Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are a rugged destination filled with things to do and sights to see. While they might seem a bit out of the way, the remoteness of the islands creates a serene atmosphere that is perfect for exploring the untouched natural beauty.
From iconic lighthouses and picturesque villages to crashing waterfalls and dramatic sea stacks, the Faroe Islands unique landscape has so much to enjoy. My trip through the Faroe Islands is one of the most memorable experiences of my life, with incredible hikes and scenic lookouts around every corner.
Planning a trip to the Faroe Islands can seem a bit daunting, so I’ve put together a list of 12 must-see spots for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts:
- Múlafossur Waterfall & Gasadalur
- Drangarnir Sea Stacks
- Dunnesdrangar Sea Stacks
- Trøllkonufingur (The Witch's Finger)
- Saksun & The Black Sand Beach
- Fossá Waterfall
- The Village of Tjørnuvík
- Hvíthamar Vantage Point
- The Seaside Village of Gjógv
- Lake Sørvágsvatn & Slave Cliffs
- The Southernmost Island of Suðuroy
- Kalsoy & Kallur Lighthouse
Múlafossur Waterfall & Gasadalur
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Gasadalur, the Múlafossur Waterfall is one of the Faroe Islands’ most iconic attractions. This breathtaking wonder cascades 30 meters into the ocean below and creates a mesmerizing spectacle.
Located about 20 minutes from Vágar Airport, Gasadalur Village was once inaccessible by road. Fortunately, a tunnel was constructed in 2004, making it easily reachable by car. Once you arrive, a short hike leads to the Múlafossur Viewpoint where you can take in the stunning view of the falls.
When you’re there, be sure to keep an eye out for puffins nesting on the nearby cliffs, and try to spend some time exploring the tranquil trails surrounding Gasadalur’s fields. The peaceful atmosphere and incredible views are perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Drangarnir Sea Stacks
Located off the coast of the Faroe Islands, the Drangarnir Sea Stacks are a natural wonder that I’d been eager to visit for years.
To reach Drangarnir, you have two options:
- Take a guided 5-6 hour hike costing around 80 Euros.
- Go on a boat tour that costs approximately 300 Euros.
I chose the boat tour to avoid the long hike, and it was worth the investment. Our boat departed from the port in Sørvágur and took only 10 minutes to reach the sea stacks.
After landing on the nearby shore, I began exploring the area and hiked up through the cliffs on the other side. The landscapes were breathtaking, with sea cliffs rising hundreds of meters from the ocean. The wind and rain were intense, but it only added to the dramatic experience.
Behind Drangarnir lies the island of Tindhólmur, which was equally impressive. After spending around two hours at Drangarnir, we took the boat back to the port. Despite the unfavorable weather, visiting Drangarnir was one of the highlights of my time on the Faroe Islands.
Dunnesdrangar Sea Stacks
Dunnesdrangar is another set of sea stacks and one of the most incredible sights in the Faroe Islands. I made my way yhere on a 60 euro guided tour, which took about an hour. We trudged through wet and boggy fields, and just before reaching the cliffs, we found ourselves in an enchanting landscape surrounded by sheep and rolling green hills shrouded in cloud.
As you approach the cliffs you’ll be struck by their impressive scale – several hundred meters high. This is a great spot to be still and admire the natural beauty.
Trøllkonufingur (The Witch’s Finger)
The Witch’s Finger, a 300-meter-tall stone monolith, is steeped in legend. According to local lore, it’s the finger of a witch who attempted to drag the Faroe Islands to Iceland.
To visit this natural wonder, you can park in the quaint village of Sandavágur. From there, a serene 20-minute hike will take you to the viewpoint. The tranquil trail offers breathtaking views of the monolith. The Faroe Islands are renowned for their dramatic sea cliffs, and the Witch’s Finger is yet another testament to the archipelago’s rugged beauty.
Saksun & The Black Sand Beach
Located on the island of Streymoy, the remote village of Saksun is a must-visit destination. This picturesque village is home to a stunning lagoon that fills with seawater to create a beautiful landscape.
The main attraction in Saksun is the black sand beach, which is about an hour’s hike from the village. For a small fee of around 10 euros, you can pass through a gate and continue your journey. The hike takes you through a lagoon with black sand and a stunning waterfall, before finally reaching the ocean.
The scenery was nothing short of unbelievable, with the green hills contrasting beautifully with the black sand, and heavy waves crashing dramatically on the shore.
What made the experience even more special was the sense of solitude. With no one around except the waves and seabirds, it was a truly magical moment. If you’re looking for an adventure, Saksun’s black sand beach is an absolute must-visit.
Fossá Waterfall
Located about 45 minutes from Tórshavn, Fossa is the tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands, at an impressive 140 meters. Conveniently situated right off the road, you can hike up to the waterfall for a closer look.
From the bottom, the view is already breathtaking, but I decided to take on the hike to the second tier. The scenery that awaited me was nothing short of enchanting. The lush green grass and delicate wildflowers created a magical atmosphere, making me feel like I’d stumbled into a hidden world. It was a truly charming place to explore.
The Village of TjørnuvÃk
After visiting Fossa Waterfall, I made the quick 10-minute drive to the charming village of TjørnuvÃk. With only around 70 residents, this idyllic village offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stroll. I enjoyed walking along the black sand beach, which is one of the few surf spots in the Faroe Islands.
From the town you can hike up to a nearby viewpoint which offers impressive views of the village, surrounding landscape, and sea stacks in the distance.
HvÃthamar Vantage Point
HvÃthamar is a vantage point offering amazing views of the village of Kunoy and the mountains and fjords that surround it.
The hike to HvÃthamar is a relatively easy one. The trail is a 45 minutes drive from Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, and involves climbing a small stairway, followed by a relaxed walk to the viewpoints.
At the top I experienced some of the strongest winds I’ve ever encountered. The breathtaking views are well worth the wind, but make sure you’re dressed for the weather.
The Seaside Village of Gjógv
Just five minutes away from HvÃthamar, the village of Gjógv is a must-visit. This charming village sits right by the ocean and boasts a unique rock formation that creates a natural harbor.
We walked down to the harbor is great, but what really caught my eye was the trail leading up to the sea cliffs where you can take in a perfect view of the village.
Lake Sørvágsvatn & Slave Cliffs
Afterward, we headed to Lake Sørvágsvatn and the Slave Cliffs. The hike costs 200 Danish kroner (approximately 25 Euros) and takes about 45 minutes to reach the Sea Cliffs. The cliffs are ominously named the “Slave Cliffs” due to the Viking legend that slaves were thrown off the edge.
One of the most striking features of the area is Lake Sørvágsvatn, a clifftop lake that is barely separated from the cliffs below.
On the other side of the cliffs lies the Bøsdalafossur waterfal, one of the most incredible waterfalls in the Faroe Islands. The waterfall cascades into the ocean where it clashes with giant waves slamming into the sea cliffs, creating one of the unique landscapes I’ve ever seen.
The Southernmost Island of Suðuroy
Located at the southernmost tip of the Faroe Islands, Suðuroy Island is a treasure trove of natural wonders. To reach this enchanting island, I embarked on a two-hour ferry ride from Torshavn. Upon arrival, I ventured to the northern part of the island, eager to explore the captivating landscapes.
A 30-minute walk from the parking area led me to the cliffs, where I discovered a quaint little bridge suspended over a deep chasm. While it may seem daunting, the bridge is relatively safe, but do exercise caution. As I stepped onto the bridge, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The air was crisp and clean, and the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking.
On one side of the bridge lies a serene canyon lake, teeming with seals and seabirds. The other side offers a stunning vista of the nearby sea cliffs, their rugged beauty a testament to the island’s untamed charm.
Kalsoy & Kallur Lighthouse
My final destination in the Faroe Islands was the island of Kalsoy, renowned for its dramatic landscapes. To get there, I drove through the impressive subsea tunnel, which features the world’s only undersea roundabout. From there, I took a 20-minute ferry ride from Klaksvik to Syðradalur.
Once I arrived on the island, I explored several villages, including the charming Mikladalur, nestled between mountains and sea. However, the main attraction that drew me to Kalsoy was the Kallur Lighthouse.
I drove to the northernmost village, Trøllanes, where a 45-minute hike took me to the lighthouse. The steady uphill climb was challenging, but the breathtaking views made it well worth the effort.
You may recognize this location from the latest James Bond movie. As a quirky touch, there’s even a tombstone dedicated to Mr. Bond.
After spending a few hours exploring this incredible location, I reluctantly rushed back to catch the ferry. Kalsoy was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my Faroe Islands adventure, and it provided a perfect conclusion to my journey.
The Faroe Islands are truly one of the most remarkable destinations in the world, with the dramatic cliffs, rock formations and waterfalls making you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world. For some more inspiration, be sure to take a look at this video I put together of my journey through the Faroe Islands.
