Faroe Islands Travel Information

The Faroe Islands, located in the North Atlantic, are a breathtakingly beautiful and unique destination that offer visitors an unforgettable experience. From stunning landscapes and quaint fishing villages to fascinating Viking history and culture, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Faroe Islands. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Faroe Islands.

1. Explore the stunning landscape

The Faroe Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and dramatic seascapes. Visitors can explore the islands’ many hiking trails, enjoy scenic drives, and take in breathtaking views of the landscape.

2. Visit the charming villages

The Faroe Islands are home to several charming fishing villages, each with its own unique character and history. Visitors can explore these villages, sample local seafood, and learn about the islands’ traditional way of life.

3. Learn about Viking history and culture

The Faroe Islands have a rich Viking history and culture, and visitors can learn about this fascinating heritage by visiting historical sites, museums, and cultural centers.

4. Hike the Faroe Islands’ beautiful trails

The Faroe Islands are a hiker’s paradise, with a network of trails that offer breathtaking views of the landscape. Visitors can explore the islands’ many hiking routes, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks.

5. Take a boat tour to see the bird cliffs and sea stacks

The Faroe Islands are home to an abundance of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these birds up close and marvel at the islands’ dramatic sea stacks and cliffs.

6. Attend a cultural festival

The Faroe Islands host several cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and art to food and dance. Visitors can attend these festivals to experience the islands’ unique culture and hospitality.

7. Sample the local cuisine

The Faroe Islands’ cuisine is centered around seafood and traditional ingredients such as lamb and potatoes. Visitors can sample the islands’ many restaurants and cafes, or even try their hand at cooking traditional Faroese dishes.

8. Visit the Faroe Islands’ museums and art galleries

The Faroe Islands have a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore this history by visiting the islands’ many museums and art galleries. These attractions offer insights into the islands’ Viking past, art, and traditional way of life.

9. Take a dip in a hot spring

The Faroe Islands are home to several natural hot springs, where visitors can take a relaxing dip and enjoy stunning views of the landscape. These hot springs are a popular attraction, and many visitors find them to be a highlight of their trip.

10. See the Northern Lights

The Faroe Islands are an excellent destination for viewing the Northern Lights, with clear night skies and little light pollution. Visitors can take a guided tour to see this natural phenomenon and marvel at the lights’ mesmerizing colors and patterns.

The Faroe Islands have a cool, maritime climate that is influenced by the Gulf Stream. The weather is changeable and can be unpredictable, but the islands’ rugged landscape and natural beauty make them a stunning destination to visit. Here is a guide to the climate and the best time to visit the Faroe Islands.

Climate

The Faroe Islands have a cool, oceanic climate that is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The weather is often wet and windy, with rain and fog common throughout the year. The islands’ location in the North Atlantic means that they are subject to changeable weather conditions, and visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is between May and September, when the weather is at its most favorable and the days are longer. During this period, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the opportunity to see the islands’ lush green landscapes in full bloom.

Visiting the Faroe Islands in the offseason

While the summer months are the most popular time to visit the Faroe Islands, visitors can also enjoy the islands’ beauty and unique atmosphere in the offseason. The winter months offer a chance to see the Northern Lights and experience the islands’ dramatic landscapes in a different light. However, visitors should be prepared for shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures during this time. It is also important to note that some attractions and accommodations may be closed or have reduced hours during the offseason.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

There are a number of hotels across the Faroe Islands, ranging from luxury options to more affordable choices.

Guesthouses

Visitors can stay in guesthouses, which are typically small, family-run establishments that offer a more personal and homely atmosphere.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and breakfasts are a popular choice for visitors to the Faroe Islands, offering comfortable accommodation and a home-cooked breakfast.

Hostels

For budget-conscious travelers, there are several hostels in the Faroe Islands that offer affordable accommodation in dormitory-style rooms.

Camping

The Faroe Islands are a great destination for camping, with several campsites available around the islands.

Self-catering

Visitors can also rent self-catering apartments or cottages, which provide a more independent and flexible option for accommodation.

Car rental

Visitors can rent a car to explore the islands at their own pace. There are several car rental companies available, and it is recommended to book in advance, particularly during peak season.

Bus

The Faroe Islands have a well-developed bus system, with regular bus routes connecting the main villages and towns on the islands.

Taxi

Taxis are available on the Faroe Islands, with many taxi companies offering pre-booked services and tours.

Helicopter

The Faroe Islands are also served by a helicopter service that connects the islands to the mainland and provides a unique and breathtaking view of the islands' rugged landscapes.

Ferry

Visitors can also take a ferry to visit some of the smaller islands, providing a unique opportunity to experience the island life and culture.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.