The Roads Less Travelled: Our Faroe Islands Road Trip Itinerary
Enjoy our complete Faroe Islands itinerary and road trip guide, including what to see and do, where to eat, drink and stay, and a few helpful tips to guarantee your safety and enjoyment while driving in the Faroe Islands.
UPDATED - July 2024
If travelling to the most rugged and remote corners of our earth sounds like your cup of tea, then the Faroe Islands might just be the place for you.
Wild, unpredictable, and achingly beautiful, a road trip around the 18-island strong archipelago is by far the best way to enjoy the Faroe Islands.
We recently road tripped around the Faroes, enjoying the remarkable landscapes, charming seaside villages, and affable and welcoming locals. We marvelled at vast green valleys, dramatic sea cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, hiked narrow fjords and pointed peaks, and of course, got overly excited when a colony of cute Puffins soared over our heads.
Keen to do the same?
This post is for you.
In this post, we’ve detailed our complete Faroe Islands itinerary, including essential car hire advice, a day-to-day road trip guide, including what to see and do, where to eat, drink and stay, and a few helpful tips to guarantee your safety and enjoyment on the islands.
Think of this post as your Faroe Islands road trip bible - your ultimate guide to the best of the Faroes, and one we hope will make you fall just as in love with the country just as we have.
THE PERFECT 7-DAY FAROE ISLANDS ITINERARY
WHY ROAD TRIP THE FAROE ISLANDS?
For the roads less travelled.
The Faroe Islands, for all their recent growing popularity, still feel wholly undiscovered. Worlds away from anywhere else on the planet, it’s this feeling and the sense of freedom that makes road-tripping this remote archipelago such a dream.
Driving from island to island and village to village, admiring the views and singing along to good tunes (essential for any road trip!) was one of our favourite pastimes
From epic hikes to the isolated Kalsoy lighthouse and spotting endangered puffins on Mykines to kayaking through the freezing North Atlantic and devouring 12-course meals at KOKS, a Michelin-starred restaurant - the Faroe Islands left us in absolute awe at every turn.
What’s more, the roads are incredibly good and easy to navigate, making it the perfect road trip destination.
HIRING A CAR IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
We hired a small Toyota Yaris hatchback for our Faroes Islands road trip which handled everything perfectly.
The beauty of the Faroes is that, while remote, they’re also Scandinavian, which means great infrastructure and high-quality roads — no need for off-roading vehicles for the average tourist here!
Hiring a car in the Faroe Islands is, for all intents and purposes, the same as anywhere else in the world, apart from one thing: it’s super expensive.
CAR HIRE COSTS
During high season, weekly car hire in the Faroe Islands is upwards of £400/€500 (including theft protection waiver, third-party coverage, and collision damage waiver).
If you’re looking for something slightly larger than our Yaris, that price jumps to £500/€550 - £800/€800. For reference, our week-long car rental in Slovenia cost us a little more than £150/€200.
With this in mind, we recommend booking well in advance to secure the best deal and planning your travels outside the peak July/August travel period.
Also, make sure tunnel tolls are included in your car hire (you will have to pay additional fees for these if not).
BOOK | Search for car rental options in Faroe Islands here
INSURANCE
Insurance is highly recommended on the islands given the various obstacles, including inclement weather, animals and tunnels. Standard insurance will be included in your car rental, and will cover Liability, Fire, Theft and Collision Damage (CDW).
Instead of buying the full excess waiver insurance through your car hire company (it’s usually extremely expensive for what you get), we suggest Insurance4CarHire. They provide comprehensive 12-month worldwide policies for under £60/€70/$75.
This has been a game-changer for us, as additional insurance through our car hire company would have cost us €100 for our week-long Faroe Islands road trip alone.
BOOK | Book your policy here
CAR HIRE PRACTICALITIES
On the practical side of things, most visitors to the Faroe Islands will pick up their rental from Vagar Airport (which we highly recommend). For pickup, you’ll need all the usual documentation: passport, valid driver’s licence/international driver’s licence, and a credit card.
DRIVING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS | A FEW QUICK TIPS
Driving in the Faroe Islands comes with its own unique set of rules and regulations (you can read more about these in our things to know before driving in the Faroe Islands post - coming soon!).
With that in mind, we’ve listed a few key driving tips to make sure you’re safe and aware on these foreign roads:
Enjoy the views, but keep your eyes on the road. Unexpected obstacles can and do pop up unexpectedly!
The distances are manageable but do plan for unexpected weather events
Mind the sheep, they are everywhere on the islands (see unexpected obstacles point above!)
Drive slowly through tunnels, especially the single-lane ones
Always have your headlights on (even during the day); it’s required by law
Tunnels charge a toll payment of DKK 100 (about £11) for return trips, and you can pay at one of the petrol stations listed here (if not included in your car hire)
The speed limit is 80km/h on main roads and 50km/h within urban areas
Some of the roads are very narrow, so take it easy when going around corners. If unsure, go slowly and carefully, and don’t be put off by speedy locals
Purchase Car Hire Insurance, obviously…! Purchase a 12-month Worldwide policy for under USD 60/$75 here
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE FAROE ISLANDS?
We recommend planning your Faroe Island trip for the Summer, between July and August.
During this time, the weather is more stable and the days much longer, allowing for more exploration - ideal for any jam packed Faroe Islands itinerary.
For those more intrepid travellers, the winter can provide incredible scenery but with just two to four hours of sunlight a day, we just don't think it's worth it.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
It might seem unusual that a road trip itinerary would suggest staying in one location, but we do recommend basing yourself in Tórshavn for the majority of your time here.
The distances between the Faroe Islands’ best attractions are pretty short, so it’s just as easy to base yourself in Tórshavn and do day trips to each location from there. This is what we did, and the roads and landscapes are so beautiful it never felt like a chore.
You also reap the benefit of being in a city with better access to supermarkets, restaurants, and the like.
Be aware that accommodation will be one of your biggest expenses on the Faroe Islands.
HOTELS
We stayed in two different hotels in Tórshavn in two separate locations:
Hotel Tórshavn, right in the centre of town. A clean, basic hotel and good base for exploring. Prices and availability here
Havgrim Seaside Hotel - a beautiful boutique hotel that's been around since 1948 but recently refurbished. It's just past the harbour, with some pretty epic sea views and a deliciously tasty breakfast buffet. Book here
You can search for alternative hotels and prices on Booking.com.
HOSTELS
Hostels are few and far between in the Faroes, and there’s pretty much only one in Tórshavn itself. In our opinion, what you get for what you pay (normally £75+!) isn’t necessarily worth it. That said, we recommend 62N Guesthouse if you’d like
BOOK | 62N Guesthouse
CAMPING
For those keen on saving as much as possible, camping is your cheapest option, although not without its risks. With inclement weather gale-force winds and regular visitors around here, you'll need to be adequately prepared.
Note | Wild camping is illegal in the Faroes but click here to see the official camping sites around the islands.
FAROE ISLANDS ATTRACTIONS YOU MUST VISIT
We’ve already written a full guide to the best things to do in the Faroe Islands, which we’d recommend reading here.
In the meantime, we suggest adding the following to your list:
Lake Sørvágsvatn, Sudoroy | Lake Sørvágsvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, famous for its optical illusion where the lake seemingly hangs over the sea below. You’ll also find Trælanípa, a 142m high cliff where Vikings once pushed their slaves into the sea..!
Gásadalur and the Múlafossur Falls | Múlafossur waterfall cascades straight into the North Atlantic and while it’s become somewhat of an Instagram sensation, it’s one place we’re happy to admit is MUCH better in person.
A day trip to Mykines Island | Mykines (pronounced Mitch-en-ez) is famous as the breeding ground for many migratory seabirds, including the Puffin(!). The island swarms with life in the summer months, and the lighthouse is also worth hiking to!
Dine at KOKS | Helmed by young head chef/prodigy Poul Andrias Ziska, KOKS is the Faroes’ only Michelin-starred restaurant and its emphasis on uniquely celebrating modern Faroese cuisine, makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Visit Kalsoy and hike to the famous Kallurin Lighthouse | Famous for Kallurin Lighthouse positioned precariously on the edge of a 700m sheer drop into the ocean, the long thin island of Kalsoy is a must-visit island on the Faroes!
Chill out on Nolsoy Island | Quirky, colourful, and home to an artsy, creative community, Nolsoy is a fun day trip across the harbour from Tórshavn. Check out the lighthouse, the Nolywood sign, the pretty town, and the artwork dotted throughout!
Explore Tinganes, Tórshavn’s old town | Tórshavn’s old town dates back to the 1400s, and the narrow, winding lanes are filled with charmingly quintessential grass-roofed Faroese houses and stone buildings still used by locals today.
Visit pretty Gjogv | Famous for its scenic 200m gorge - one of the best natural harbours in the Faroes (once a centrepoint of its thriving fishing industry) - pretty little Gjogv’s colourful turf-roofed cottages and bubbling creek are full of charm.
Marvel at Saksun | Located in an imposing natural amphitheatre and jaw-droppingly beautiful Fjord is the village of Saksun. The fjord has a huge tidal lagoon, as well as plenty of hiking paths, viewpoints, and picturesque waterfalls.
OUR 7-DAY FAROE ISLANDS ITINERARY
Jam-packed with all the major Faroe Islands highlights, our week-long itinerary will allow you to experience the best of the Faroes without feeling too overwhelmed.
We’ve based our Faroe Islands itinerary on our own road trip around the islands in 2018, and we feel this is the best way to explore the islands, with plenty of freedom to do it at your own pace.
7-DAY FAROE ISLANDS ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY #1 | Arrive + explore the Mulafossur/Gásadalur/Bøur areas
DAY #2 | Day trip to Mykines to see the Puffins and hike to the lighthouse
DAY #3 | Kayak the North Atlantic, afternoon hiking Kalsoy
DAY #4 | A day trip to Nolsoy and Afternoon in Tórshavn
DAY #5 | Explore the island of Vágar, and dinner at KOKs
DAY #6 | Explore Streymoy, Saksun, Fossa and
Tjørnuvik
DAY #7 | Explore the island of Eysturoy, including Gjógv & Funningur
DAY #8 | Fly home
DAY #1 | MÚLAFOSSUR / GÁSADALUR / BØUR
Arrive at Vágar airport after one of the best landing views you’ll ever have (pick the window seat, people!), pick up your hire car and set off on your Faroe Islands adventure immediately.
First stop is the pretty little village of Bøur, around 10-minute drive from the airport after Sørvágur. Home to around 65 inhabitants, the village is quintessentially Faroese with grass roofs and narrow laneways.
The views are also some of the most breathtaking on the Faroes, overlooking the bay of Sørvágsfjørður and the otherworldly sea-stacks of Dragarnir and Tindhólmur.
After a quick walk and photo stop, head west on the #45 road towards the pretty village of Gásadalur, passing through Gásadalur Tunnel before winding down into the picturesque village below.
Isolated, and only connected to the rest of the Islands by road in 2004, Gásadalur is home to the rugged Múlafossur Waterfall. Falling directly into the ocean below, it’s a breathtaking sight and an essential stop on your Faroe Islands itinerary.
We recommend staying in Gásadalur overnight at the lovely Gásadalsgarðurin Guesthouse, which will allow you to enjoy sunset in the area, a hike to one of the nearby mountain peaks, and an early sunrise over Múlafossur Falls.
Enjoy dinner at Cafe Fjorooy, which serves the freshest smoked salmon you’ll ever eat in your life.
STAY | Book the Gásadalsgarðurin Guesthouse
EAT | Cafe Fjorooy
DAY #2 | A DAY TRIP TO MYKINES
MORNING
Day #2 might just be the highlight of your Faroe Islands itinerary: a visit to the island of Mykines and the vast puffin colony that calls it home.
From Gásadalur, head east on the #45 towards the village of Sørvágúr (a 15-minute drive from Gásadalur), and jump aboard the ferry which services the island - weather permitting - two times a day (we recommend booking your tickets in advance).
The ferry crossing can be somewhat wild and bumpy - so if you’re prone to seasickness be sure to have some anti-nausea tablets handy!
The westernmost island in the Faroes archipelago, Mykines (pronounced Mitch-en-ez) is the breeding ground for a wide range of migratory seabirds, including the incredibly cute and clumsy Puffin. The island is pocked with thousands of Puffin burrows and seabird nests and transforms into a hive of colour and sound in summer months.
The walk to the lighthouse at the southern tip of the island is also a must for epic views. It’s a fairly easy, albeit very hilly, 3-4 hour return hike which also passes by the Puffin nests. Stick to the path at all times to avoid trampling their habitat.
We highly recommend hiring former resident and hiking guide Heini, whose father was the last lighthouse keeper on the island. His knowledge and deep passion for the island he lived on as a child is infectious and inspiring; it will really make your time on the island worthwhile.
THE DETAILS
How to get to Mykines | Take the No. 36 ferry from Sørvagúr, which departs at 10.20 and 16.20 daily (weather permitting)
Ferry prices | DKK 60 | £7 per person
Guided Tour | Heini from Visit Mykines. Tours cost DKK450 pp. Book here
AFTERNOON / EVENING
After the wild ferry ride back to Sørvagúr, drive east on the #11 towards the Faroe’s largest island, Streymoy, and the capital, Tørshavn. It’s about a 45-minute drive and also includes passing through the Vágar tunnel.
After a long day, you may want to stay in and cook your own dinner (depending on your accommodation), or head into local institutions, Sirkus or Etika, for a meal.
STAY | Hotel Tórshavn
DAY #3 | KAYAK THE NORTH ATLANTIC, HIKE ON KALSOY
MORNING
If, like us, you enjoy taking on as many outdoor adventures as possible when you travel, we recommend seeing the Faroes from a completely different perspective by taking to the water on a half-day kayaking expedition (book this kayaking tour of Hoyvik).
Starting mid-morning in Hoyvik, around 5 minutes east of Tórshavn, the tour follows the coastline back towards Tórshavn harbour, stopping at various coves before slowly paddling back to Hoyvik. There are also tours that depart from Álakeri).
The tour itself is pretty easy, especially on a still day like we were greeted with, and it’s a great way to admire the incredible scenery and local flora. Hans, our guide and proper ocean man, was a wealth of information about the local area and its sometimes turbulent history.
NAX provides all necessary equipment, including kayaks, dry bags, and drysuits able to withstand the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to exercise your land legs instead, spend some time strolling around Tórshavn’s colourful, pretty harbour.
THE DETAILS
Where | Kayak tours depart from Hoyvik but must be pre-booked
AFTERNOON
As noon approaches, we suggest heading north-east towards the Faroes second largest city, Klaksvik (#10 highway, 75kms - 1.5hours), the starting point for your Kalsoy adventure.
Grab a quick lunch Café Fríða in Klaksvik, before your 15.30 ferry departure to Syðradalur (160 DKK for a car and driver, otherwise 15 DKK per person - check ferry times here).
Regardless of when you plan to visit Kalsoy during your Faroe Islands itinerary, we highly recommend booking your tickets in advance and arriving early to ensure you and your car make it onto the ferry as it was pretty packed when we went.
The long, thin island of Kalsoy is the northernmost part of the Faroe Islands archipelago and is famous for Kallurin lighthouse, positioned precariously on the edge of a 700m high sheer cliff that rises straight out of the North Atlantic below.
Once on Kalsoy, drive north towards the remote village of Trøllanes. The carpark is the starting point of the 2-hour hike to the lighthouse (4kms). From here, make your way west through a red gate, before following the faint path along the base of the mountain, slowly snaking your way towards the lighthouse.
We took a guided tour and were definitely glad for our guide’s expert guidance on the steep and sometimes slippery path! Wear a pair of sturdy hiking boots for this one.
The views from the lighthouse are honestly jaw-dropping and a little terrifying; sheer cliffs surround you from almost all sides, while in the distance you can see the edge of the surrounding islands.
You can walk out to a ledge just past the lighthouse to get the now iconic photo of the lighthouse and mountain, but be warned that it's very windy, slightly precarious and once or twice we had to drop to the ground to avoid feeling like we might be blown over the edge!
THE DETAILS
Where | Kallurin Lighthouse, Kalsoy
Guided Tour | Book your epic 5-hour tour
READ | Our ultimate guide to Kalsoy and the Kallur Lighthouse
EVENING
Before returning back to Syðradalur, stop in the town of Mikladalur to visit the Seal Woman statue, and to learn about the folktale of how she is believed to still curse the men of the Island.
Take the 18:50 ferry back to Klaksvik, before driving back to the city of Tórshavn and grabbing some food in town.
STAY | Hotel Tórshavn
DAY #4 | A DAY TRIP TO NOLSOY, AFTERNOON IN TÓRSHAVN
DAY
Often overlooked when planning a trip to the Faroe Islands, little Nolsoy is the definition of ‘undiscovered gem’.
Situated just a short ferry ride across from Tórshavn, Nolsoy has a quirky, artsy, community, a colourful little town, a fun ‘Nolywood’ sign, and lots of exceptional hiking. It’s the perfect chill day to break up an otherwise pretty heavily outdoor-based itinerary.
On a clear day, we recommend the hike to Nólsoy lighthouse (14kms or 5 hours, starting in Nólsoy), before returning to the town to enjoy some of the delicious food and great company on offer at Nólsoy Visitor Centre, a pretty wooden cabin in the heart of the town. Their delicious homemade food is perfect post-hike grub; the steamed cod and potatoes are DELICIOUS, followed by homemade waffles with rhubarb jam and cream.
If the weather’s inclement, like it was when we visited, have a relaxed day curled up inside the Visitors centre instead and wander through the town itself, including the local church, the photogenic homes and boat sheds, and the artwork dotted throughout the community. The port, in particular, had a number of beautiful murals.
If you’re keen to hike to the lighthouse, we recommend taking the 07:45 early ferry from Tórshavn harbour. Alternatively, if you’re just after a chill day, head out on the midday ferry.
AFTERNOON / EVENING
Late afternoon is the perfect time to explore Tórshavn; while it might not be the most buzzing capital in Europe, it’s actually one of its oldest - and that alone is a reason to spend some time exploring it!
Starting in the historical 14th-century old town, take a stroll through the twisting cobblestone streets lined with quintessential charming traditional homes still used by locals and businesses today. Just a short walk away is the oldest parliamentary meeting location in the world (dating back to the 800s), still home to the Prime Minister’s office today.
It's also worth checking out Skansin, Tórshavn's old fort which dates back to 1580. Although not a lot remains today, it does provide a nice view out to Nólsoy, and back towards Tinganes and the rest of Tórshavn.
A short walk from the old town is Vestaravág, the picturesque harbour area of Tórshavn, and home to a number of great restaurants. Definitely make time for dinner at Skeiva Pakkhus, which serves super modern Faroese cuisine in a delicious tapas-like format.
STAY | Hotel Tórshavn
READ | Our guide to Tórshavn
DAY #5 | EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF VÁGAR, DINNER AT KOKS
MORNING
The island of Vágar is the largest in the Faroe Islands, and home to some of its most dramatic, rugged and famous scenery.
From Tórshavn, drive 45 minutes west towards the town of Sørvágur, where you’ll begin a 4-5 hour (12km) guided hike through the typically Faroese rugged green hills of the Sørvágsfjørður before finally arriving at the main viewpoint.
From here, you’ll have epic views over the dinosaur-esque Tindhólmur, sea stacks of Drangarnir and the famed Stóri Drangur archway that jut dramatically straight from the North Atlantic.
Note that this is private property and any unguided hikes are illegal, so book your tour here.
The hiking & boat tour runs from April to September on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00. Price of the hike is 550 DKK (2024).
AFTERNOON
End the day with one of the most celebrated hikes on the islands: Sørvágsvatn. Also known as ‘The Lake Above the Ocean’, Sørvágsvatn is famous for, funnily enough, its optical illusion where the lake seemingly hangs over the sea below.
On the edge of Sørvágsvatn is Bøsdalafossur waterfall, which thunders straight into the sea below. If the North Atlantic is at its most ferocious, it's a powerful sight to see as huge waves pummel the cliffs and the waterfall blows back into the lake.
The area is also famous for Trælanípa, a 142m cliff where Vikings once pushed their slaves off the mountain into the raging sea below. These days, photographers -including us! - prefer to use it as the perfect point to snap photos of the incredibly rugged coastline.
The walk to the famous viewpoint begins in Midvágur and takes about an hour to get to “the view” back over the cliffs and lake.
To control over tourism in the area and maintain infrastructure, a fee of DKK 200 (€25) has been implemented for the hike. It might be a little steep, but you’d probably pay the equivalent to visit La Sagrada Familia - so in our opinion, it’s worth it. Read our in-depth guide to plan your hike
EVENING
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience during your time on the Faroes, we recommend booking a table at KOKS, ROKS, or Raest, for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Located at Leynavatn, 20 minutes north of Tórshvan, the KOKS dining experience begins with a bumpy Land Rover ride around the edge of the lake to a quaint Faroese cabin, and continues with an 18-course meal paired with wines (paired juices available for non-drinkers/drivers).
The entire meal is a celebration of traditional Faroese food with a modern twist. Expect delicious seafood and vegetables along with some more uncommon, sometimes controversial, additions like whale blubber (we missed this course), and fermented lamb and fish.
This is definitely a splurge, so if you’re after a more relaxed affair, head to Barbara Fish House in Tinganes which serves up some of the best fish and seafood the Faroes have to offer.
STAY | Hotel Tórshavn
DAY #6 | EXPLORE STREYMOY, INCLUDING SAKSUN, FOSSA AND TJØRNUVIK
MORNING
Streymoy, the largest island in the archipelago, is home to a stack of things to do in the Faroes. Start your day by driving 15 minutes north of Tórshavn on the #10 road towards Norðradalur (home to perhaps the most scenic road in all the Faroes).
From Norðradalur, continue on the #10 for around 40 mins towards the town of Hvalvik, and turn left on the #53 road towards the small, but unbelievably beautiful town of Saksun (30 mins).
The road in as almost as pretty as the town itself - it follows a wide valley with towering mountains on either side. The road itself is narrow and in most parts one-way, so be careful and take your time.
Located in an imposing natural amphitheatre and isolated Fjord, Saksun is home to 14 inhabitants. The Fjord also has a large tidal lagoon, which when low, allows you to walk out to the sandy headland. The walk is easy and very much worth it for some incredible views.
The village itself is home to a church that was built in 1858, as well as a few grass-covered homes that are seriously photogenic.
Please, do not trespass to take photos of “the Saksun house” - this is (very clearly marked) private property, not your instagram playground.
There are also some hiking paths that take you high above the village, providing incredible views of the Fjord and its surroundings. There are also several picturesque waterfalls within the village.
AFTERNOON
Next stop is Føssá waterfall.
Head back towards Hvalvik, stopping for lunch before turning left towards Brúgvin bridge, turning left onto the #594 for about 15 mins, before arriving at Føssa.
Blink and you’ll miss it, Føssa is the tallest of over 18,000 waterfalls on the Faroe Islands, standing at 140m high.
After heavy rainfall, it becomes like any you'd see in Iceland - roaring over the multiple tiers showering the surrounding area with a heavy mist. There's a short path you can follow to the base of the falls, however, if the falls are raging, it's almost impossible to reach this far.
Continue on the #594 north towards the another typically picturesque Faroese town of Tjørnuvik. Be careful on the road, as its one-way in parts, and can get a little dangerous on blind corners.
Situated on a pretty beach, with a waterfall directly behind the village, Tjørnuvik is a great place to enjoy an afternoon coffee at Sand (with an epic view), before driving back to Tórshavn for the evening.
EVENING
For dinner, head to Smyrjibreydsbudin (tough name, right?!) in Tórshavn for some delicious Ramen soup to warm the bones.
STAY | Havgrim Seaside (if you’re keen for a change of scenery, ocean views and a bit more luxury! Otherwise, Hotel Torshavn)
DAY #7 | EXPLORE EYSTUROY, INCLUDING GJÓGV & FUNNINGUR
MORNING
The final day of our Faroe Islands itinerary involves another full day of driving but we swear it’s worth it.
Head to the northern reaches of Eysturoy and visit the picturesque towns of Gjógv and Funningur, while enjoying one of our favourite roads on the island through the Funningur Fjord.
Heading north from Tórshavn, follow route #10 towards Klaksvik, crossing the Streymin bridge and passing through the Norðskála Tunnel before turning left shortly after towards Funningur. It’s here that the road becomes absolutely stunning; a long, windy road that hugs the edge of a picturesque fiord.
Stop in the picturesque town of Funningur for a quick break and walk. The town, although not as pretty as Gjogv, is surrounded by imposing mountains giving you that ubiquitous Faroese feeling of isolation.
Leaving Funningur, take the mountain pass heading towards Slættaratindur. This incredible road is full of tight hairpins, epic scenery and some of our favourite Faroese views; rocky peaks, sparse, green mountainside, the sweeping Funningurfjord, and overlooking the beautiful valley village of Funningur.
From the peak, stop at Hvíthamar and walk around 10 minutes to the blustery lookout point above Funningur, and take a moment to soak in the beauty of your surroundings before jumping back in the car for an easy 15-minute drive to Gjogv.
Located on the northern reaches of Eysturoy, Gjogv (pronounced Jegv) is an ‘end of the world'-esque village, full of charm and visual appeal.
Colourful timber-walled cottages dot the enclosed valley with a pretty creek flowing straight through the middle of the town (in which local kids were thoroughly enjoying a swim during our visit!). The main drawcard, however, is the town’s scenic 200m gorge.
In addition to being one of the best natural harbours in the Faroes, the gorge once supplied the town's fishing industry. A curved, craggy chasm marking the point where the river meets the ocean, it’s a striking sight to see.
For the best view, we recommend hiking to Crown Princess Mary's bench to the left of the gorge and enjoying the views back over this beautiful little town. If you’ve packed your lunch, park yourself here and enjoy the views.
If you’ve got time, you could also continue your hike a little further above the town for views back across the water towards Kalsoy too. It's also worth exploring the town’s streets (there aren’t many), including the church, which dates back to 1929.
AFTERNOON / EVENING
Grab a coffee from Gjaarkaffi in town for some extra fuel for your drive before heading back towards Funningur.
When you reach Funningur, instead of following the road back down the valley, turn right towards Slættaratindur, the Faroes’ tallest mountain standing at over 800m.
The narrow road slowly snakes its way down to the village of Eiði, where we recommend eventually connecting up with the #62 road back towards Streymin bridge and the #10 highway back to Tórshavn.
This is your final evening in your Faroe Islands road trip itinerary, so celebrate an epic adventure with dinner at one of the many restaurants in Tórshavn.
If you haven’t already tried them, some more restaurant suggestions include Ræst, Katrina Christiansen, and Barbara’s Fish House.
STAY | Havgrim Seaside (if you’re keen for a change of scenery and some ocean views! Otherwise, Hotel Torshavn)
DAY #8 | FLY HOME
Yeah, we know, it sucks to leave the Faroes, but today is the day. After check out, make your way slowly to Vágar Airport as early as you can to drop off your car rental and check in to your flight.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
The Faroe Islands’ unique and untouched wilderness has become extremely popular through Instagram and other social media apps over recent years.
This has led to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, along with the environmental and social impact of over-tourism.
Although the Government and Tourism Board are working together to control the negative impacts of tourism, there are a few responsible travel tips you should be aware of before visiting.
The Faroe Islands aren’t your Instagram playground | Yes, the Faroes are an incredible natural phenomenon perfect for photography, but that doesn’t mean you have free reign to break rules, ruin natural environments and use it as your playground (read our responsible travel tips here).
Don't climb over fences and trample to get "the shot" for Instagram.
Respect local land owners | It’s surprising to learn that the majority of land here is actually privately owned by local farmers and is designated as grazing land.
Tourists brazenly ignoring the repeated warnings to stay off private land has led to unnecessary tension and hostility between locals and tourists, and frankly: it's bloody disrespectful to do.
In short, don’t be an idiot and stick to the marked trails or hire a local guide.
Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again.
BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take!
Don’t litter | Whatever you do, please don’t litter in this pristine natural environment. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you can’t, carry it out of the national park with you.
Pick up any trash you see | Although, thankfully, there’s not much rubbish to be found around these parts, the odd piece can still pop up. If you come across rubbish on your travels here, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later.
Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. Read our guide on how to carbon offset here
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
In a place like the Faroes, where inclement weather and cancellations are aplenty, it’s even more vital.
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
PLANNING TO VISIT THE FAROE ISLANDS SOON?
We have a heap of essential reading before visiting the Faroe Islands:
FAROE ISLANDS INSPIRATION | Our guide to the best things to see and do in the Faroe Islands, What to know about visiting the Faroe Islands
FAROESE ATTRACTIONS | Our guide to Lake Sørvágsvatn, A day trip guide to Mykines island, and the ultimate guide to Kalsoy and the Kallur Lighthouse, A guide to the Faroe Islands’ quirky capital city
ACCOMMODATION IN THE FAROES | Our guide to the best airbnbs in the Faroe Islands
FAROE ISLANDS PHOTOGRAPHY | The beauty of the Faroe Islands in photos
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR FAROE ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDES
Some of the links on this Faroe Islands Road Trip Itinerary are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
