful, abandoned settlement on the southern tip of Suðuroy. The empty houses and silence convey the harsh realities of life in remote Faroese villages.

  Suðuroy Island