Faroe Islands

Cycling in the Faroe Islands

Cycling in the Faroe Islands | Self-Guided Bike Hire & Guided Tours

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Highlights

  • Cycle past dramatic cliffs, fjords, waterfalls, and coastal roads.
  • Choose self-guided bike hire for freedom or guided tours for curated routes with local insights.
  • Visit charming villages, historic sites, and experience local traditions along your cycling route.

Cycling in the Faroe Islands

Cycling is an excellent way to explore the Faroe Islands without the need for a car. The roads are generally well-maintained, and the climbs are neither too steep nor too long. A variety of rental bikes are available, including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, and e-bikes. You can collect your bike in Tórshavn, or we can arrange for it to be delivered directly to your accommodation. Additionally, if you are staying on Suðuroy, we can organise a rental bike for you, so you won’t have to worry about transporting it on the ferry.

Tórshavn-Velbastað
Credit: Sára Jensdóttir Petersen – near Tórshavn

Cycling is permitted through the majority of the tunnels that connect the Faroe Islands, with the exceptions being the new tunnel to Sandoy and the tunnel connecting Eysturoy and Streymoy (the tunnel with the sub-sea roundabout).

Sára's mom cycling in Faroe Islands
Photo thanks to Steve’s Faroese friend Sára.

As the landscape shifts dramatically with every turn, biking through the breathtaking Faroe Islands offers countless opportunities to pause and take in the stunning vistas that surround you. The combination of rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and the shimmering sea provides an ever-changing backdrop, inviting exploration and reflection at every stop along the way.

Kalsoy by bike
Credit: Sára Jensdóttir Petersen.

Buttercup Routes (Sóljuleiðir) are designated scenic driving routes in the Faroe Islands, marked by yellow buttercup symbols on road signs. They highlight the most picturesque, winding, and dramatic paths, often leading to secluded villages and coastal views, which means that you don’t need to cycle amongst the commuter traffic. 

Mountain biking Faroe Islands
Taken by Steve on his guided MTB day.

In most cases, you need to obtain a permit from the local farmer before cycling off-road. The best way to respect the natural environment and the farmer is to cycle with a local guide who is familiar with the area. This way, you can enjoy a suitable and unique challenge.

If you’re not interested in a full-day ride but would like to explore Tórshavn or Kirkjubøur by bike, we can arrange guided tours for you. These tours last approximately three hours, during which your guide will show you the sights and provide snacks along the way!

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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