HIKING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
You’ll find that once you get off the beaten path on foot, the mountains and valleys will open up for you in marvellous and unexpected ways.

A short hike into the mountains affords numerous vantage points that overlook awe-inspiring peaks in one direction and the dishevelled surface of the ocean in another. One of the many special features of the Faroe Islands is that you don’t have to go far to experience magnificent and untouched nature. Look around you. Take a few steps. Take a deep breath and listen. It’s all right there!

SAFETY ISN’T EXPENSIVE, IT’S PRICELESS
We have hiked all over the Faroe Islands, seeking out the most beautiful trails and sightseeing spots. Each step you take on while hiking, we will have been there before you. Please be sure you are fully prepared by reading the hiking guide, which includes 23 hiking routes and important practical information.

BIRDWATCHING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
Thousands and thousands of puffins flying over your head; black sea cliffs painted white by the sheer number of birds breeding there; the constant and powerful roar of thousands of kittiwakes calling at the same time; the power of a gannet as it dives and penetrates the water like a torpedo in the hunt for fish. These are all but a few of the things you can experience when watching the birds of the Faroe Islands.

The first thing that you might notice when coming to the Faroe Islands during the summer is the large number of breeding birds. Thousands of birds come to the Faroe Islands each summer to breed.

A total of 305 bird species have been recorded in the Faroe Islands as of January 1, 2012. Of these, around 50 species breed regularly on the islands and another 60 are regular visitors, while almost 200 of the recorded bird species are either scarce or rare visitors to the Faroe Islands.

Birdwatching is, of course, seasonal. Most visitors come to the Faroe Islands during summer, which is the breeding season for Faroese birds.

BICYCLING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
More and more people are choosing to explore the Faroe Islands from the saddle on their bicycle. It’s no wonder why, considering the spectacular beauty one can see from the roads, mountains and valleys.

The infrastructure in the Faroe Islands is excellent, with all islands accessible either by sub-sea tunnels, bridges or ferries. This, combined with low volume traffic on most roads, makes bicycling in the Faroe Islands a pleasurable experience.

However, the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so it is important to keep some things in mind before setting off on your adventure.

KEEP IN MIND
Both in urban and rural areas, bike paths are uncommon. In most cases, cyclists will have to share the road with motor driven vehicles. Note also that there are many tunnels in the Faroe Islands, and in some cases these can be quite dark.

Dress for the occasion. You should wear good, protective clothing that is both warm and water resistant. It is a good idea to wear gloves, as temperatures can fluctuate suddenly.

Though the islands are far from flat, most gradients are gentle. Be prepared to bicycle on gravel roads in some places, as not all roads are paved.

In some cases the distance from one urban area to the next is quite considerable. It is important you make sure to bring appropriate equipment for basic repairs, as well as extra tubes and tires. Maps, GSP and communication equipment are also important.

Bicycles can easily cause damage to the terrain, so make sure to stay on path. Remember to always consider the environment. Also, it’s always a good idea to give someone your travel itinerary in case of an emergency.

ESSENTIAL BICYCLING EQUIPMENT
Your bike must have a bell, a white reflector visible from the front, yellow reflectors on the pedals and wheels and a red reflector at the back. Make sure yours is fitted with these before you bring the bike with you to the Faroe Islands. This is especially important because cyclists often encounter tunnels when cycling in the Faroe Islands.

When bicycling in the dark, you must have a working white light at the front and a red at the back. These can be bought at bike shops across the country.

Bike trailers must have two white reflectors on the front and two red on the back, with two yellow reflectors on each side. After dark, you must make sure your trailer has a red light either fitted at the back or the left-hand side.

TAKING CHILDREN ON YOUR BICYCLE
If you are over 15 years of age, you can transport two children under eight years old on your bicycle, providing you have the necessary cycle seats. If you have a bike trailer, you can take two children of any age. Children on bike seats and in trailers must always be fastened in.

FAROESE TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
You must always cycle on the right-hand side of the road and if there’s a bicycling path, you should use this. If you are turning left, cross over the road you will join, so that you are waiting with the traffic on the right-hand side. Then go with the traffic when the light is green. Bicyclists must use their arms to signal that they are slowing down, turning or stopping.

HELMETS
You are not legally required to wear a helmet. But it is a great idea to use one anyway!

DIVING – A MAGNIFICENT UNDERWATER WORLD
Diving as an activity is becoming more and more popular in the Faroe Islands. The beautiful, varied and unspoilt seabed found in the crystal clear water surrounding the 18 islands is simply very special. The excellent diving sites provide a great platform for exploring kelp forests and botanic seaweed gardens, fantastic drop-offs and grottos with exciting animal life.

The temperature of the water around the Faroes varies from four to 10 degrees Celsius, depending on the season. Visibility is best in the winter months, when the water temperature is low. This is also the best time for taking pictures while diving in the Faroe Islands. In the winter, visibility is about 30 metres and the average temperature 6 degrees. In the summer, plankton blooms sometimes degrade visibility, which can also limit opportunities for taking macro photos. Flash photography is not ideal during the summer as the particles flare up. However, visibility in general varies a great deal and even during the summer, it can reach 15-20 metres.

NEVER DIVE ALONE
It is of great importance that you never dive alone. Make sure you are always diveing with someone else. We recommend that a qualified divemaster or instructor with local knowledge supervises every dive as currents can be strong. There are diving courses for beginners available around the islands. Certified divers can hire equipment.

Make sure to bring a torch for every dive, so that you can explore cracks and look under rocks and fully appreciate the splendid colours and nuances of the flora and fauna. Who knows, you might even end up diving with seals!

SAILING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
The 18 islands of the Faroe Islands are surrounding by the North Atlantic ocean. No point in the Faroe Islands is further than five kilometres from the ocean. Sailing is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful landscapes of the islands, offering completely different views compared to the ones from land.

You can discover these views of the Faroe Islands by sea while sailing with ships, boats or even an old schooner. Some of these ships or schooners are old and have a great history, making the journey even more interesting.

Some offer scheduled trips while others offer tailored trips according to your wishes.

Contact the various companies below for more information and to book.

SPEEDBOATING
Bumpimg across the ocean surrounding the Faroe Islands in a speedboat is an exhilarating experience. There are four companies that offer speedboating in the Faroe Islands. Check them out here.

RENT A TRADITIONAL FAROESE BOAT
Explore the fiords of the Faroe Islands with a traditional Faroese boat. Whether you enjoy fishing or just sailing along the seashore, this is a unique experience for a family or a group of friends.

The Faroese boat is the utmost creation of Faroese handicraft. The boatbuilding technique originated in the Viking culture, more than a thousand years ago.

The boats are suitable for 2-6 persons, and are fitted with a 6hp engine, have 4 oars and extensive safety equipment. You can also book guided fishing tours that include a meal using what you catch!

SURFING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
Surfing as an activity in the Faroe Islands has developed a lot in recent years. There are great surfing opportunities in the Faroe Islands, but weather conditions on the islands means it is imperative that surfers become familiar with guidelines before heading out.

There is a surf spot for every swell direction, but they are different in regards to difficulty level and access.

We recommend that surfers in any case get in touch with Faroe Islands Surf Guide before testing their skills at sea, even if one is experienced. Going out with surfing guides is also highly recommend.

Faroe Islands Surf Guide offers surfing tours and lessons, and gear for rent.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Interested in other adventure sports? We have you covered. A variety of companies in the Faroe Islands offer kayaking, cliff jumping, speedboating, abseiling and much more.

HORSE RIDING
THE FAROESE HORSE
The Faroese horse, called føroyska rossið in Faroese, has wandered in the rugged landscape of the windswept islands for over a thousand years. DNA analysis has shown that the Faroese breed is unique, not found anywhere else in the world.

But not long ago, the Faroese horse was nearly extinct. In 1960, there were only a handful of the beautiful, robust Faroese horses left – a drastic decline from the nearly 800 horses that roamed the islands a century and a half earlier. To prevent the extinction of the Faroes horse, people joined forces around this time and started breeding the one stallion and four mares that were left. Today, there are 74 Faroese horses, approximately 125 horses short of the number needed for the race to be considered safe.

HISTORY OF THE FAROESE HORSE
It is unclear where the Faroese horse originates. Some believe that they came with Irish monks in the 8th century, while others believe that settlers from Norway and the British Isles brought them along in the centuries that followed.

Between 1850 and 1920, many Faroese horses were sold to Britain. Because of their size and stamina, they were deemed ideal for pulling carts in the British coalmines. Many Faroese took the opportunity to make money and some sold all of their horses.

During this period, horses were imported from neighbouring Nordic countries because their horses were thought to be stronger. However, this proved to be a mistake as these horses were not as used to dealing with the Faroese weather as the Faroese horse was. Inevitably, the foreign horses bred with the Faroese horses, leaving many to believe that the pure Faroese breed was extinct. Fortunately, they were wrong.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FAROESE HORSE
The small, hardy and good-natured Faroese horses were originally used as workhorses throughout centuries. Today, they are mostly used for breeding and horseback riding. Because of their mild temperament, they are considered very suitable for children.

The colours of the harmonious and surefooted Faroese horse are normally brown, chestnut and black. The breed is known for its incredible endurance and ability to carry relatively large weight. The size of the horse varies, but normally ranges between 114 to 124 cm (45 to 49 inches). Because of its height, it should technically be called a pony, but because of its strength, the people of the Faroe Islands typically use horse instead. The Faroese horse can be compared to the Exmoor and Dartmoor ponies in Britain.

HORSES IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
The estimated number of horses of all breeds in the Faroes is around 400. The most popular breed in the Faroes is the Icelandic horse. The horse population also includes a small number of Norwegian fjordhester (fjord horses).

Music plays an integral role in Faroese culture and society – perhaps more so than in most other communities – because it is so deeply rooted in the islands’ centuries-long tradition of storytelling.

No musical instrument of significance was available on the islands until the mid-1800s. Instead, people used their voices to sing ballads. Despite the introduction of instruments and various music forms since, the Faroese have stuck firmly to their singing traditions, including the Faroese chain dance (called Føroyskur dansur).

Originally a 13th century mediaeval ring dance from Southern Europe, the Faroese chain dance has survived despite the gradual demise of the dance elsewhere in Europe (which probably happened because of a ban from the church, who viewed the dance as a heathen tradition). The Faroese chain dance, with its quirky rhythm and ballads about kings and heroes of days gone by, uses no musical instruments. The dancers form a circle, holding each other’s hand while expressively singing or chanting (called kvøðing). A skipper, or captain, leads the dance and starts each verse.

The ballads have been orally transmitted since the 13th century. For centuries, these ballads were not only sung while dancing, but also used in normal everyday life; for instance, during the evenings when families would gather to knit or work with wool. The ballads were written down for the first time at the beginning of the 19th century. Today there are 15 Faroese Dance Associations and one in Denmark.

This rich tradition of singing and dancing without instruments has often been deemed the reason why the Faroe Islands have continuously produced a relatively high number of musicians in comparison to the country’s small population.

FAROESE MUSIC IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Although non-instrumental musical traditions, such as the Faroese chain dance, still thrive today, there is no denying that Faroese music has embraced the addition of instruments and the influence of foreign music. The Faroese music scene has never buzzed more loudly, with artists and creators across all genres consistently delivering world-class performances and recordings.

The country’s most renowned artists are indisputably Teitur and Eivør, whose respective international careers span over more than a decade. Other artists who have enjoyed international acclaim are Viking Metal band Týr, pop group Byrta, singer-songwriter Lena Anderssen, avant-garde Orka and alternative-pop singer Greta Svabo Bech – and despite its size, the Faroe Islands even has its own symphony orchestra!

MUSIC FESTIVALS
The numerous music festivals held annually in the Faroe Islands give proof to the fact that the music scene is thriving. The interesting thing is that here the types of festivals vary greatly – from Faroese Folk music to Pop, Doom Metal to Country, there is something for everyone.

The Faroe Islands are synonymous with fish. Without this natural resource, one could argue that the first settlers would have found it incredibly difficult to settle on these remote North Atlantic islands. Faroe Islanders have fished for centuries, and fishing still plays an essential role in the community. You could say that fishing is what we do best, and we’re happy to have you join in!

Whether by boat or from shore, there are plenty of opportunities to fish in the Faroe Islands. With the ocean never further than 5 km away – no matter where you’re located – it is effortless to grab a rod and go fishing whenever you want.

The Faroe Islands have good fishing areas and sheltered fishing grounds away from strong winds, making it possible to fish most days regardless of wind direction. The two main types of fishing in the Faroe Islands are deep-sea fishing and fly fishing.

Fishing and angling in the Faroe Islands is unlike anything you have experienced before; the beautiful scenery and splendid tranquillity makes fishing a truly extraordinary experience.

FISHING & ANGLING – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Anglers travelling to the Faroe Islands do not need a veterinary certificate on the cleaning and disinfection of their fishing equipment. But prior to arrival in the Faroe Islands, all equipment, including rods, reels, rubber waders, or lures, must be disinfec­ted in order to kill any fish-pathogens.

Fishing permits are required and can be purchased at most Regional Information Centres. Regulations for fishing in the lochs are printed on the permit. Coastal fishing is gene­rally permitted, but please en­quire about local excep­tions.

FISHING TIP
Make sure to check the Faroese weather forecast so you are able to choose the best fishing locations.

TYPES OF FISH TO CATCH
Cod, Haddock, Flounder, Shark, Ling, Colefish, Halibut, Plaice, Catfish, Maceral, Monkfish, Whiting, Squid, Redfish, Herring, Pollock, among many others.

RENT A BOAT WITH FISHING GEAR
Explore the fiords of the Faroe Islands with a traditional Faroese boat from boat.fo. or go fishing in modern boats with Tórshavn Sea Adventures. Whether you enjoy fishing or just sailing along the seashore, this is a unique experience for a family or a group of friends. The boats are suitable for 2-6 persons and are fitted extensive safety equipment.

The Faroe Islands are a great destination for families. The slow pace of life and safeness of the islands are ideal ingredients for a fun, relaxing family adventure.

Instead of an actual theme park made of concrete, the islands function as a natural theme park with beautiful outdoor locations spread all across the eighteen islands. Easy hikes, ferry rides from one island to another, indoor swimming pools and outdoor play areas are all popular activities for families of all ages to enjoy.

Below are four films created by family travel YouTubers, Something Devine, from Salt Lake City, USA. Hailey, Brad, 4-year-old Lucy and 1-year-old Greta show how they spent their week in the Faroe Islands in August 2018.

These films are an excellent source of inspiriation for family-friendly travel in the Faroe Islands. They include beautifully shot video content from their visits to Nólsoy, Mykines, Kalsoy, Gásadalur and Trælanípa, among other fun experiences.

OK, we’ll admit right away that shopping in the Faroe Islands isn’t like shopping on Bond Street in London, or Avenue Montaigne in Paris or Fifth Avenue in New York City. Neither would you expect it to be. What you do get is quiet, charming shops spread out across the cities and towns – and less traffic, obviously.

Faroe Islanders are creative by nature, and many have chosen to express their creativeness by making clothing and products inspired by the Faroe Islands and using resources found on the different islands.

One such example is designer clothing company Guðrun & Guðrun, who use Faroese wool, which would otherwise be thrown away, to produce high-end fashion products that are sold worldwide. Their most well-known piece of clothing is the so-called ‘Star jumper’, which became famous when Sobie Gråbøl’s character, Sarah Lund, wore the hand-knit sweater in the popular Danish TV series Forbrydelsen, also shown on the BBC as ‘The Killing’.

Knitting in the Faroe Islands has been a part of the Faroese clothing culture for centuries. Even today, large numbers of (mainly) women still knit various types of clothing, such as sweaters, underwear and socks. A number of Faroese companies have made great use of the know-how which these women possess. Companies such as Navia and Sirri make beautiful products using Faroese wool. The same goes for Faroese designers Jóhanna av Steinum, Soul Made/Einstakt.

But shopping isn’t only woolly in the Faroe Islands! There are all sorts of interesting things to purchase, such as the Faroese products on the display at Østrøm, Faroese visual art at Einfalt, Faroese souvenirs at Visit Tórshavn, Faroese glassware at Rabarbuglas and Mikkalina Glas, Faroese music at Tutl and Faroese alcohol at Rúsan.

WHERE TO SHOP
The three main locations for shopping in the Faroe Islands are Tórshavn, Klaksvík and Runavík.
Most shops offer tax-free, so remember to ask for this while shopping (read more under practical information).

Note: Opening hours vary from place to place, but most shops are open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. Most shops, including grocery, are closed on Sundays.

SHOPPING IN TÓRSHAVN
With shops spread out across Tórshavn’s city centre – many fitted into small, old wooden houses – the capital city is a great location for shopping. There are a wide range of shops featuring high-end fashion, local designers selling Faroese design, music shops, bookstores and Faroese glassware and pottery. There are also a range of shops which sell Faroese design and souvenirs from the Faroe Islands. All the shops are located in close proximity, making it easy to get around from one to another.

Tórshavn is home to the country’s largest shopping mall, called SMS. It includes clothing stores, a bookstore, a toy store, a pharmacy, a large grocery store and an electronics store, among others. It even has a Burger King, one of only two international fast-food chains anywhere on the islands!

Dried fish and fermented lamb, sheep head and fresh salmon, burgers and pizza – Faroese cuisine has it all and more!

One of the great joys of travelling to new places is experiencing the country’s food culture. Faroese dining certainly doesn’t disappoint, offering a vast array of dishes, ranging from the very traditional to food influenced by foreign cultures.

Traditional Faroese dishes more often than not include meat, fish and potatoes. These main ingredients are prepared and served in a variety of ways. Read about Faroese Food for more on this.

TRY FAROESE FOOD
If you’re looking at trying traditional Faroese food (fermented lamb and fish, rye bread, blood sausage and stewed rhubarb), check out the new restaurant, Ræst (the Faroese word for “fermentation”).

Other excellent restaurants that serve Faroese produce include Barbara Fish House, Katrina Christiansen, Áarstova and 2-star Michelin restaurant, KOKS.

Places like Angus Steakhouse, Italian-inspired Toscana and Restaurant Hafnia serve great steaks.

For vegan/vegetarian eaters, check out this guide to eating in the Faroe Islands.

Cafés line the streets of Tórshavn and are found in most of the larger villages. Good cafés include Brell, Kaffihúsið, Gómagott, Kafé Umami, and Kafé Kaspar in Tórshavn, Jacqson and Café Fríða in Klaksvík, Café Fjørðoy in Sørvágur, Kafé Mormor in Tvøroyri and Café Cibo in Saltangará. Check out the Faroes’ only juice bar at No 12.

Globalisation has, inevitably, brought fast food to the Faroe Islands. Try City Burger and Burger King in Tórshavn or Smiðjan in Miðvágur to whet those salty taste buds.

The Faroe Islands offer one sushi restaurant, but when the produce is that good, who needs any more than one? Etika combines fresh Faroese seafood with foreign expertise to produce magnificent sushi dishes – some calling it the best sushi in the world!

If you’re looking for more of a personal touch, we recommend trying Heimablídni, or “home hospitality”, where you can dine in the homes of Faroese families. In most cases, this is only available for groups. However, at Anna and Óli’s or at Durita and Fróði’s, you can now book a spot at supper club tables in their beautiful homes – you might be alone, or joined by others who also want to try a delicious and traditional home-cooked Faroese meal.