8 Interesting Things about Denmark Faroe Islands

Eighteen islands make up the 540 square mile archipelago known as the Denmark Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic (1400 square kilometres). The Faroe Islands have recently become well-known for their breathtaking views and for serving as a less-crowded substitute for Island.
Windswept fields loom vast all around, and sheer, jagged cliffs arise straight from the sea. The island’s coastlines and slopes are dotted with vibrant, grass-roofed settlements, creating the most vibrant, gorgeous setting for an otherwise desolate landscape. One of the best activities on the island was travelling by car from to village & island to the island.
1. Denmark Faroe Islands
The mountainous Faroe Islands are unique in the globe with their collection of 18 rocky islands that rise from the North Atlantic Ocean. Travellers are surrounded by extraordinarily clean air and a rough, untamed landscape.
Therefore, whether you have already made travel arrangements or are still making them, allow us to walk you through the top things to do in one of the most intriguing places on earth, from breathtaking vistas to locally produced, incredibly fresh produce at restaurants.
2. Where are the Faroe Islands
In actuality, this collection of eighteen islands lies about halfway between Iceland, Norway, and Scotland’s northernmost point.
Each one has a unique environment made up of pointed basalt peaks, vast glaciated valleys, steep cliffs, and narrow fjords that were created when volcanic rock was driven up from the North Atlantic Ocean.
Since the sixth century, Irish monks, Viking settlers, and a lot of sheep have all lived on the Faroe Islands. They are now inhabited by 49,000 people. As a sovereign state that is a component of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Islands have their own parliament, flag, and other governing bodies.
3. Why go There?
You’ll adore the Faroe Islands if you appreciate outdoor adventure in rugged terrain, invigorating sea air and quaint harbour settlements. It is simple to move around thanks to the superb infrastructure whether you’re touring the islands by car, foot, boat, or bicycle. It’s a really friendly place with a slow pace of life as well as an intriguing blend of contemporary advancements built on age-old customs.
4. What should you check Out?
Unquestionably, one of the attractions of the Faroe Islands is seeing tens of thousands of puffins as well as other marine birds breeding in tall cliffs. The Faroe Islands have gorgeously paved roads that wind around fjords and sounds, buildings with fluffy grass roofs that fit into a brilliant green landscape, and stunning scenery at every turn. Driving there is a highlight in and of itself.
On Streymoy, the largest island, Saksun is among its most picturesque locations. While on Esturoy towards the east, winding roads lead up into the hilly north and to the highest peak, Slaettaratindur; it is a little village beside a steep-sided inlet. The lovely settlement of Gjógv, named after a gorge, and two rock stacks named Risin OG Kellingin are both nearby.

The most isolated experience is visiting a single of the smaller islands, such as the magnificent Stóra Dmun. Seven residents of this 2-km2 inhospitable island reside in a farmhouse set on a plateau surrounded by sheer sea cliffs. Visitors can get here by boat or spend a few days on the island during the summer when the schoolhouse serves as a self-contained residence.
5. What outdoor Activities are Available
You’ll like cycling the quiet mountain roads if you have legs of steel. There are numerous alternatives for day hikes, such as ascending Slaettaratindur for breathtaking views of the archipelago or following the postman’s trail from Bur to the Gásadalur waterfall (which, before the construction of a tunnel, was the only route to the settlement of Gásadalur). As an alternative, you can hike from Torshavn to Kirkjubur to witness the Faroe Islands’ first church. Flourishing fishing business, language. Flourishing fishing business, language.
6. Things to Know before travelling the Denmark Faroe Islands
There are year-round flights to the Faroe Islands, were astonished by how reasonably priced everything was. From the European continent, ferries depart from Hirtshals, Denmark, and go to the Faroe Islands. This is a good alternative for anyone who wants to try something new or may be afraid of flying.
1. The Population Is Diverse
The Faroe Islands are home to people from over 77 different countries. While a majority of the diversity is provided by tourists, seasonal employees, and bartenders, there is also a need for women because there aren’t enough of them on the islands.
2. Faroe Islands travel is simpler (and less expensive) than Anticipated
The day when it was impossible to reach the Faroe Islands is long gone. From Edinburgh, Reykjavik, or Copenhagen, you may now take an Atlantic Airways flight directly to Vagar Airport.
3. Illegal to camp in the wild on the Faroe Islands
The Nordics and Scandinavia are known for allowing people to camp outdoors or set up camp anywhere they like. There are several justifications for this law, although it must be noted that there are several areas in the Faroe Islands that are specifically allocated for camping.
Additionally, it is not acceptable to slumber haphazardly in a car or campervan in parking lots, on land, or any place near roadways. This has been quite problematic for travellers who don’t conduct adequate research. It is unfair to the residents, and visitors should arrive ready to abide by the laws of the Islands because they were put in place for a reason.
Also, keep in mind that you must call & make preparations in advance if you plan to camp in the Faroe Islands during the winter. Is camping not your thing? Instead, stay at a hotel in the Faroe Islands!
4. Gasadalur’s Mullafossur Waterfall is Tempting
The three images that come to mind for the majority of people when they think about the Faroe Islands are the Mullafossur Waterfall in Gasadalur, the optical illusion at Lake Srvágsvatn, and the Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy in Trllanes.
Not usually does that waterfall resemble the pictures you see of it. It occasionally blows into the sky. However, if you wait for the wind to quiet down, you’ll get a good picture.
5. In the Faroe Islands, Mulafossur
Just wait five minutes, as they say, in the Faroe Islands, and the weather will change. You can get a good picture of the waterfall while you are there if you have a little time and a keen eye.
Be prepared for it to frequently defy gravity & blow upward into the sky rather than gently down into the sea. It’s fascinating that while you wait for the ideal shot, you can literally see Mykines in the background from where you’ll be standing.
The ideal thing to do while travelling from the Vagar Airport to Torshavn is to stop at Mulafossur.
6. Faroe Islands are not a Schengen Country
Only a tiny portion of us are impacted by this. But you found this to be incredibly interesting because it allowed me to visit there for a week without using up all of my Schengen days. Obviously, this depends on your travel schedule and destination. It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll encounter them if you arrive in the Faroe Islands in March. If you make an effort to do so, you will have a fantastic chance to see the Faroe Islands if you arrive in June. Puffins can be found all across the islands, but sometimes we humans may not be able to reach their colonies.
On Kalsoy, for instance, there are 40,000 combinations of puffins, but they are found on the rocky, inconveniently situated northern and western coasts.

Even though many visitors travel to the Faroe Islands solely to view the puffins, We believe it is crucial to protect their habitat and allow them to live in peace. Puffins are only one of the several reasons to travel to the Faroe Islands.
Do your homework if you want to view puffins in the Faroe Islands. Puffin sightings are most common in Mykines during the summer, but they can also occasionally be found on Skuvoy, Streymoy, Vestmanna, and other islands.
A lot of the grunt work has been done for you on Faroe Islands excursions that go to Mykines, so take a look at those as well!
7. Things to do in Denmark Faroe Islands
1. Visit Mykines & Puffin Colony
In retrospect, our trip to the picturesque island of Mykines was definitely the highlight of our time in the Faroe Islands. Why? Puffins and Heini, our extremely knowledgeable tour guide. Puffin burrows & seabird nests cover the westernmost part of the island, transforming it into a riot of colour and song during the summer.
You can get the best views of the island from the trek to the tower at the tip of the island, which is a must-do. You’ll pass through Puffin breeding burrows on this very easy, albeit extremely mountainous, 3–4 hour return climb, so stay on the route at all times.
If you have time, tour the nearby village, which formerly had 180 permanent residents but now has around eight (full-time). One of those previous residents was Heini, whose father served as the island’s final lighthouse keeper. Heini’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for the island he grew up on making our time there the trip’s undisputed high point.
Take the two-times-per-day local ferry that departs from Strvágur, weather permitting, to reach Mykines. But beware—the trip is quite difficult!
2. Koks Best Dining
A nice dining experience doesn’t typically begin with a bumpy Land Rover journey around a lake’s edge and up to a cute Faroese home, but KOKS isn’t your typical fine dining experience.
The restaurant truly represents everything the Faroe Islands are known for: seclusion, natural beauty, and unique experiences. It is situated smack in the middle of nature in a magnificent hidden valley (made even more lovely on the day we went by the dense fog rolling through the plains).
Along with delectable seafood and veggies, you can also expect some unusual, occasionally contentious additives like fermented lamb and fish as well as whale blubber (we were running late and missed this meal).
3. Walking to the Lake
The lake of Srvágsvatn was widely visible on Instagram, but nothing could have prepared us for how stunning this location is in person.
In fact, it was so lovely that we returned again (and almost a third if the weather hadn’t intervened!). The largest lake in the Faroe Islands, Srvágsvatn, is situated on the island of Vágar and is known for its optical illusion in which the lake appears to hang over the sea below. The famed viewpoint is roughly an hour’s walk from Midvágur, and the major attraction is the view back over the cliffs and lake. Like the rest of the Faroe Islands, the weather may be somewhat erratic, so bring warm clothing and an umbrella just in case.
Traelanpa, a rock wall 142 metres above the sea, is another notable feature of the region. It is said that Vikings pushed their slaves from the mountain there once upon a time. Photographers these days, including us, choose to use it as the ideal location to get images of the extraordinarily rough coastline.

The Bsdalafossur waterfall, which thunders directly into the sea below, is located right on the edge of Srvágsvatn. It is an extremely breathtaking sight to witness when the North Atlantic is at its most fierce, as enormous waves batter the rocks and the cascade sweeps back into the lake.
Due to the area’s total openness, it can be quite hazardous during bad weather. Always prioritise your own security over trying to perch precariously in order to “catch the shot!” Although it is private land, we think this is exorbitant. Is it really worth that much cash? Probably.
4. The renowned Mlafossur Falls and Gsadalur
The breathtaking Mlafossur waterfall, which is situated just south of the settlement of Gasadalur, is arguably the most well-known of all Faroese attractions. The waterfall, which plunges directly into the North Atlantic, has recently gained some notoriety on Instagram, but, we’re happy to say, it’s much prettier in person. It is very magnificent.
The settlement of Gásadalur is situated in the heart of this breathtaking landscape, which includes high mountains, grassy plains, and a well-known waterfall. The village itself has modest, grass-covered dwellings and a very secluded character, typical of the Faroe Islands. Until 2004, when a tunnel linking the town to Svágur was constructed, the only ways to get there were by helicopter or on foot.
Stay the night at the Gásadalsgarur, a recently constructed inn with an iconic location. Additionally, it serves traditional Faroese cuisine as a restaurant.
From the Vagur airport, go east past the town of Bur and the tunnel to reach Gásadalur and the Mlafossur waterfall. The Mlafossur falls viewpoint is then accessible after a short descent.
5. Visit Kalsoy and enjoy the Hike
The Kallurin lighthouse, placed on what seems to be the edge of the earth atop towering cliffs that go straight out into the North Atlantic below, is a prominent landmark on the long, narrow island of Kalsoy, which is part of the Faroe Islands archipelago.
A must-do while visiting the Faroe Islands is the short, one-hour trek to the lighthouse and a brief tour of the island.
Starting in the isolated community of Trllanes, proceed through the red gate and then take the flimsy route that meanders gently toward the lighthouse along the base of the commanding mountain.
The views from the lighthouse are among the most breathtaking on the island; you are surrounded by sheer cliffs on virtually all sides, and you can see the edges of the northern & southern islands in the distance.
To capture the famous photo of the light and mountain, you may walk out to a ledge, but beware—really, it’s windy and a little risky, and you occasionally have to drop to the ground to prevent feeling as though you might be blown over the edge!

Additionally, we advise making a pit stop in Mikladalur to see the Seal Woman statue and learn more about the local legend that says she is still seen to be a curse on the island’s male population. Visitors to the centre are welcome to utilise the sauna.
Even though there isn’t much to see and do in a town with 250 residents, a trip to the church is worthwhile, and the area also has many picturesque residences, boat sheds, and pieces of public art. Particularly around the harbour, there were several lovely murals.
The 14-kilometre (or 5-hour) trip to the Nólsoy lighthouse, which begins at Nólsoy, is highly advised for those who arrive on a clearer day.
6. Go to the beautiful town of Gjogv
There are several lovely small towns on the Faroe Islands, but in our humble opinion, Gjogv is among the most gorgeous. Gjogv (pronounced Jegv) is a charming town on the northernmost point of Eysturoy, about 1.5 hours from Torshavn.
With a creek running directly through the centre of the town (in which the local children were fully enjoying swimming during your visit! ), colourful timber-walled homes are scattered throughout the enclosed valley.
However, Gjogv is most known for its picturesque 200-meter gorge, one of the Faroes’ best natural harbours and a longtime supplier of the town’s once-vibrant fishing industry. We advise hiking toward the left of the gorge and taking in the views back for the best vista.
7. Experience Olavsoka
Visit during July, when the national holiday of “lavska” takes place, if you want to get a full sense of Faroese culture.
Lavska has Norwegian roots and started as a feast in remembrance of Norwegian King Olav the Holy, who was murdered on July 29, 1030, at the battle of Stiklestad. His demise is thought to have had a role in the later Christianization of Norway and the Faroe Islands.
Every year, inhabitants from all over the Faroe Islands congregate in Tórshavn dressed in their vibrant national Faroese costumes for a weekend of celebrations that include musical performances, cultural events, and competitive national rowing races.
You participate in the celebrations throughout the course of the weekend by strolling through Tórshavn, eating regional cuisine, listening to traditional folk music, & drink a few beers in the central square. It was lovely to see that everyone, young and old, was in the holiday spirit and that the community customs were still being practised.
On Sunday at midnight, thousands congregate in the town square to sing ancient Faroese ballads and perform the traditional Faroese chains dance as the celebrations come to an end. It’s a truly amazing sight.
8. North Atlantic Kayak
One of the pleasures of our trip was viewing the Faroes from the water on a boat, which provided an entirely new viewpoint.
Before carefully making our way back, we stopped at a number of coves, including one with a tiny waterfall, and a number of kelp fields, pausing only to take in the breathtaking landscape on what turned out to be the best weather day you had in the Faroe Islands.
Hans, our tour guide, was a fountain of knowledge which gave us a fascinating overview of the region and its occasionally turbulent history.
NAX provides kayaking tours in a number of Faroe Islands locales, including Torshavn, Bur, Klaksvik, Kalsoy, Sundalagi, and Funningsfjrur. Additionally, NAX offers all the essential gear, including kayaks, dry bags, and drysuits capable of withstanding the frigid waters of the North Atlantic (believe us, they are frigid!).
9. Walk through Tinganes
Spending time in the charming capital of Tórshavn was a pleasant change after a week of travelling the far reaches of the Faroe Islands. Tórshavn, which is on the southeast coast of Streymoy and has a population of about 15,000 (yes, it’s little! ), is worth spending at least a day in even though it may not be the most vibrant capital in all of Europe (see our entire Tórshavn tour here).
Tinganes, a historic old town that goes back to the 1400s, is at its centre. Wander through the quaint, meandering alleyways and passageways lined with typical Faroese homes, which are attractive, grass-roofed, timber- and stone-built structures that are still in use by the residents.
The Prime Minister’s office is still located in Tinganes, which also has the oldest parliamentary conference rooms in the world (dating back to the 800s).
Vestaravág, Tórshavn’s vibrant harbour district, and home to several excellent restaurants, notably Skeiva Pakkhus, which serves ultra-modern Faroese food in a tapas-like style, are just a short stroll from Parliament Point. Don’t forget to sample the wonderfully delicious smoked salmon, which is unique to this region of the world.
Skansin, a historic fort that dates back to 1580 and is located in Torshavn, is well worthwhile visiting. Even though hardly much is left now, It does offer a lovely view of Nolsoy and the remainder of Torshavn on the way back.
10. Travel to Saksun, a dramatic and Islanded Town
The tiny settlement of Saksun is situated in a remote Fjord and has an imposing natural amphitheatre. The village, which has 14 residents, has recently gained some Instagram fame (much like the rest of the Faroes).
However, in our opinion, Saksun is far more magnificent than the tiny hamlet that gave it such notoriety and is arguably the most picturesque place on the Faroe Islands. Your jaws were absolutely on the floor the entire time we were at Saksun.
The Fjord has a sizable tidal lagoon where you can walk while the tide is low. A church constructed in 1858 and a few homes with grass-covered exteriors can be found in the settlement itself.

A variety of hiking trails also lead high above the hamlet and offer breathtaking views of the Fjord as well as its surroundings.
Unfortunately, a lot of tourists have recently violated private property rights in order to capture “the” picture of the instantly famous cottage. This region has been declared off-limits by the farmer, who has grown quite angry with them for flagrantly disrespecting his property. There are even rumours that he shot a drone out of the sky.
11. Fossa Falls
Fossá waterfall was a bit out of the way, so we hadn’t originally planned to go there. However, after a strong morning downpour, we decided to stop by on the way to Gjogv.
The tallest of the more than 18,000 waterfalls on the Faroe Islands, Fossa, is 140 metres high. After a lot of rain, it resembles a waterfall in Iceland, thundering over several tiers and dousing the surroundings in a dense mist. You can take a short route that leads to the foot of the falls, but it will be nearly impossible to get there if the falls are raging.
On the islands of Streymoy, an hour’s drive north of Tórshavn is the gorgeous waterfall known as Fossá. This waterfall resembles a scene from a fairy tale after a particularly severe downpour. Fossá waterfall has two storeys and is 140 metres high. The waterfall’s first floor is accessible on foot. As usual, exercise caution when navigating the breathtakingly magnificent outdoors.
12. Get on a boat Excursion
A boat excursion is a wonderful opportunity to discover the Faroe Islands’ natural beauty and mystery. Boat tour captains are eager to educate passengers about the area’s geography, culture, and history.
As you sail by incredible rock formations and soaring basalt cliffs, you can rest assured that your safety at sea is always in good hands. You can take a variety of boat cruises that will allow you to see amazing sights, from the traditional boat trip to the Drangarnir sea stacks to the breathtaking Vestmanna Sea Cliffs.
13. Lunch is served in Vágsbotnur Marina
Take a seat at one of the cafes or restaurants housed in Vágsbotnur’s lovely and harmonious former warehouses. On a bright day, you can bask in the sun all day and take in the ocean breeze while taking in the scenery in front of you.
The modest but crowded fish market is where local fishermen sell their catch of the day, and the smaller Faroese pleasure craft is moored beside, the larger visiting sailboats that have weathered the North Atlantic Ocean to now lie peacefully at Vágsbotnur Marina. You can join Norlsi in Vágsbotnur for a 3-hour sailing excursion with the distinctive blue boat.
14. Trek to the magnificent Lake of Srvátn
You will undoubtedly be in awe of Srvágsvatn’s scenery; that much is certain. The astounding lake appears to hover above the sea below and is situated on Vágar island, just a short distance from the sole airport in the Faroe Islands.
The most breathtaking sight of the lake as well as the optical illusion it produces, can be seen here. You can also go on a kayaking trip to the freshwater lake to enhance your lake experience.
15. Enjoy the splendour of Mlafossur Waterfall
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see is standing in front of the Mlafossur waterfall. The Mlafossur waterfall is frequently cited by visitors as the pinnacle of their time in the Faroe Islands.
The breathtaking waterfall cascades into the North Atlantic Ocean while perched at the edge of the rock. The little settlement of Gásadalur, with its steep slopes in all directions, is located behind the Mlafossur waterfall.
8. Final Note
There are many things to do in Denmark’s Faroe Islands, like visiting the sheep islands, Faroe islands negotiate, the Northern European union, northern Europe, the Faroese parliament, Faroese literature, Streymoy island group, Kalsoy island, the EU and other countries. These are the top activities in the Faroe Islands; they are a wonderful blend of natural & cultural must-dos which will ensure you leave the islands with many fond memories.
Unexpectedly, there is a tonne of amazing things to see & do in a place so desolate. From challenging climbs that take you to the tip of the planet to kayaking in the icy North Atlantic, from dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant on locally sourced food to seeing endangered puffins, At every step, the Faroe Islands would leave you speechless.