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.
If you’re planning on a holiday in the Faroe Islands here are our top five things to do:
- Helicopter ride to Stóra Dímun
- Boat Ride Along the Vestmanna Cliffs
- Walk Trails Linking Remote Villages
- Guided Tour to the Kallur Lighthouse, Kalsoy
- Enjoy Faroese Food and Drink: From Fine Dining to Heimablídni
Explore towering cliffs, visit bustling puffin colonies, and experience Faroese hospitality.
1. Helicopter ride to Stóra Dímun
Take a 20-minute helicopter flight from the airport to the remote island of Stóra Dímun, where you’ll be greeted by Eva and Jógvan Jón, the eighth generation of farmers on this tiny island. Explore the farm, learn about their way of life, and enjoy a warm welcome with a taste of their fresh, local produce.
2. Boat Ride Along the Vestmanna Cliffs
Set sail on a boat tour along the famous Vestmanna sea cliffs and marvel at the dramatic scenery and wildlife that inhabit these towering cliffs. Afterward, visit the villages of Kvívík, home to one of the earliest Viking settlements, and Leynar, with its idyllic sandy beach.
3. Walk Trails Linking Remote Villages
Hike the ancient paths connecting remote villages, taking in breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Many trails can be walked independently, but some are best explored with a guide who can share the history of the land, help with navigation, and provide access to hidden routes. Cloud can descend quickly, so local guidance is invaluable.
4. Guided Tour to the Kallur Lighthouse, Kalsoy
The Kallur Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the Faroe Islands, and with good reason. Kalsoy is also home to the Seal Woman (Kópakonan) statue and the dramatic backdrop seen in James Bond’s No Time to Die. A guided tour lets you explore this iconic location safely while learning its fascinating stories.
5. Enjoy Faroese Food and Drink: From Fine Dining to Heimablídni
Despite its small size, the Faroe Islands boast a vibrant culinary scene. In Tórshavn, you’ll find Michelin-starred fine dining at PAZ, praised for its “prodigiously talented chef”. For a more personal experience, try heimablídni (home hospitality), where locals welcome you into their homes to share meals, stories, and perhaps some Faroese akvavitt or rhubarb gin. Alternatively, you can have a guided food tour of Tórshavn, or visit some of the distilleries and breweries across the archipelago. Across all experiences, you’ll discover the Faroe Islands’ love of traditional ingredients like skerpikjøt (fermented lamb) and the joy of sharing them.
