Tours to Faroe Islands
Planning tours to Faroe Islands requires a bit more logistics than a typical European trip - but that's part of the appeal. The archipelago sits halfway between Iceland and Scotland, direct connections from Copenhagen, and a landscape that looks unlike anywhere else on earth. NordicSaga has been organizing Scandinavian travel for US travelers for years, and the Faroes are among the destinations where pre-arranged packages make the most practical difference.
The islands are compact but varied: 18 volcanic islands connected by subsea tunnels, ferries, and bridges, with a capital city of fewer than 25,000 people, nearly 500 km of hiking trails, and weather that can cycle through four seasons in a single afternoon. Choose your favorite types of itineraries available, and which is best suited for your goal, and we provide the practical information you need to plan your trip.
Faroe Islands Self-Drive Exploration
The Faroe Islands, an untouched paradise in the North Atlantic, offer breathtaking landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages perfect for a self-drive adventure.
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Faroe Islands Summer Break
The Faroe Islands offer a breathtaking summer escape, where dramatic cliffs meet the endless North Atlantic and lush green landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see.
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Faroe Islands for Beginners
"Faroe Islands for Beginners" is an introductory guide to the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic known for its dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and unique way of life.
Faroe Islands at a Glance
| Detail | Info | Detail | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | North Atlantic, between Iceland & Scotland | Capital | Tórshavn |
| Status | Autonomous territory of Denmark | Currency | Faroese króna / Danish Krone (DKK) |
| Visa for US citizens | None required (90 days) | Language | Faroese & Danish; English widely spoken |
| Main gateway | Vágar Airport (via Copenhagen) | Flight from Copenhagen | ~2 hours (Atlantic Airways) |
| Best seasons | May-August (hiking, puffins); Oct-Feb (Northern Lights) | Population | ~55,000 |
Faroe Islands Tours: Which Package Type Fits You?
The archipelago suits several different travel styles, and the right itinerary depends on how independently you like to move, how much physical activity you want, and how long you have. The table below gives a quick overview before each type is explained in detail.
| Tour Type | Duration | Best For | Fitness Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faroe Islands Tour Package (Guided) | 5-8 days | First-timers, all-inclusive comfort | Low-Moderate |
| Self-Drive Tour | 5-8 days | Independent travelers, flexible pace | Low-Moderate |
| Hiking Tour | 7-8 days | Active travelers, remote trails | Moderate-High |
| Photography Tour | 4-5 days | Photographers, landscape enthusiasts | Moderate |
| Boat Tour (add-on) | Half-day to full-day | Sea cliffs, wildlife, Mykines access | Low |
| Helicopter Experience | Half-day (as part of larger trip) | Remote island access, aerial views | Any |
Faroe Islands Tour Package: Guided & All-Inclusive Options
A fully guided faroe islands tour package takes care of accommodation, airport transfers, daily sightseeing, and most meals-leaving you free to take in the scenery without coordinating logistics. These packages work well for first-time visitors and for anyone who'd rather not spend their trip deciphering ferry schedules and weather contingencies.
We offer several pre-built guided itineraries for the archipelago:
- Faroe Islands for Beginners (6 days) - Designed for first-time visitors. Guided bus and walking tours across Streymoy and Eysturoy, overnight stays in Tórshavn and Gjógv, a boat trip on Lake Leitisvatn (the famous "lake above the ocean"), and a visit to the farming community at Kirkjubøur. Hotels: Djurhuus (Tórshavn), Gjáargarður (Gjógv), Vágar (airport island).
- Faroe Islands Summer Break (4 days) - A shorter city-focused option based in Tórshavn, with a guided old town walk, a sightseeing day with a private driver/guide, meals at some of the capital's better-known restaurants (Áarstova, Barbara Fish House), and free time to explore independently.
- The Faroe Islands Classic Circle (7 days) - A more comprehensive loop covering Vágar Island, Eysturoy, the Northern Islands, the Saga Island (Sandoy), and Tórshavn. Includes a boat trip to the Vestmanna Cliffs and the SagaMuseum-the only wax museum in the archipelago.
All packages include Atlantic Airways flights from Copenhagen (also available via Billund, Bergen, Reykjavík, Edinburgh, and Barcelona), hotel accommodation, car rental or transfers as specified, and English-speaking guide support throughout.
One guided itinerary covers more ground and cultural context than most travelers manage on their own in the same time period.
Faroe Islands Self Drive Tour: Explore at Your Own Pace
The faroe islands self drive tour format is a good fit for travelers who want structure without a set group pace. You get a rental car, mapped route, pre-booked hotels, and a day-by-day suggested itinerary-but move entirely on your own schedule. The road infrastructure is well-developed, with subsea tunnels and bridges linking most islands, and driving on the right (same as the US).
Self-Drive Exploration covers the main highlights in 7 days:
- Day 1: Arrival at Vágar Airport, car pickup, drive to Tórshavn along the scenic mountain road
- Day 2: Boat trip to the Vestmanna Cliffs, lunch, visit to the SagaMuseum (June-August; May/September on request)
- Day 3: Streymoy and Eysturoy - village of Tjørnuvík, sea stack viewpoints (the Giant and the Witch), bridge crossing, village of Eiði, view of Slættaratindur (882 m)
- Day 4: Northern Islands - subsea tunnel from Leirvík to Klaksvík (featuring artwork by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson), northernmost village Viðareiði on Viðoy, island of Kunoy
- Day 5: Sandoy (the Saga Island) - ferry from Gamlarætt, villages of Dalur and Húsavík
- Day 6: Free day in Tórshavn; recommended side trip to Kirkjubøur (17-generation farming family, Magnus Cathedral, St. Olav's Church)
- Day 7: Return car at Vágar Airport, departure
The package can be shortened to 5 days on request. It includes an economy car with CDW, free mileage, and hotel accommodation; upgrades to a larger vehicle or SCDW insurance are available. Self-drive itineraries give you the flexibility to linger at viewpoints, adjust for weather, and take unplanned detours without falling behind a group schedule.
Boat Tours Faroe Islands: From Vestmanna Cliffs to Mykines Island
Boat tours faroe islands are among the most popular add-ons and standalone activities in the archipelago, offering a perspective of the sea cliffs and sea stacks that's impossible to get from land. Several are included as standard in NordicSaga packages; others can be added on request.
Key boat experiences available in the archipelago:
- Vestmanna Cliffs boat trip - Sail into narrow sea grottos and up along vertical cliff faces that rise directly from the North Atlantic. Seabird colonies (kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots) nest on the ledges throughout summer. Included in the Classic Circle and Self-Drive packages; available June-August, and May/September on request.
- Lake Leitisvatn ("lake above the ocean") - The eco-friendly vessel Lakeside - the only one of its kind - takes you across the lake to Bøssdalafossur waterfall, with time to explore on foot before sailing back. Included in the Faroe Islands for Beginners package.
- Mykines ferry - The only regular boat connection to the puffin island, operating from Sørvágur. Best from May to mid-August when Atlantic puffins are nesting. Some packages include this crossing; others offer it as an optional extra.
- Drangarnir sea stacks boat trip - A 1-hour RIB tour from Sørvágur that passes close to the Drangarnir sea arch and beneath Múlafossur waterfall at Gásadalur village. Available May-September.
- Tórshavn harbor cruise - A shorter, lower-intensity option departing from the capital; useful for travelers with limited mobility or as a standalone half-day add-on.
Boat conditions in the North Atlantic can change quickly; trip operators reserve the right to reschedule in poor weather-which is standard practice throughout the archipelago.
Faroe Islands Hiking Tours: Trails from Sea Level to Summit
Faroe islands hiking tours range from guided village-to-village walks to multi-day mountain routes with elevation gains above 800 meters. The archipelago has roughly 500 km of marked trails, and the scenery changes dramatically between islands-from the green valleys of Eysturoy to the exposed ridgelines above Gjógv and the remote cliffs of Kalsoy.
What to expect on a hiking-focused itinerary:
- Gjógv to crown viewpoints - A moderate trail above the village's natural harbor on Eysturoy, with views across to Kalsoy. The resting bench at the top is known locally as Crown Princess Mary's Bench.
- Slættaratindur summit hike - The highest peak in the Faroes at 882 meters. A challenging but non-technical ascent; clear days offer views across most of the archipelago.
- Kallur Lighthouse, Kalsoy - A narrow island reached by ferry from Klaksvík, with a ridge walk to one of the most-photographed lighthouse locations in the North Atlantic.
- Saksun circular - A lower-altitude route through the tidal lagoon village, past the Dúvugarður folk museum, suited for moderate fitness levels.
- Fossá waterfall and Streymoy ridge trails - Several day routes radiating from the main island's interior.
- Suðuroy southern trails - The southernmost island is reached by ferry and offers remote, crowd-free hiking rarely included in standard packages.
We can build a 7-8 day private hiking itinerary with a local mountain guide, hotel base in Tórshavn, and daily ferry/transport logistics pre-arranged. The guide adapts the route day-by-day depending on weather conditions-which in the Faroes is less of an inconvenience and more of a practical necessity.
Faroe Islands Helicopter Tour: Access the Remote Islands from Above
A faroe islands helicopter tour is the highest-cost but most time-efficient way to reach certain islands and viewpoints that are either difficult or impossible to access by road. The only commercial helicopter service in the archipelago is operated by Atlantic Airways, primarily serving local communities, with tourist seats available.
Key things to know:
- The helicopter service runs several times weekly between Vágar Airport and the outer islands, including Mykines (11-minute flight)
- Tourist seats are available on scheduled flights, but supply is limited-booking well in advance is necessary, especially for summer
- A private helicopter charter operates at a per-minute rate (approximately 1,106 DKK/minute including VAT) for travelers who want a dedicated scenic flight or access to privately-held islets like Tindhólmur
- Some operators combine helicopter access with guided hikes on arrival-flying in to Kalsoy (Kallur Lighthouse area), hiking with a local guide, then returning by RIB boat
A helicopter experience works best as part of a larger itinerary-it's a premium add-on rather than a standalone trip. For travelers interested in combining this with an all-day guided adventure, we can quote a custom package. Call us or request a quote with your dates and we'll outline what's currently available.
Faroe Islands Photography Tour: Six Islands, Variable Light, No Crowds
The faroe islands photography tour format has become one of the most sought-after itinerary types for the archipelago-and for clear reasons. The combination of dramatic topography, Atlantic light quality, turf-roofed villages, and low visitor numbers makes it consistently productive for landscape and travel photographers. Unlike more-visited Nordic destinations, the Faroes still offer compositions without crowds, even at famous viewpoints.
What a dedicated photography itinerary typically covers:
- Múlafossur waterfall at Gásadalur - The 30-meter fall plunging directly to the Atlantic, best shot at golden hour with the village behind; accessible by road or by sea
- Sørvágsvatn (Lake Leitisvatn) - The optical illusion lake that appears to hang above the ocean; the shot requires a specific angle from the south ridge
- Saksun tidal lagoon - Wide-angle compositions combining the lagoon, surrounding cliffs, and the turf-roofed farmhouse in the foreground
- Vestmanna Cliffs - Sea level perspective from a boat, shooting upward at 300+ meter vertical walls
- Tjørnuvík village and sea stacks - The Giant and the Witch rock formations, best in low-angled morning light
- Mykines puffin colony - Macro and wildlife photography, May-mid-August only
NordicSaga can arrange 4-5 day photography-specific packages with a professional local photographer as guide, covering six or more islands. The guide's knowledge of light windows and weather movement is the main practical advantage of this format over self-guided exploration. Groups are small-typically 6 people or fewer-to allow access to tight shooting positions.
Why Plan a Trip to the Faroe Islands Through NordicSaga?
Booking through a specialist agency means your itinerary is built around local knowledge from day one. NordicSaga's Scandinavian expertise translates directly into better access, better timing, and a more complete experience across the archipelago.
Here's what you get with a pre-arranged package:
- More islands, more sights - Knowing exactly when ferries run and booking seats in advance means your itinerary covers Mykines, Sandoy, Suðuroy, and the Northern Islands - not just the road-accessible highlights
- The best accommodation, secured - Tórshavn's top-rated hotels fill early in summer; we book them as part of your package so you arrive to a confirmed room in a well-located property
- Weather-smart scheduling - Local guides know which sites and trails perform best in which conditions, and can resequence your day on the fly to make the most of a clear window or dramatic overcast sky
- Deeper cultural access - A guide who knows the stories behind Kirkjubøur's 17-generation farming family, the SagaMuseum, and the Klaksvík tunnel artwork turns a sightseeing stop into something you'll actually remember
- Everything pre-arranged - Flights from Copenhagen, airport transfer, car rental or guided transport, hotels, boat trips, and activity bookings are handled before you land. You step off the plane ready to go
- Multi-country flexibility - The archipelago connects naturally into broader Nordic itineraries. A Faroes + Iceland combination is one of our most popular multi-country routes; see our Iceland tours for ideas. The islands are also easily paired with a stop in Copenhagen via our Denmark packages, or extended into a North Atlantic loop with Greenland
To build a custom itinerary or request a quote for any package on this page, contact NordicSaga or call us directly.
FAQ
What are the Faroe Islands?
An autonomous archipelago of 18 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Scotland, with its own language, culture, and government.
How do you get to the Faroe Islands from the United States?
Fly to Copenhagen, then connect to Vágar Airport via Atlantic Airways (approx. 2 hrs). Connections also available from Reykjavík, Bergen, and Edinburgh.
When is the best time to visit?
June-August for hiking, puffins, and long daylight hours; October-February for Northern Lights.
What is the weather like there?
Cool and unpredictable year-round - pack waterproof layers and sturdy footwear regardless of season.
How do you get around the Faroe Islands?
A rental car covers most islands via tunnels and bridges; ferries reach Mykines, Sandoy, and Suðuroy.
Are the Faroe Islands safe for travelers?
Yes - low crime, English widely spoken, and straightforward to navigate for American visitors.
Can I combine a Faroe Islands package with other destinations?
Yes - popular combinations include Iceland (short flight) and Denmark (via Copenhagen). Call us to discuss a custom multi-country route.
What is heimablidni?
A Faroese tradition of hosting visitors for a home-cooked traditional meal - one of the most memorable cultural experiences the islands offer.
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