Ultimate 7 Day Faroe Islands Itinerary: Puffins, Waterfalls and More!  

Planning a trip to the Faroe Islands, but have no idea where to start? The Faroe Islands is a unique archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Iceland. This remote piece of paradise is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world – but it can be difficult to know exactly what to do in the Faroe Islands for that same reason. How should you structure your trip? How should you get around? What hikes can you skip, and which ones should you save? My complete 7 day Faroe Islands itinerary will help you plan the most incredible trip to the Faroe Islands, complete with stunning hikes, iconic viewpoints and bucket list adventures — with information on the best time to visit. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the most incredible Faroe Islands itinerary. 

One quick note about this Faroe Islands itinerary: the weather in the Faroe Islands can vary depending on the day – and the island. I’d recommend downloading the Faroe Islands Live application, which has live cameras from cities across the country. This way, you can shuffle the itinerary around depending on the weather each day.  

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Day 1: Arrive in the Faroe Islands, Settle In  

To visit the Faroe Island, you will likely fly through Iceland, Copenhagen, Norway or the UK – and if you’re flying from further away, a layover will be necessary. 

On your first day in the Faroe Islands, arrive at the airport and grab your rental car. From there, drive out to your accommodations to get unpacked and ready for the week. 

If you arrive on a Saturday, I’d highly recommend stopping at the grocery store on your way home to prepare for Sunday. On Sunday, most grocery stores and restaurants are closed for lunch – so it will be helpful to have a little packed lunch for the day ahead. 

Day 2: Vágar Island (& The Best Hikes!)

On your second day in the Faroe Islands, explore one of the most breathtaking islands in the Faroe Islands: Vágar Island. 

Trælanípa Hike (The Lake Over the Ocean)

Spend a couple hours hiking along Trælanípa Lake, one of the most iconic photo spots in the Faroe Islands. 

If you’ve looked up the Faroe Islands before, you’ve seen the photos of a lake perched above the ocean. That’s Trælanípa – and unfortunately, it’s just a visual illusion, but the hike is completely breathtaking even still. 

To do this hike, you’ll need to pay 200 Danish Kroner at the entry station (parking is free!) and walk along the lake to the view point. It’s an easy hike with slight hills, though the path can be muddy if it has rained recently. 

At the end of the hike, you’ll reach the path that diverts to the viewpoint. It’s a steep hike up the hill to the famous photo spot – the only steep part of the hike. The top of the cliff feels a lot like standing at the edge of the world and it makes for an excellent spot for a snack or packed lunch. 

The entire hike will take around 2 hours (or more, if you stop for lunch, like we did). 

At the top, be wary of getting too close to the edge – with the strong winds, tourists have slipped and fallen in the past. 

Múlafossur Waterfall

No 7 Day Faroe Islands itinerary is complete without Mulafossur Waterfall, one of the most beautiful spots in the Faroe Islands. The waterfall sits at the edge of a dramatic valley – one of the most breathtaking spots in the country. 

To visit this waterfall, park in the lot off the side of the road and walk over to the viewpoint. This should be a 10 minute hike maximum, but if you’d like to extend the walk, continue walking by crossing over the waterfall and make your way up the other side of the valley to a breathtaking viewpoint. 

Walk all the way up and around, ending up back in the village. There’s also a public toilet in the village, if you need it. This extended hike took us about an hour (we stopped at the bench at the top to snap some photos), but it can absolutely be done faster. 

Optional: Drangarnir Hike

If you’re feeling up to it, consider hiking to Drangarnir, a viewpoint that looks over some of the Faroe Islands’ most iconic sea stacks. Steep hiking will leave you rewarded with a breathtaking, 360-view of the end of the world scenery. 

One thing to note here: the entry cost is 600 Danish Kroner per person, which can be quite steep.

This is quite a bit pricier than most hikes, but the views are stunning. However, if the price feels out of reach, don’t worry – there are plenty of hikes with equally beautiful views.

That’s why this hike is listed as optional – and in my opinion, you will find many other beautiful hikes with smaller fees. 

Day 3: Streymoy (the Island with the Capital City)

On your third day in the Faroe Islands, explore the island of Streymoy – which is also home to the capital city, Tórshavn.

Streymoy has so much to see and do; if you plan to spend all day ticking off the items on this list, bring a packed lunch. It can be tricky to find open restaurants or grocery stores in some of these smaller towns. 

Fossá Waterfall

Drive up to Fossa Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall located on the side of the road. The best time to visit is later in the morning, when the early morning fog has burned off. 

This waterfall is great for all levels of accessibility: you can enjoy it from the viewing point by the water, or you can hike up closer to get a look. 

If you do opt to hike, make sure you have proper footwear as it gets slippery and muddy. 

Tjørnuvík

Next, visit the beautiful village of Tjørnuvík, located on the northernmost part of the island. This tiny village is nestled between towering cliffs. The black sand beach sprawls, making it a dramatic (and beautiful!) spot to explore. 

Off to the left side, there’s a hike to follow the curve of the mountain; the trail snakes around to a beautiful cliffside view point. 

Alternatively, walk down the black sand beach and enjoy the stark, stunning views. In town, a small cafe serves up tasty sweet treats and a modest lunch; it’s generally open around lunch time.

Saksun Church

Saksun Church lies nestled in the valley; the drive here will be around 45 minutes from the last stop. Saksun village lies in a beautiful fjord surrounded by mountains. This is, hands down, one of the most picturesque spots in the Faroe Islands. 

However, the area has suffered from a distinct flood of tourists and photographers. When I visited, the church was closed to visitors as tourists had damaged property.

When you visit, please be mindful of private property and remain respectful by sticking to designated paths and trails. 

Optional: Wellness Stop Havdypp

Iceland gets all the hype for their spas, but the Faroe Islands have their own spa options, too.

Havdypp offers a unique day spa for visitors seeking a little rest and relaxation. The facilities include a spa, sauna and ice bath – all facing the ocean.

It’s stunning and secluded, precisely what you need to relax. 

Kirkjubøur

If you have the energy, don’t skip one of the most important historical sights in the Faroe Islands: Kirkjubøur. Kirkjubøur was the birthplace of Jóannes Patursson, who created the idea that the Faroe Islands is a nation. 

Additionally, the village is primarily home to the black homes with turf roofs. Don’t skip Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav’s Church (Olavskirkjan), two of the most prominent historical sights in the area. 

Quick note: This spot is only a 15-minute drive from the capital, but you can also reach it by bus. Hop on one of the free-of-charge red buses from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur. Bus route 5 (weekdays) and route 7 (weekends) will get you to the heart of Kirkjubøur.

Day 4: Eysturoy

Lace up your hiking boots! Today, we’re visiting the island of Eysturoy, which is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in the Faroe Islands. 

Gongutúrur / Hvithamar Hike

Start off at the Gongutúrur / Hvithamar Trailhead, which might not be immediately obvious from the road.

Once you reach the top of the hill, park on the side of the road and start your hike through sheep fields until you reach the first viewpoint, a beautiful point that offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding islands. 

Truly, this is one of the most spectacular views in the Faroe Islands!

Gjógv

The cute town of Gjógv might just be one of the most picturesque spots in the Faroe Islands. Here, walk around town and stop at the viewpoint at this unique fishing village. 

To the left of the town, you’ll find a trail heading up the side of the cliff. This short-yet-rewarding hike offers spectacular views of Kalsoy and the village of Gjógv. The entry fee is 200 DK and, unlike other hikes, this path has stairs to overcome a particularly steep and muddy uphill. 

The hike will take around an hour, depending on your speed, to reach the top of the cliff. If you’re lucky, you might spot some puffins! 

One quick note: This hike isn’t ideal for those with fear of heights, as the drop off is dramatic. That being said, it’s completely worth it! 

Eiði

Eiði remains one of my favorite towns in the Faroe Islands and one of the few towns actively growing outside of the capital city. Here, follow the road up the left hand side of the town and drive past the school to reach the start of a trailhead to Eiðiskollur. 

The hike up to Eiðiskollur was one of the most rewarding with a ridiculously gorgeous payoff. Expect two steep uphill sections as you climb the cliff. The field separating the uphill sections can be really muddy if it rains. 

Once you reach the top, walk to the end of the cliff. From here, you can see sea stacks, the neighboring islands and sea as far as the eye can see. It’s beyond breathtaking; this was, hands down, one of our favorite hikes in the Faroe Islands. 

The entire hike takes about two to three hours, depending on how fast you can climb uphill sections. On a beautiful day, you’ll see so many rainbows, you lose count! 

Day 5: Kalsoy Islands & Kallur Lighthouse  

Kalsoy Island might just be one of the most beautiful, secluded spots in the Faroe Islands – and it’s a critical part of any Faroe Islands itinerary! 

To visit Kalsoy Island, you’ll either take a ferry and a bus or put your car on the ferry and drive on the island once you arrive. Locals recommend taking the bus as it can be difficult for them to grab a spot for their cars on the car ferry during peak season. Find the ferry tickets here; I’d book a ticket where you can change the date if needed as it can be difficult to visit Kalsoy when the weather is bad.  

To hike to Kallur Lighthouse, you’ll head to the northernmost city on the island (via bus or car) and pay the entry fee at the restaurant there. From there, it’s a short, uphill hike– but completely doable for all abilities (though not for those who struggle with mobility). 

During my visit, they were working on building a better, paved path with gravel. Until that is completed, keep in mind this hike can be treacherous as you round the bend to complete the final stretch – even on dry days, it is muddy and narrow. We saw multiple people falling as they hiked – both young and old! 

Pro tip: If you’re visiting and it’s busy, stick around for an hour or two and bring a packed lunch. The crowds will pass and you’ll have the place to yourself! 

Once you finish your hike, do not skip the Thai food at Aroidee lighthouse restaurant. It’s genuinely authentic Thai food and so delicious! 

Day 6: Villingadalsfjall or Hestur 

For your sixth day in the Faroe Islands, pick between two entirely different adventures: hiking Villingadalsfjall, an all-day endeavour for experienced hikers, or visiting the often-forgotten island of Hestur. 

Villingadalsfjall

Experienced hikers with a strong level of physical fitness can’t skip this epic hike to one of the Faroe Islands’ most dramatic mountains. Start your hike here (200DK fee) at the Villingardalsfjall/Enniberg hike starting point. 

Two tips: If you’re doing this hike, I’d highly recommend hiking poles. Additionally, if it’s even slightly foggy or rainy during your hike, don’t attempt it. At the top, it’s incredibly sketchy and can be dangerous if it is foggy (you risk falling off the mountain in some parts) or rainy. During our visit, we could only visit the first peak as the conditions were not ideal. 

With good physical fitness, this hike will take around eight to 10 hours, depending on your speed. Don’t forget to bring enough water and food!

Hestur

When most people visit the Faroe Islands, they leave Hestur off their Faroe Islands itinerary. This sparsely populated island (only 15 people live here!) 

To visit, you’ll take a 15 minute ferry ride from the Gamlarætt port on Streymoy. There are several daily departures, but they only sail upon request as this island is not as populated. Find the schedule and book your ticket here. 

This car-free island is the perfect place to explore – it’s scenic with lots of beautiful hiking routes. It’s also home to the largest sea cave of its kind in the world, Klæmintsgjógv. You can access it by boat from the port. Alternatively, you can use this time to hike and explore the island – one of those lovely spots that very few people see in the Faroe Islands. 

Day 7: Mykines (And Puffins!) 

No Faroe Islands itinerary is complete without a trip to the iconic and striking Mykines, the westernmost island in the chain – and a special place home to an incredible amount of puffins. 

Mykines is unlike any other place you will visit. It’s a paradise for bird lovers everywhere; the island is the best place to watch puffins – as well as dozens of other uncommon birds – up close. The village of the same name is a vibrant and busting city in the summer. And, of course, the hike up to the Mykines lighthouse may be one of the most beautiful hikes in the Faroe Islands. 

The best way to experience Mykines, in my opinion, is with a local guide. Experienced local guides can help show you the best spots to find remotely located puffins – and show you the true beauty of the island. I really recommend this option if you’re looking for a guided tour. The tour also includes transport to the island, which saves a lot of confusion with the ferry (which I found to be a tad confusing!). 

One thing to keep in mind: puffin season only lasts throughout the summer – if you’re visiting during the shoulder season, or winter, the ferry to Mykines stops operating. Additionally, the sea can be rough (especially when the island opens in May!) and ferries may be cancelled; if you do plan to visit, visit early in your stay in case of cancellation. 

If your trip does get cancelled in advance, consider Nolsoy a great alternative for puffin spotting. It’s also closer and ferries do not get cancelled as much. 

However, if you are planning a trip to the Faroe Islands during the shoulder season, and Mykines is unavailable – I’d highly recommend spending one day (or one night, if you have the time) on the southernmost island in the Faroe Islands, Suðuroy. 

Suðuroy is the perfect haven for hikers seeking some of the most incredible scenery and most spectacular hikes. One of the most well-known hikes on Suðuroy is to Hvannavatn Lake and the valley of Hvannhagi from Tvøroyri, both of which frequently top lists as the most beautiful hike in the Faroe Islands. 

The ferry to the island is around two hours; buy tickets here. One thing to keep in mind: during the shoulder season, these ferries can frequently be cancelled due to rough waters. Keep this in mind when booking, especially if you’re planning to fly out the next day. I’d recommend building in some buffer time. 

Day 8: Explore Torshavn and Fly Home

On your final day in the Faroe Islands, don’t forget to explore the capital city, Tórshavn, before heading home. 

Alternatively, use this time to tick off one last item on the bucket list: a tour of the unique sea stacks in the Faroe Islands. We loved this tour of Drangarnir sea stacks, which lets you see the Faroe Islands from an entirely different angle. 

Alternatively, set sail and try your hand at fishing in the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands is a huge fishing destination – and a huge bird watching destination. This tour (the operator is truly awesome!!) takes off from the capital and heads over to Nolsoy, where you’ll catch fish and spot dozens of unique birds, including one of the world’s largest storm petrel colonies, puffins, guillemots, and gannets nestled on the cliffs. 

If you’re looking for souvenirs, consider picking up handmade Faroese goods at the Faroese Design Store Öström. Alternatively, we loved the sweaters at Navia (machine-made with Faroese wool, which they also sell!) and the handmade sweaters at Føroya Heimavirkisfelag. 

When to Visit the Faroe Islands

Before booking your Faroe Islands trip, consider the best time to visit the Faroe Islands (my full blog post on it here). 

The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is, by far, the summer season. From late May to August, the Faroe Islands receive plenty of sunshine (with 22 hours of daylight!) and calm weather. 

During this season, you can expect mostly dry weather with warmer temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius. It’s the perfect season to go hiking or take a polar plunge, too.

Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.