Ultimate 7-Day Faroe Islands Itinerary: Epic Road Trip with Hotels, Hidden Gems, and Travel Tips
- Fokke Baarssen
- Oct 8
- 6 min read
Welcome, adventurers, to the Faroe Islands, a stunning North Atlantic archipelago where dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and puffin-filled shores create an unforgettable adventure! This 7-day Faroe Islands road trip itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of iconic sights, hidden gems, and cultural immersion in a compact timeframe. Designed for those exploring by rental car and staying in cozy hotels, this guide covers Streymoy, Eysturoy, Kalsoy, and Vágar, ensuring you experience the best of this Nordic paradise. Packed with must-see attractions, insider tips, and booking links for hotels, car rentals, and guided tours, this itinerary will help you plan a seamless journey. Let’s hit the road!
Why Choose the Faroe Islands? Your Essential Travel Briefing
Nestled between Iceland and Scotland, the Faroe Islands’ 18 volcanic islands offer raw beauty, Viking heritage, and sustainable tourism. With a population of ~54,000 (and double the sheep!), expect turf-roofed villages, fjords, and weather that shifts from sun to fog in minutes. A UNESCO-recognized bird sanctuary, the Faroes boast puffins, gannets, and whales alongside medieval churches and modern tunnels connecting islands.
Why Visit?
- **Epic Landscapes**: Waterfalls like Múlafossur, “floating” lakes, and 700m sea cliffs.
- **Cultural Depth**: Viking relics and historic sites like Kirkjubøur’s 900-year-old farmhouse.
- **Adventure Vibes**: Hikes, boat tours, and ferry rides to remote islands.
- **Compact Yet Full**: Perfect for a week-long trip without missing highlights.
Key Travel Tips for Your Faroe Islands Road Trip
Getting There: Fly to Vágar Airport (FAE) via Copenhagen or take the Smyril Line ferry from Denmark. Rent a 4x4 for rugged terrain through DiscoverCars.com to navigate narrow roads and steep passes.
Best Time: June-August for puffins, midnight sun, and festivals (e.g., Ólavsøka). May/September for fewer crowds and cooler temps (5-10°C).
Budget: Food and fuel are pricey – stock up at Tórshavn’s SMS supermarket. Ferries cost 40-160 DKK; hiking fees 50-500 DKK.
Packing: Waterproof jacket, hiking boots, binoculars for birdwatching, and a power bank for spotty signals.
Driving: Narrow roads, sheep crossings, and toll tunnels. Download offline maps for remote areas.
Sustainability: Follow the Faroese Pledge: close gates, stick to paths, and support local cafés like Kaffihúsið.
Apps: Faroe Islands app for tides/weather; ssl.fo for ferry schedules.
This 7-day itinerary starts and ends in Tórshavn, balancing iconic sights with hidden gems. Book your hotels through Booking.com for the best deals, your rental car via DiscoverCars.com, and guided tours via Viator. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Tórshavn and Kirkjubøur – Culture and History Kickoff
Start in Tórshavn, the world’s smallest capital, named after Thor, the Norse god. Stock up on Faroese staples like skyr or dried fish at SMS supermarket, then wander Tinganes’ red wooden houses (dating to the 1600s) and visit the Faroese National Museum for Viking artifacts, including a 9th-century boat. Grab coffee at Kaffihúsið for local vibes. For a deeper dive, book a Tórshavn City Walking Tour
Drive 15 minutes south to Kirkjubøur, Streymoy’s southernmost village and a medieval hub until the 1538 Reformation. Explore Roykstovan, a 900-year-old log farmhouse still inhabited by the same family for 17 generations, and visit the unfinished Magnus Cathedral ruins (1300s) and Saint Olav’s Church, a 12th-century gem.
Insider Tips:
- Kirkjubøur’s grassy roofs attract oystercatchers – bring binoculars.
- Try ræst (fermented lamb) at a Tórshavn eatery for authentic Faroese flavor.
Where to Stay: Check into Hotel Tórshavn for modern comfort in the heart of the capital.
Day 2: Saksun and Tjørnuvík – Streymoy’s Northern Wonders
Drive 40 minutes north to Saksun, a fairy-tale village in a tidal lagoon. Visit the 19th-century Dúvugarðar farm (now a museum) and its grass-roofed church, reflecting its past as a trading hub. Hike to the black-sand beach (low tide only) or a nearby waterfall for solitude.
Next, head to Tjørnuvík, a surfer’s paradise with a black pebble beach and steep peaks. Viking lore claims a shipwreck shaped its history. Spot the Risin og Kellingin sea stacks – a giant and a witch from folklore turned to stone.
Practical Notes:
- Pack snacks; dining options are scarce in remote areas.
- Tjørnuvík’s winds can be strong – secure belongings.
Where to Stay: Stay at a Hotel in Klaksvík on Eysturoy, a convenient base for northern exploration.
Day 3: Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy – Cinematic Cliffs
Take the ferry from Klaksvík to Kalsoy (book at ssl.fo~7:00 departure). The 20-minute sail costs 160 DKK return for the car and driver (40 DKK/adult, payable onboard). Arrive 1 hour early – only 12 vehicles fit. While in Klaksvík, visit Mikkeller brewery or Christianskirkjan church. )
Kalsoy, nicknamed “the flute” for its tunnels, boasts sheer cliffs and peaks. Hike 1 hour to Kallur Lighthouse, a Faroe Islands icon on a ridge with 360-degree views. Featured in *No Time to Die*, it has a quirky James Bond “tombstone” for photos.
Tips:
- Wear grippy boots for slippery trails.
- More ferries run Mon/Wed/Fri – check schedules.
- No shops on Kalsoy – bring supplies.
Where to Stay: Return to the same Hotel in Klaksvík
Day 4: Gjógv and Fossá Waterfall – Gorges and Falls
Drive 1 hour to Gjógv (“rock gorge”) on Eysturoy, known for its 200m natural harbor, once used for whaling, now a bird sanctuary. Pay 50 DKK cash for the private trail hike overlooking Kalsoy. Then, drive 10 minutes to Fossá on Streymoy, a 140m two-tiered waterfall over dark basalt – the top “Faroe Islands waterfalls” spot.
Tips:
- Gjógv’s guesthouse café serves homemade cakes.
- Trail fees maintain paths – bring exact change.
Where to Stay: Check into Gjáargarður Guesthouse in Gjógv for a charming, nature-focused stay.
Day 5: Vestmanna Sea Cliffs – Boat Tour Adventure
Drive to Vestmanna and book a 2-hour boat tour (May-Sept, ~300 DKK) through Vestmanna Sea Cliffs Tour Sail past 600m cliffs, sea arches, and puffin colonies – a UNESCO bird site used by Vikings for navigation.
Where to Stay: Stay at Hotel Vágar on Vágar for a comfortable base near upcoming attractions.
Day 6: Sørvágsvatn and Gásadalur – “Floating” Lake and Iconic Waterfall
Drive 30 minutes to Sørvágsvatn on Vágar, the largest lake, 30m above the ocean. The 200 DKK trail (pay at parking) creates an illusion of it hovering. Then, hike to Gásadalur’s Múlafossur, a global icon cascading into the sea, accessible via a 2004 tunnel.
Where to Stay: Spend another night at [Hotel Vágar
Day 7: Dunnesdrangar and Tórshavn – Secret Stacks and Farewell
Hike 3km (1 hour) from Sørvágur (start: 62°03’51.0″N 7°17’58.6″W) to Dunnesdrangar, two 70m sea stacks. Unmarked and uncrowded, follow fences/river across moors. Return to Tórshavn for your late ferry to Hirtshals (~23:30) or flight from Vágar Airport.
Where to Stay: End your trip at Hotel Tórshavn
Bonus Tips for Your 7-Day Faroe Islands Adventure
Food: Try skerpikjøt (air-dried mutton) or fresh cod. Budget tip: Eat at hotel restaurants or local cafés.
Wildlife: Puffins (May-Aug), whales year-round, seals near Gjógv.
Connectivity: Get a Føroya Tele SIM for data.
Car Rental: Book your 4x4 through DiscoverCars for the best deals on vehicles suited for Faroese terrain.
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Accommodation: Booking.com and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.
Train, buses, and ferries 12Go to find your travel route for local buses and ferries. We use them all the time, as you can easily see the reviews, and the vouchers are widely accepted. Tickets are sold for more than 5,000 destinations in 100+ countries worldwide.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars all over the world.
SIM Card for traveling around the world Drimsim
Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a SIM card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an eSIM-compatible smartphone, install it on your phone before your trip, and you're all set.
Day Trips & Tours: Viator, and GetYourGuide, are great platforms to search for activities.