The Faroe Islands are a truly magical place with breathtaking views, endless outdoor adventures, and a great culinary scene. I am sharing our real life 5 day Faroe Islands itinerary with allll of the things we actually did and planned on our trip!
The Faroe Islands are located near Iceland between the North Atlantic Ocean and Norwegian Sea. The volcanic islands are made up of 18 different islands mostly connected by an impressive tunnel system or a ferry.
As a luxury travel blogger and foodie traveler, I was drawn to the Faroe Islands simply to eat. The islands have a blossoming culinary scene thanks to Michelin-starred KOKS.
With their location surrounded by sea, the Faroese are known for their salmon farming and diversity in seafood. You will see all kinds of unique things on the menu like monkfish, caviar, and sea urchin. In addition, they are also farmers so you’ll see lots of meat like lamb and limited vegetables due to its harsh conditions.
The real draw though is the unparalleled natural scenery perfect for hiking, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. There is nowhere quite like the Faroe Islands and its remote location.
This 5 day itinerary for the Faroe Islands will make sure you see all the top things on your trip while tasting the local flavors.
5 Day Faroe Islands Itinerary Overview
First, I will share an overview of what this itinerary entails and then dive deeper into each day. As someone who has been there recently, these are all the best things to experience and my favorite restaurants.
Day 1
The adventure begins!
- Arrive to FAE
- Pick up Rental Car
- Mulafossur Waterfall
- Traelanipa Hike & Bosdalafossur Waterfall
- Dinner at Barbara Fish House
Day 2
See the puffins at Mykines.
- Breakfast
- Day trip to Mykines to see the puffins
- Explore Torshavn
- Dinner at the Tarv
Day 3
Roadtrip around the Faroe Islands
- Saksun
- Fossa Waterfall
- Tjørnuvik Beach
- Lunch at the Irish Pub
- Wander Torshavn
- Dinner at Raest
Day 4
See the Kallur Lighthouse in Kalsoy!
- Day trip to hike Kallur Lighthouse
- Dinner at ROKS
- Drinks at Mikeller Tavern
Day 5
Depart the Faroe Islands
- Breakfast and Coffee
- Optional visits to Sandavágur and Witches Finger Trail
- Return Rental Car
Day 1 – Explore Vagar Island
On your first day, you will arrive to the airport to pick up a rental car then begin sightseeing in the Faroe Islands!
Vagar Island is where the airport is located so it makes the most logistical sense to see a few sites while already there. Assuming you have a morning to midday arrival flight, you will make the following stops. Of course, if your flight arrives too late, you could always pivot this to the day you leave or any other day.
Arrive to Vagar International Airport (FAE)
You will arrive at the small airport Vagar International Airport. If you are hungry, they have a cafe with fresh sandwiches and really good coffee – they even serve it to you in real mugs.
Pick up rental car at airport
Next, pick up a rental car to begin the adventure. It’s located outside of the airport exit but right next door. We used Enterprise, but there are several other companies.
Pro tip: Make sure to pay the extra $10/day for wifi. Service is not the most reliable and we were able to carry this with us everywhere!
Visit Mulafossur Waterfall
The first stop will be Mulafossur Waterfall, which is only 15 minutes from the airport. It is one of the most iconic places in the islands and for good reason. It provides a stunning view as the water tumbles off a cliff into the sea below. In the background, you have a mountain view and a small village called Gasadalur.
There is a lookout point not far from the road. This is a short walk and can take 10 minutes or 30 – really depends on how much you love it!
Traelanipa Lake Above the Ocean Hike & Bosdalafossur Waterfall
Next, is a beautiful stroll along Lake Sørvagsvatn until you reach the top of the cliff where you are treated to an unbelievable view. It is essentially an optical illusion which makes it look like the lake is floating above the ocean.
From there, head down the other side of the cliff to see the Bosdalafossur Waterfall as it flows directly into the ocean.
Plan for this easy hike to take 2 hours roundtrip.
There is a hiking fee payable at the trailhead. It is $30USD/person. You will find a small cafe with coffee, drinks, snacks and facilities.
Check into your hotel
Next up, you will leave the island of Vagar and head to your accommodations. More on where to stay in the Faroe Islands at the end.
Dinner at Barbara Fish House
Dinner is at the intimate Barbara Fish House restaurant housed in a historic building with wood floors and stone walls.
There is a set menu and you can choose 3 or 4 courses. You also have the option to choose a fully vegan menu. Enjoy dishes like smoked salmon, ceviche, monkfish, fish soup, and dessert a la carte.
Drinks at Mikkeller Tavern
After dinner, have a night cap. We loved Mikkeller Tavern. It is a popular brand of craft beer in Denmark, but they also serve cocktails and wine. The space is very cozy with board games and cards making it a fun spot for a night cap or afternoon drink!
Day 2 – See the Puffins on Mykines
Day trip to Mykines to see the Atlantic Puffins
You might be convinced to visit the Faroe Islands solely for the chance to get up close with the puffins. I certainly was! You will find the puffins on Mykines (pronounced me-chin-ness) which is their nesting area during the summer months.
The hike to the lighthouse is super remote with stunning views of the sea and of course, you will pass hundreds of puffins along the way.
Mykines can only be reached via ferry. It’s super busy during the summer so you may book in advance here or reserve the speed boat here.
There is a hiking fee of $30USD/person which can be paid online. Wait until the day of to pay the fee incase your ferry trip is cancelled due to inclement weather. Read more about that in my full guide to the Faroe Islands. This trip is often cancelled due to treacherous conditions in the area.
Relax at the hotel afterwards
After a busy day, you will probably want a shower and to relax at your hotel for a bit.
Dinner at The Tarv Grill
The Tarv Grill has a large space right in the heart of Torshavn in one of the colorful buildings. There is outdoor seating if the weather is nice, but we liked the charming interior. It is very rustic, but with modern touches in the decor. The menu was extensive, but you have to try the Faroese salmon here.
Day 3 – Road Trip to Saksun, Tjørnuvik Beach, and Gjogv
Today, you will take a drive all around the islands exploring some of the best villages and Faroe Islands waterfalls.
Road Trip Around the Islands
Driving around the islands is half the fun so be sure to add it to your Faroe Islands travel itinerary! The views are incredible everywhere you look and this is an amazing way to take it all in! Here is where you want to make stops.
Saksun
Saksun is one of the most spectacular places in the Faroe Islands. You drive along a two lane road as a stream rolls by. Once you arrive, it feels like you have reached the middle of the Earth – somewhere so isolated, but overwhelmingly beautiful.
There’s a historic old church, an easy trail down to the beach, and one of the most gorgeous waterfalls.
You can also do a longer 3 hour hike to Tjornuvik from Saksun. It’s a popular hike, but you do need to plan how to get back to your car or you will be doing a 6 hour round trip hike!
Fossa Waterfall
Next, you will make a quick stop at Fossa Waterfall as you make your way to Tjørnuvik. It’s a gorgeous water feature that flows underneath the main road and into the sea. You can make the short climb up to the top or view from down below.
Tjørnuvik Beach
Tjørnuvik is a popular beach for surfing and viewing the sea stacks of Risin and Kellingin in the distance.
It is narrow road to reach Tjørnuvik, but once you come around the bend, its breathtaking. There is a waterfall flowing through town onto the black sand beach. It feels like you’ve truly reached the end of the world, as so many places in the Faroe Islands do.
Note: as you make the drive, there will be a stop light. It feels like you are stopped forever for no reason. There is reason: Around the bebd, there is a one way road and the light controls the traffic. Just keep waiting!
Gjogv
Gjogv literally translates to “gorge” and that is what it is. A quaint village on a gorge that leads into the ocean. It’s located on the island called Eysturoy.
Late Lunch at the Irish Pub Torshavn
After a fun morning, have a late lunch back in Torshavn. We actually really enjoyed the Irish pub! It is exactly what you would expect from an Irish Pub – crispy fish and chips and cold beer.
Wander through Torshavn
Torshavn is the capital town in the Faroe Islands featuring a colorful downtown along the marina. It’s a great place to stroll around, have some ice cream, check out the shops, and relax.
Dinner at Raest
Raest is known for their fermented foods and authentic Faroese style of cooking – like wind drying their meats! Expect a menu with lots of unique items like whale and meats like lamb.
Day 4 – Hike to Kallur Lighthouse
On day 4 of your Faroe Islands Itinerary, you will hike to the Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy island. It was my favorite part of our Faroe Islands trip! If you are spending 5 days in the Faroe Islands, you won’t want to miss this.
Hike to Kallur Lighthouse in Kalsoy
The hike to Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Faroe Islands. You’ll begin in the village of Trollanes (translation: “where the trolls live”) where there are public restrooms and a little cafe serving coffee & waffles. Then, you will head up the side of the mountain until you reach the lighthouse.
You will book a guided tour for the trip to Kalsoy. You must take a ferry to reach the island and it only allows a few cars at a time. It’s best to book a guided tour which allows you to be a passenger on the ferry and then provides your transportation once on the island.
Read more about this hike and why you should book a guided tour here.
Pro Tip: Pack a lunch. The Hilton Garden Inn prepared us lunch boxes with sandwiches, an apple, and a water to go! You could also grab some open-faced sandwiches from Bitin to take with you.
🇫🇴 Book the Famous Kallur Lighthouse guided hike!
Dinner at ROKS
ROKS is the sister restaurant to KOKS, a Michelin starred restaurant on the island. This is a must do in the Faroe Islands for foodies.
You will want to book well in advance and expect to prepay the menu. You can choose from two menu options – “nearly ashore” or “totally on the rocks” which are both fully seafood with one offering additional courses. We did nearly ashore and it was the perfect amount.
They have tons of wines by the glass and encourage you to try different ones to pair with your meal vs getting a whole bottle.
*Note: The sister restaurant KOKS is currently closed as they are hosting a pop-up in Greenland while their new home in the Faroe Islands is under construction.
Day 5 – Sandavágur & Depart
On our last day in the Faroe Islands, you will return your rental car and depart the islands. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to squeeze in a few activities on the way to the airport. Here is what I suggest.
See the Church in Sandavágur
Sandavágur is a village on the island of Vagar and means “sandy”. There is a stunning church that is worth a stop to see.
Hike the Witches Finger Trail
If you have time for a hike, the Witches Finger Trail is also in Sandavágur on the way to the airport. It is an easy hike to the end of cliff that looks like a witches finger. There is not an entrance fee. You park in the parking area and walk the one hour loop.
Depart Faroe Islands
Return your rental car and arrive to the airport for your flight.
Faroe Island Itinerary Travel Map
Use this map for planning out your trip to the Faroe Islands! You’ll see why I have laid out the itinerary in this way for convenience of driving.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Faroe Islands?
Personally, I did not feel like we needed more than 5 days in the Faroe Islands. Sure, you can do some serious hiking and spend time exploring all 18 islands if you want. However, we saw the highlights and combined this trip along with a few days in Denmark.
How to Get to the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are super remote, but easily accessible from many places via their main airport, Vagar Airport (FAE). Since it is right next to Iceland, many US flights will connect via Reykjavik. If you are traveling from Europe, there are ample direct flights from Denmark, Norway, UK, and Paris.
As of August 2023, there is a brand new nonstop flight connecting North America and the Faroe Islands! It will fly weekly from New York Stewart International Airport departing on Wednesday and returning on Tuesday making it perfect for a 6 night trip! It is scheduled to run through October for the peak season. Book via Atlantic Airways.
Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands
While there are many islands you can stay on, I recommend setting up home base in the main town of Torshavn on Streymoy. You will have easy access to all the things to see and do, but be walking distance to restaurants in the evenings. There are nicer hotel options and plenty of house rentals.
If you want to be super remote, I think an airbnb would be a great option. You will want to plan to grocery shop and have most meals at home since you would have long drives to restaurants at night. It would be the ultimate in isolation.
Best Faroe Islands Hotel Options
I’m all about a luxury hotel or trendy boutique property. However, the Faroe Islands are still pretty undiscovered and do not really have that yet. These are the two nicest hotels on the islands that I would recommend.
Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands
The Hilton Garden Inn is super stylish with authentic Scandinavian design elements. It’s super sleek throughout the lobby and bar area and even has a grass roof!
The rooms are very efficient, have windows so you can feel the fresh air, and feature Smeg appliances – refrigerator and tea pot! The rooms are clean and the beds are comfortable – two major factors for me.
We loved having coffee in the market – they have a Jura coffee maker – if you know you know!
We chose it for the location which is in walking distance to the restaurants. Still about a 15-20 minute walk, but we enjoyed seeing the neighborhoods as we strolled.
I do not normally spring for a Hilton when there’s something more local, but it is fairly new, had great reviews, and a better location.
Hotel Foroyar
The Hotel Foroyar is perched on a hillside overlooking Torshavn with panoramic vies. They recently opened an annex building with all new rooms and suites. They also recently added the Ress Spa which would be ideal after a long day hiking in the cool weather.
We considered staying here, but after reading reviews determined it was not the best location for the few days we had planned. It is not walkable to Torshavn, but is a great option if walking to restaurants is not important to you!
Faroe Island Airbnb Options
I think it would make for a really authentic experience to stay in a home with a grass roof in the Faroe Islands. Many of these are completely isolated so would be a very unique experience where you could really disconnect!
This one is amazing, located in Klaksvik – the second largest town.
I meannnnn, how adorable??
Faroe Islands Packing List
Here’s a comprehensive packing list tailored for exploring the Faroe Islands’ stunning hiking trails:
Clothing:
- Waterproof Jacket: Essential for unpredictable weather conditions. I have this one and love it!
- Waterproof Pants: Keep dry on wet and muddy trails.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: Provide ankle support and grip for uneven terrain. I have these ones!
- Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Keep you comfortable by managing sweat.
- Insulating Mid-Layers (Fleece or Wool): Stay warm in cool temperatures. I wore these fleece lined leggings while hiking!
- Warm Puffer Coat: Protect against wind and rain while allowing ventilation. I LOVE my Arc’teryx!!
- Warm Hat and Gloves: Shield against chilly winds, even in summer.
- Jeans and Sweaters: Perfect casual wear for dinners.
Gear and Accessories:
- Backpack: Comfortable to carry essentials and extra layers.
- GPS: Essential for navigating Faroe Islands’ sometimes challenging trails. You should be able to rent one with a rental car. Phone service is poor!
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a reusable, eco-friendly option.
- Snacks: Pack energy-boosting snacks for sustenance during hikes.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protect against strong UV rays, which can be deceiving even in cloudy weather.
- Camera or Smartphone: Capture breathtaking landscapes and memories.
- Travel Adapter: Ensure your electronics stay charged with European plugs.
- Cash: Useful for smaller purchases and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted.
- Portable Power Bank: Keep devices charged for navigation and photography.
Continue Planning Your Faroe Islands Itinerary
Checkout more of my travel tips for the Faroe Islands to plan the perfect vacation.
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