The Faroe Islands are an isolated North Atlantic archipelago located halfway between Iceland and Norway, roughly equidistant from both countries. Administratively, the Faroes are a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark. With their rugged coastlines, towering sea cliffs, lush green hills dotted with sheep, and picturesque villages, the remote Faroes offer visitors an unspoiled natural landscape and unique adventure opportunities.
Clifftop Hiking Along Epic Coastlines
One of the best ways to take in the Faroes’ breathtaking scenery is by hiking along its cliff-lined coasts. The islands boast over 1,000 kilometers of shoreline—a dramatic mix of towering sea stacks, plunging waterfalls, sea caves, and steep cliff paths clinging to the edges of sheer drops down to the violent north Atlantic below.
Some of the most scenic coastal hikes include:
- Nólsoy Panorama Trail – This 4-5 hour circuit on the island of Nólsoy offers expansive ocean vistas along clifftops 500 meters above sea level. Look for puffins, northern gannets, and other seabirds nesting on the cliffs below.
- Tjørnuvík Cliff Path – On Eysturoy island, this hike passes sea stacks, natural bridges, and cliffs up to 300 meters tall. Looking down, you can see crashing waves ricocheting off jagged rocks.
- Vestmanna Bird Cliffs – Soaring sea cliffs at the southwestern tip of Streymoy island are home to a large puffin colony from May to August. Watch the colorful birds dive bomb into the ocean and return with beaks full of fish.
Proper clothing and footwear are essential for the Faroes’ changeable weather. Dress in waterproof layers and sturdy boots with thick traction soles. Hiking poles are also recommended for added stability on the narrow, uneven cliff trails. Always check tide times and weather forecasts before setting out, as coastal conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Sea Kayaking Among Remote Islands and Islets
With its deep fjords, intricate coastal geography, and over 18,000 islets, the archipelago of the Faroe Islands is a paddler’s paradise. Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the isolated islands and discover landmarks inaccessible by foot or larger boats. Experienced kayakers can traverse the larger islands’ coastlines, while beginners have options to stick closer to major towns.
Some top sea kayaking destinations and routes include:
- Kalsoy’s Steep Cliffs – Paddle around the entire island’s coastline for views of its towering sea cliffs and stacks.
- Leirvik Fjord – Explore this sheltered inlet on Eysturoy island dotted with small islets and waterfalls.
- Nólsoy Island – Circumnavigate this steep, mountainous island in a day while searching for seabirds.
- Tórshavn Harbor – Paddle the shorelines around the capital for postcard views of its colorful houses.
Multi-day guided kayak tours are also available between July and September, allowing paddlers to camp on remote beaches overnight. Strong paddling skills, navigational experience, and wet or dry suits are advised year-round due to unpredictable ocean conditions.
Canyoning in Powerful Waterfalls
Canyoning, also called gorge walking or river trekking, involves hiking, climbing, jumping, and swimming through mountain streams and canyons. This adrenaline-pumping activity has a devoted following in the Faroe Islands thanks to the territory’s powerful plunging waterfalls.
The most popular canyoning routes include:
- Gjógv Canyon – Hike down through a narrow 200-meter-deep ravine, leaping between pools below Iceland’s second highest waterfall.
- Villingardalur Canyon – Traverse pools and slides surrounded by basalt cliffs in this canyon located on the island of Suðuroy.
- Kollafjarðardalur Canyon – Canyoning route in a dramatic fjord valley on Eysturoy island involving natural rock slides into vibrant blue pools.
Canyon routes often require some climbing, jumping, and swimming ability. Participants should be comfortable in cold, turbulent water and confident on steep, loose terrain. Outfitters provide equipment like helmets, harnesses, and wetsuits. Canyoning season runs from May to September depending on water levels.
Seabird Spotting Boat Tours
With over 20 species of nesting seabirds, the cliffsides of the Faroe Islands act as an important bird breeding ground in the North Atlantic. Popular boat tours run during breeding seasons to observe birds up close in their natural habitat without disturbance.
Tour options include:
- Mykines – Zodiac boat rides out to this remote western island in June-July witness puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars nesting on sea cliff ledges.
- Vestmanna Cliffs – Southern Streymoy’s steep basalt sea walls are home to one of Faroe’s largest puffin colonies, easily spotted from boats below from May-August.
- Nólsoy Island – Boat trips around this steep-sided island’s shores reveal nesting northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills from May-August.
- Tórshavn Harbor – Small boat cruises around the bustling capital’s port offer chances to spot harbor seals and seabirds year-round including Atlantic puffins in summer.
These tours provide close encounters with Faroe’s emblematic seabird life in their natural habitats without disturbing fragile nesting areas. Bring cameras and binoculars for best viewing and identification.
Technical Diving Among Underwater Sea Stacks
The icy waters surrounding the Faroe Islands contain some of the best technical wreck and cave diving sites in Northern Europe. Year-round water temperatures average around 6°C, requiring specialized equipment and drysuits. Experienced technical divers can explore deep underwater canyons, sheer sea cliff faces, caves, and towering rock pinnacles teeming with sea life.
Reputable diving operators offer equipment rentals and guided technical diving charters to sites like:
- Vestmanna Depth Canal – Sheer rock faces and canyons plunging to 100 meters filled with ling, tusk, and conger eels.
- Kaldbaksfjørður – Underwater moss gardens and cave systems in this protected inlet on Kalsoy island visited on scientific dives.
- Leirvík Caves – A series of flooded caves and tunnels surrounded by colorful marine life in Eysturoy’s Leirvík fjord.
Technical divers will need drysuits, deco computers, backups, stage bottles, video lights, and line reels to safely navigate the challenging conditions at depths exceeding 30 meters. Multiday trips with boat and camping provisions allow accessible exploration.
Fishing for Atlantic Cod andlangoustine
Recreational fishing on the Faroe Islands allows anglers the opportunity to fish for some of the finest seafood species in the world. Both shoreline and deep-sea fishing trips target prized catch like Atlantic cod, haddock, saithe, and of course the pink-fleshed, sweet-tasting local langoustine delicacy.
Available options include:
- guided offshore fishing charters in rugged RIB boats
- independent fly or lure fishing from scenic piers or beaches
- lake fishing for salmon and arctic char
Popular spots for deep-sea fishing include Tórshavn Harbor, Viðareiði, Kollafjørður, and the island of Nólsoy. No fishing license required. Shorelines fishable year-round, boats run from May-Sept. Daily catches depend on conditions but limits strictly enforced to protect stocks.
Birdwatching and Nature Walks
For those seeking milder outdoor pursuits, the Faroe Islands offer excellent birdwatching and nature walks amongst breathtaking scenery. Over 230 bird species have been recorded in Faroese skies at some point, and the archipelago serves as a migratory stopover.
Good spots for observing include:
- Kallur Lighthouse on Suðuroy for migrant passerines and shearwaters offshore
- Tjørnuvík forest area on Eysturoy rich in songbirds and raptors
- Leirvik on Eysturoy for waders and seabirds in marshes and shorelines
- Gjógv on Streymoy with chance views of golden eagles in coastal cliffs
Guided birding tours can help identify specialties. Otherwise, mild hiking trails through mossy rhyolite landscapes and villages filled with ornate traditional grass-roofed homes provide opportunities for spotting birds in their natural habitats. Make sure to bring Binoculars, spotting scope, field guides and proper clothing for changeable weather conditions.
Understand the Local Culture
To truly understand and appreciate the Faroe Islands, it’s important to experience aspects of the local Nordic culture. Some excellent options include:
- Tórshavn Walking Tour – Guided introduction to the charming pastel-colored capital including historic buildings, statue of national hero Nólsoyar Páll, and lively waterfront.
- Grass-Roofed House Museum – Learn about traditional Faroese architecture, furnishings and lifestyles at this recreated 17th century turf farmstead.
- Sheep Farm Visit – Witness working hillside sheep farms integral to the Faroese economy and way of life. Learn about native grass-eating breeds.
- Traditional Music Performance – Catch local folk singers and fiddlers performing centuries-old ballads and dance tunes reflecting Islands’ cultural roots.
Cultural activities help add context to the natural scenery and understand modern Faroese identity and independence from Denmark. Special festivals celebrating local gastronomy, music and national pride take place throughout summer.