Imagine standing on the edge of a windswept cliff, the roar of the Atlantic echoing in your ears as emerald-green mountains rise dramatically from the sea. Faroe Islands, a place so untouched, so surreal, it feels like stepping into a Viking saga. With only 53,000 residents spread across 18 volcanic islands, the remote archipelago is a land of raw, untamed beauty—where waterfalls plunge straight into the ocean, puffins nest on rugged cliffs, and misty fjords whisper secrets of ancient explorers. If you crave adventure beyond the ordinary, if your soul aches for landscapes that stir something deep within, then this remote Nordic paradise belongs at the very top of your bucket list. Let me take you to this Danish Territory.
If you want to get the most out of your Faros adventure, you’ve gotta rent a car! The islands are linked up with cool tunnels, ferries, and some pretty scenic roads, so driving yourself is the way to go for total freedom. Pro tip: Grab a compact yet tough ride (starting at $75 a day) with insurance because the weather can be pretty random.
Tunnel Toll Fees in the Faroe Islands
There are 4 subsea tunnels:
- Vágatunnilin – $15 round trip
- Nordoyatunnilin – $15 round trip
- Eysturoyartunnilin – $75 round trip
- Sandiyartunnilin – $75 round trip
Alternatively, you can purchase a 3-day tunnel pass for $60 – additional days cost $15. With the tunnel pass, you get unlimited trips through Vágatunnilin and Nordoyatunnilin, as well as a single one way access through Eysturoyartunnilin (the one with the famous roundabout).
Hiking Fees
Unlike many national parks where hiking is free, much of the land in the Faroe Islands is privately owned by local farmers who have maintained and protected these landscapes for generations. As tourism has grown, so has the impact on fragile ecosystems and grazing lands, leading landowners to introduce hiking fees (typically $30-$70 per trail) to help fund trail maintenance, conservation efforts, and the protection of wildlife like puffins and sheep. While some visitors may be surprised by these costs, they directly support the sustainability of hiking in the Faroes, ensuring that future adventurers can continue to experience the islands’ untouched beauty while respecting the livelihoods of the people who call this remote paradise home.
4-Day Epic Itinerary
Now, let’s dive into an epic 4-day itinerary that will take you to breathtaking cliffs, the legendary floating lake, charming villages, and even to an island where puffin outnumber people.
Day 1: Arrival & Classic Faroe Islands Icons
📍 Highlights:
✔️ Múlafossur Waterfall – The most iconic waterfall in the Faroes
✔️ Kirkjubøur – The country’s most historic village
✔️ Evening stroll in Tórshavn, one of the world’s smallest capitals
After landing at Vágar Airport (FAE), pick up your rental car and drive just 15 minutes to your first stop: Múlafossur Waterfall aka The Postman’s Trail in Gásadalur. This postcard-perfect scene features a powerful waterfall plunging directly into the Atlantic, with the backdrop of a tiny village and towering cliffs. It’s an unforgettable welcome to the Faroes. Hike details: 5 miles – out and back – 3,323 ft elevation gain – aproximately 5 hours to complete.
Next, drive 45 minutes to Kirkjubøur, the most historically significant village in the islands. Wander through the 12th-century Magnus Cathedral ruins, the charming black-timbered Kirkjubøargarður farmhouse (inhabited for over 17 generations!), quaint turf-roofed homes, and St. Olav’s Church, the country’s oldest still in use.
End your day in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, where you’ll be staying for the next 4 days. Wander through the old town of Tinganes, where 900-year-old red wooden buildings sit along the harbor, and explore Reyn, a charming quarter with traditional grass-roofed houses.
Where to Stay & Eat in Tórshavn
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Tórshavn
• 💎 Luxury:
• Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 ($$$) – A boutique waterfront hotel with elegant rooms and stunning ocean views.
• Hotel Føroyar ($$-$$$) – Modern Scandinavian design with panoramic views over Tórshavn.
• 🏡 Mid-Range:
• Hotel Hafnia ($$) – Centrally located, cozy hotel with easy access to Tinganes and local restaurants.
• 💰 Budget:
• 62°N Guesthouse ($) – Affordable, comfortable stay in the heart of Tórshavn.
• Tórshavn Camping ($) – Perfect for van-lifers and outdoor lovers, offering a budget-friendly stay close to nature.
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Tórshavn
• 🍖 Traditional Faroese Cuisine:
• Áarstova ($$$) – Famous for its slow-cooked Faroese lamb in a cozy, historic house.
• Barbara Fish House ($$-$$$) – A must-visit for seafood lovers, featuring fresh local fish and shellfish.
• 🥪 Casual & Budget-Friendly:
• Bitin ($) – Faroese-style street food, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
• Paname Café ($) – Great for coffee and homemade pastries before heading out on your next adventure.
🔹 Overnight: Tórshavn (Capital)
Day 2: Mykines – Puffin Paradise
📍 Highlights:
✔️ Boat trip to Mykines (home to thousands of puffins)
✔️ Stunning ocean views, Draganir Sea Arch & seabird colonies
✔️ Grab a bite at Mykines Cafe
Wake up early and drive to Sørvágur to catch the 8:45 AM ferry ($50 round trip) to Mykines, the westernmost and wildest of the Faroe Islands. You’ll sail past towering sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, and massive Draganir sea arch – one of the most impressive natural formations in the Faroes. You’ll sail by Múlafossur waterfall as well, if you opted not to hike there on Day 1.
After a scenic ferry ride, you’ll arrive at one of the most remote and beautiful villages in the Faroe Islands, with a population of less than 10 residents. You’ll be greeted by a certified Mykines guide who will take you on a leisurely walk around the village, which is perched on the edge of the island, offering stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean. The village is known for its charming grass-roofed houses and narrow winding paths that will transport you back in time. This rugged paradise is also home to tens of thousands of adorable and clumsy puffins, making it one of the best places in the world to see them up close – the reason why you can’t skip this island. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos of the wild landscape and the iconic puffin colonies, which outnumber the human population of the village.
Unwind at Mykines Cafe – a charming spot to grab a bite or a refreshing beverage. This cozy cafe, run by locals, offers a welcoming atmosphere with delicious options like coffee, pastries, and light bites. For a sweet treat, don’t miss their homemade ice cream, a delightful way to cool off after you walk around the village.
Important Tips:
• The hike has a ~$75 environmental fee ($60 if you book in advance) to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
• Ferries are weather-dependent, so book early and have a backup plan.
• If ferries aren’t running, opt for a helicopter ride (~$40 one-way) instead — an unforgettable experience!
🔹 Overnight: Tórshavn
Day 3: Kalsoy & Kallur Lighthouse Hike
📍 Highlights:
✔️ Driving through the Eysturoy Tunnel with its undersea roundabout
✔️ Hike to the dramatic Kallur Lighthouse
✔️ Visit the James Bond “No Time to Die” grave site
✔️ Explore the charming fishing town of Klaksvík
✔️ Sunset hike to Klakkur
Wake up early and drive 45 minutes from Tórshavn to Ferjulega (ferry terminal in Klaksvik). You will drive through the engineering marvel of the Eysturoy Tunnel, a 7.1-mile-long (11.2 km) undersea tunnel connecting Streymoy and Eysturoy. It even features the world’s only underwater roundabout, lit up in a mesmerizing blue glow! (Toll: ~$75 round trip)
Catch the 8:00 AM ferry (Route 56) from Klaksvík to Kalsoy ($20 round-trip). Check the ferry schedule in advance, as it is subject to change. Pro tip: arrive early to book a space for your vehicle up to 30 minutes before departure, with vehicles needing to be in the car lane at least 15 minutes before departure. The ferry can only take 12 vehicles, however, 5 of them are reserved for the locals. Trust me, you want to have your car while in Kalsoy. There is a bus but it doesn’t run very often.
After 20 minutes of sailing, you’ll arrive to picturesque Island of Kalsoy. It is famous for its narrow, single-lane 4 tunnels, which require careful driving and Kallur Lighthouse Hike. The drive from ferry terminal (Sydradalur) to the trailhead is only 20 minutes. The trail starts in the small village of Trøllanes, where you’ll immediately be surrounded by dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hike is moderate in difficulty, spanning about 2.5 miles (4 km) round-trip and costs $30 per person. It takes you through rolling grassy hills, which can be very middy, and rocky terrain. You’ll be greeted by true locals – the friendly sheep. As you ascend, the sheer cliffs drop steeply to the sea below and the Kallur lighthouse gradually comes into view, perched on the edge of the island like a beacon in the wind. At the top, the lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding islands and fjords, making every step of the hike worth the effort. If you dare, walk the narrow ridge for the most breathtaking photo. Don’t miss the James Bond grave site from No Time to Die. The wind can be fierce, but the reward is an awe-inspiring experience in one of the Faroe’ most remote beautiful spots.
Grab a bite at Cafe Edge in the village of Mikladalur. This cozy cafe offers a variety of local dishes: soup, Faroese lunch plate and desserts with coffee/tea and soda. The stunning views of the surrounding cliffs make for a scenic dining experience. After lunch, visit the Seal Woman statue, inspired by Faroese legend about a mythical woman who transforms into a seal. Then head back to the ferry terminal well in advance.
Upon return, explore Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroes, known as the fishing center. Stroll along the harbor, grab a coffee at Fríða Kaffihús, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Bonus: If the weather is nice, catch a sunset at Klakkur. This 1.7-mi out-and-back short, steep hike offers panoramic views of the Northern Islands (including Kalsoy) and fjords. It takes less than an hour to complete.
🔹 Overnight: Tórshavn
Day 4: Floating Lake Hike
📍 Highlights:
✔️ Hike to the famous Floating Lake
✔️ Alternative hike – Witch’s Finger
Drive to Vágar for the Floating Lake Hike (Sørvâgsvatn, Trælanípa, Bøsdalafossur waterfall ). This is an awe-inspiring experience that offers one of the most unique landscapes in the archipelago. The hike is relatively moderate, taking about 1-1.5 hours each way and covering approximately 4.5 miles (~8 km), with a steady climb that leads to breathtaking views. The lake itself, which appears to be floating above the ocean due to an optical illusion created by the surrounding cliffs, is a photographer’s dream. As you approach, the sheer size and beauty of the lake are overwhelming, and the dramatic cliffs dropping into the Atlantic only add to the real experience. Continue to Bøsdalafossur waterfall, where the lake flows directly into the sea. The trail also comes to Trælanípa (Slave Mountain) which is a rock wall that rises 142 meters vertically from the sea. It is believed that the rock wall got its name in Viking times, when the slaves were thrown over the edge and straight to their death.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to pay $30 per person, you can hike to Witch’s Finger (Trøllkonufingur). It is a short but rewarding trek leading to one of the archipelago’s most mystical rock formations. Standing 313 meters (1,027 feet) tall, this towering sea stack juts dramatically from the coastline near the village of Sørvágur, resembling a crooked finger pointing toward the sky. The hike itself is moderate, taking about 1-1.5 hours round-trip, with a mix of grassy terrain and rocky paths. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning coastal views, with the cliffs dropping steeply into the Atlantic. Local folklore tells of a witch who tried to steal the Faroe Islands but was turned to stone by the sunrise—her “finger” being all that remains. Reaching the viewpoint offers an incredible panoramic scene, making it a fantastic off-the-beaten-path adventure for those looking to experience the Faroe Islands’ raw, mythical beauty.
🔹 Overnight: Tórshavn or fly back home
Final Thoughts
This 4-day itinerary packs in the absolute best of the Faroe Islands—from puffin encounters on Mykines to jaw-dropping cliffs on Kalsoy, from epic hikes to sailing adventures. With dramatic landscapes at every turn, the Faroes are not just a destination but an experience that stays with you forever.
Are you ready to chase adventure in the North Atlantic?