What are the best places to visit in the Faroe Islands?
Short answer: The "Big Five" are Múlafossur waterfall in Gásadalur, the turf-roofed village of Saksun, the natural gorge at Gjógv, the Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy, and the puffin colony on Mykines.
- Gásadalur (Múlafossur): Easily the most famous image of the Faroes—a waterfall dropping directly into the ocean with a tiny village behind it. It is located on Vágar island, only 15 minutes from the airport. You do not need to hike to see it; you park the car and walk 200 meters.
- Mykines (The Puffin Island): A highly restricted bird sanctuary. You MUST book a specific passenger ferry or helicopter months in advance. You must also pay a mandatory 500 DKK hiking fee to the locals to walk to the lighthouse. Puffins are only present from May to August.
- Saksun and Tjørnuvík: Two incredibly scenic villages on northern Streymoy. Warning: Saksun has become notorious for "overtourism." Stick strictly to the marked paths, do not walk on the grass roofs, and respect the "No trespassing" signs put up by frustrated local farmers.
The James Bond Island (Kalsoy)
Since the release of No Time to Die, Kalsoy has exploded in popularity, specifically the hike to Kallur Lighthouse where James Bond's memorial tombstone is located.
To get there, you must take a small car ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur, then drive through several incredibly narrow, dark, single-lane tunnels. Because the ferry only holds about 15 cars, the line to board in the summer can take hours. Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 90 minutes before departure.
The Village of Gjógv
| Location | Why it is famous |
|---|---|
| Gjógv (Eysturoy) | Named after a massive, 200-meter long sea-filled gorge running straight from the village into the ocean. Historically used as a natural, protected harbor for fishing boats. It features an incredibly beautiful guesthouse (Gjáargarður) and a famous viewpoint (Mary's Bench). |
Are there hiking fees?
Yes. Because all land in the Faroe Islands is privately owned by farmers (mostly for sheep grazing), there are no "National Parks." Currently, local landowners charge massive fees (200 DKK to 500 DKK per person) to walk out to spots like Trælanípa (the "lake above the ocean") or Saksun beach. These must be paid in cash or via credit card at a turnstile.