The Faroe Islands

Highlights

Visit the puffin colonies on Mykines
Walk to the iconic Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy
Drive through the world’s first subsea roundabout
Step back in time at the oldest continuously occupied house in the world at Kirkjubøur
Experience heimablídni - the warmth of home hospitality - with a local

The 18 Islands of the Faroes are wild and rugged, peaceful yet dramatic.

Rising dramatically from the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are a breathtaking mix of sharp peaks, sheer cliffs, and untamed beauty. This remote 18-island archipelago lies between Scotland, Iceland, and Norway, yet remains an autonomous territory of Denmark, with a character entirely its own. Windswept, wild, and wonderfully isolated, it is a place where nature reigns supreme and every horizon holds a new adventure.

The Faroe Islands are a land of striking contrasts, and that includes the weather. In a single day you might experience fog and rain, followed by sunshine and rainbows. For nature lovers, this is all part of the charm. Narrow fjords, dramatic sea stacks, and towering rock faces create scenery that takes your breath away, while the grass-blanketed hills and absence of trees mean uninterrupted views from island to island.

Although remote, the Faroes offer plenty to enjoy. Walking is one of the most popular activities, with rewarding views at every turn. Some paths can be faint, especially in low cloud, but most main routes are waymarked with cairns and posts. If you are familiar with the Lake District, the terrain will feel similar, only without the crowds. We can recommend self-guided walks or arrange guided hiking days so you can relax and simply enjoy the endless vistas.

The rugged coastline is best explored by boat. Use it to travel between islands or take a dedicated tour to marvel at the world’s largest sea cave or the towering cliffs of Vestmanna. A favourite for many visitors is the boat trip to Mykines, home to nesting puffins, with views of the famous Drangarnir sea stacks and Mulafossur Waterfall along the way. Puffin season runs from late May to the end of July, when these charismatic birds are most active. Another unforgettable option is to take the helicopter to the tiny farm on Stóra Dímun, where the sea cliffs stretch away in every direction.

For a slower-paced day, wander past the grass-roofed government buildings on Tinganes or visit the National Gallery, which showcases Faroese art from the 1830s to the present day. Sample locally brewed ales at the Mikkeller craft bar, enjoy fine dining at award-winning restaurants, or learn about traditional stone printmaking at a lithographic workshop.

Between May and August, the islands host a variety of music festivals, but the highlight of the year is Ólavsøka on 28 and 29 July. This national holiday is both a sporting and cultural celebration that brings the whole country together. If you plan to visit at this time, we can tailor your itinerary so you can make the most of the events and celebrations during your stay.

Best time to go

Despite their northerly location, the Faroes enjoy surprisingly mild temperatures thanks to the tail end of the Gulf Stream which tempers the chill. Strong winds and frequent rainfall are part of daily life, which summer highs usually around 15°C. If you want to escape the heat of summer, then the Faroe Islands is a great option!

Arrive expecting a mix of cloud and rain along with days of sunshine and endless views. Most visitors choose to come between May and August, the driest and warmest months, with July and August being peak season. In summer, the islands’ northern latitude means long days and near-twilight nights, when mountain silhouettes linger against the sky. Between May and August you can expect 16 to 20 hours of daylight.

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Getting to The Faroe Islands

We take care of every detail of your tailor-made holiday, including flights. Our team searches for the best fares, schedules, and departure airports to suit your needs. Should there be any unexpected delays, we’re just a phone call away. Our emergency 24-hour UK helpline connects you directly to a member of our team for immediate support and advice. We offer complete flexibility, so your holiday has no limits; from multi-leg flights to internal flights and stopovers with city-packages, we’ve got it covered.

Getting to The Faroe Islands from UK

The Faroe Islands has one airport, Vágar. Atlantic Airways (the Faroe’s national carrier) have direct flights from Edinburgh twice a week from late March to early December.

There are also fights twice a week from London Gatwick in June, July, and August.

Getting to The Faroe Islands from USA

From the USA or Canada, you can fly to the Faroe Islands via Reykjavik all year round. It’s also possible to fly via other European cities, with daily flights from Copenhagen throughout the year, for example. You can fly into the Faroes with Icelandair, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and Wideroe.

Getting to The Faroe Islands from elsewhere

From the USA or Canada, you can fly to the Faroe Islands via Reykjavik all year round. It’s also possible to fly via other European cities, with daily flights from Copenhagen throughout the year. You can fly into the Faroes with Icelandair, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and Wideroe.

If you are departing from outside the UK, US, or Canada, simply get in touch to discuss your holiday plans and we will talk through your flight options