Top 7 Things to Do in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a hiker’s paradise, a landscape of dramatic cliffs, sweeping valleys, and mind-bending optical illusions. Discovering this raw beauty on foot is the most intimate way to experience the islands, and a private guide transforms a simple walk into an unforgettable expedition by providing local context, ensuring safety, and arranging access to spectacular viewpoints.

Let an expert lead you on the iconic cliffside trail to the Kallur Lighthouse or to the famous "floating lake" of Sørvágsvatn. Here, you can stand on the precipice of Trælanípa for its staggering optical illusion, a massive body of freshwater appearing to float hundreds of feet directly above the North Atlantic, seeming to defy gravity.

What to Expect

When embarking on a privately guided hike, expect:

• Expert Local Knowledge: Your guide knows the terrain, the ever-changing weather, and the stories behind the scenery.
• Customized Routes: Hikes are tailored to your fitness level and interests, from challenging climbs to gentle ambles.
• Exclusive Access: Gain entry to trails on private land that may otherwise be inaccessible.
• A Scenic Packed Lunch: Enjoy a hearty, well-deserved meal featuring local specialties with a world-class view.
• Unparalleled Photography: Your guide will lead you to the best, crowd-free vantage points for that perfect shot.

Best Places for Guided Hikes

• Kalsoy Island: The dramatic, ridge-line trail to the Kallur Lighthouse.
• Vágar Island: The iconic cliff of Trælanípa overlooking the "floating" Sørvágsvatn lake.
• Mykines Island: The scenic trail through the puffin colony to the lighthouse on the islet of Mykineshólmur.
• Streymoy Island: The classic cross-island route from the historic village of Saksun to the surf beach of Tjørnuvík.

From late spring to summer, the cliffs of the Faroe Islands come alive with hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including the impossibly charming puffin. To witness these bustling bird colonies is a true natural spectacle, and a private charter by sea or air provides an exclusive and intimate viewing experience away from the standard tours.

Avoid the crowded public ferry and charter a private boat or helicopter to the island of Mykines, the puffin capital of the Faroes. A guide can lead you along the trail where puffins nest just feet away. Alternatively, take a private boat tour to the magnificent Vestmanna Sea Cliffs, navigating through grottoes and sailing beneath massive cliffs teeming with guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars.

What to Expect

When embarking on a private bird-watching tour, expect:

• Exclusive Transport: Charter a private boat or helicopter for ultimate flexibility and comfort.
• Expert Ornithology Guide: Learn to identify different species and understand their fascinating behavior.
• Intimate Wildlife Encounters: Get respectfully close to puffin colonies and massive bird cliffs.
• Avoiding the Crowds: Enjoy the experience at your own pace, without the bustle of large groups.
• Crucial Timing: This is a seasonal experience. It's vital to plan your trip between May and early August. The puffins arrive in spring and depart for the open sea by the end of August.

Best Places for Bird Watching

• Mykines Island: The undisputed best place for puffin encounters.
• Vestmanna Sea Cliffs: For staggering numbers of guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes.
• Nólsoy Island: Home to the world's largest colony of European storm petrels.

Faroese cuisine is a unique reflection of its isolation and ingenuity, and there is no better way to experience it than a heimablídni. This "home hospitality" is a cherished invitation into a local's home to share food, stories, and culture, offering an evening of unparalleled authenticity that must be booked far in advance.

Arrange a private dinner at a traditional Faroese farm or a family home, where your hosts will serve a multi-course meal featuring ingredients they have grown, raised, or foraged themselves. You will taste unique local delicacies like wind-dried fermented lamb, fresh-caught seafood, and rhubarb from the garden.

What to Expect

When indulging in a heimablídni experience, you can anticipate:

• A Private, Intimate Setting: Dine in the comfort and warmth of a real Faroese home.
• Authentic Faroese Hosts: Share an evening of genuine conversation and cultural exchange.
• Hyper-Local Cuisine: Taste unique flavors and traditional dishes you won't find in restaurants.
• Unforgettable Stories: Hear firsthand about life, farming, and tradition in the islands.

Best Places for Heimablídni

• Velbastaður (Streymoy): Home to a famous farm-to-table experience with stunning sea views.
• Kirkjubøur (Streymoy): Dine at the historic 17th-generation family farm.
• Sandavágur (Vágar): Enjoy a cozy and traditional meal in a local village home.

The Faroe Islands are dotted with tiny, impossibly picturesque villages that seem to have grown organically from the dramatic landscape. Exploring these hamlets, with their colorful wooden buildings and traditional turf roofs that provide natural insulation, is like stepping into a Nordic fairy tale. A private driver-guide makes visiting these remote locations seamless and enriching.

Wind your way to the stunning natural harbor of Gjógv (meaning "gorge"), walk along the black-sand beach of Tjørnuvík with its view of legendary sea stacks, and visit the tidal lagoon at Saksun, where a lone, turf-roofed church and farmstead create a perfect scene.

What to Expect

When exploring the villages, expect:

• Private Vehicle and Driver-Guide: Navigate the narrow roads and sub-sea tunnels with ease and comfort.
• Picture-Perfect Scenery: Discover some of the most charming and photogenic spots in the world.
• Rich Local Lore: Hear the stories, history, and folklore associated with each unique village.
• A Leisurely Pace: Take your time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and explore on foot.
• Architectural Charm: Admire the traditional grass-roofed houses and colorful wooden churches.

Best Places for Village Tours

• Gjógv (Eysturoy): Famous for its dramatic gorge and charming houses.
• Saksun (Streymoy): A stunningly remote and tranquil hamlet with a tidal lagoon.
• Tjørnuvík (Streymoy): A beautiful surf beach with views of the Risin and Kellingin sea stacks.
• Bøur (Vágar): Offers a classic view of turf-roofed homes with the sea stack of Tindhólmur in the background.

The iconography of the Faroe Islands is defined by its dramatic natural landmarks: powerful waterfalls plunging directly into the ocean and colossal sea stacks standing like sentinels against the might of the Atlantic. A private tour by land and sea is the ultimate way to witness these magnificent sights.

Travel the scenic route to Gásadalur to witness the famous Múlafossur waterfall as it cascades over the cliff edge into the sea. To truly appreciate the scale of the Drangarnir sea arch and the adjacent islet of Tindhólmur, a private boat charter is essential. Your skipper can navigate for the perfect angles, allowing you to capture stunning photographs of these geological wonders.

What to Expect

When chasing waterfalls and sea stacks, anticipate:

• Seamless Private Touring: A dedicated driver-guide for land and a skipper for the sea.
• Iconic Photo Opportunities: Capture the most famous and breathtaking landscapes in the Faroes.
• Dual Perspectives: Experience these landmarks from cliff-top vantage points and at sea level.
• Geological Insight: Learn about the volcanic origins and formation of these incredible features.
• Exclusivity and Comfort: Avoid crowded viewpoints and enjoy a flexible, personalized itinerary.

Best Places for Waterfalls and Sea Stacks

• Gásadalur (Vágar): The location of the iconic Múlafossur Waterfall.
• Sørvágsfjørður (Vágar): The fjord from which to view Drangarnir and Tindhólmur by boat.
• Streymoy Island: Home to Fossá, the tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands.

To fully grasp the verticality and sheer drama of the Faroese coastline, you must see it from the water. While fast-paced RIB boats are an option, a more luxurious and relaxed experience can be had aboard a private sailboat. This allows you to soak in the monumental scenery at a civilized pace.

Charter a classic Faroese schooner or modern sailboat for a half-day or full-day excursion with a professional skipper. Glide beneath the towering Vestmanna Sea Cliffs or explore the coastline of a remote island like Hestur, known for its numerous sea caves and grottoes. Enjoy gourmet catering and refreshments on board as you watch seabirds soar overhead and, if you're lucky, spot seals or porpoises in the water.

What to Expect

On a private sailing tour, you can expect:

• An Exclusive Vessel and Skipper: The ultimate in comfort, privacy, and personalized service.
• A Unique Coastal Perspective: Appreciate the immense scale of the cliffs from below.
• A Relaxing Pace: Enjoy the journey and the scenery without being rushed by a rigid schedule.
• Gourmet Catering Onboard: Savor delicious food and drinks while surrounded by epic landscapes.
• Access to Hidden Gems: Explore sea caves and coves that are inaccessible from land.

Best Places for Sailing

• Vestmanna Sea Cliffs, Streymoy
• The fjord systems around Streymoy and Eysturoy
• The coastlines of Hestur and Koltur islands

For the most breathtaking and comprehensive view of the Faroe Islands, take to the sky. A private helicopter tour is the pinnacle of luxury travel here, offering a stunning perspective on how the 18 islands, connected by fjords and sounds, form a single, dramatic masterpiece in the middle of the ocean.

While helicopters form part of the subsidized public transport network, chartering one for a private scenic flight allows for a completely customized and unforgettable experience. Work with your pilot to design a route that covers your must-see sights, from the puffin colonies of Mykines to the dramatic sea stacks of Drangarnir and the remote northern islands, all in a single, spectacular flight.

What to Expect

When taking a private helicopter tour, anticipate:

• The Ultimate Vantage Point: See the entire archipelago laid out beneath you like a map.
• Exclusivity and Comfort: Enjoy a private flight with just your party and the pilot.
• Unparalleled Efficiency: See in an hour what would take days to cover by land and sea.
• A Customizable Itinerary: Fly over the specific landmarks and islands that interest you most.
• Incredible Photographic Opportunities: Capture sweeping aerial shots of the dramatic topography.

Best Places for Helicopter Sightseeing

• The Drangarnir and Tindhólmur sea stacks
• Mykines Island and its lighthouse
• The towering cliffs of the Northern Islands, Kalsoy, Kunoy, and Viðoy

The Faroe Islands truly have it all: beautiful, dramatic mountains, charming villages that beckon discovery, and a raw, untamed coastline that captivates the soul. Each of these diverse landscapes and cultural centers offers a wealth of activities designed to enthrall visitors with varied interests, encouraging exploration of the best places to visit in the Faroe Islands and beyond.

Whether you're looking for the thrill of a private helicopter flight over the archipelago or an intimate heimablídni dinner in a local farmhouse, our experts are ready to help you plan your trip. For more once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, take a look at our trips of a lifetime series.