Journey to Europe's Best-Kept Secret
Hiking the Faroe Islands
Overview
The incredibly isolated Faroe Islands, halfway between Scotland and Iceland, are a breathtaking archipelago of soaring sea cliffs, cozy harbor villages, and famously shaggy sheep. We'll hike airy ridge trails above narrow fjords, along sea cliffs, above the ethereal hanging lake of Sørvágsvatn, and to Vidoy for incredible panoramas over the five northernmost Faroese islands. As we explore, we'll be welcomed into homes, watch traditional Faroese dancing (derived from medieval ring dances), and enjoy a round of beers at the islands' oldest brewery. The seafood here is hook-to-table fresh, and we'll savor meals in the company of knitters, chefs, and artists as we experience the genuine culture of the Faroes.
Arrive: Sørvágur, Faroe Islands
Depart: Sørvágur, Faroe Islands
Highlights
- Discover the Faroes' stunning coastal hikes and rich seafaring heritage
- Sample Faroese cuisine, including superb fresh-caught fish
- Sip beer at the oldest brewery on the islands
- Meet artisans, dine with local families
- Enjoy welcoming hotels and guesthouses—some hikes start right from the front door!
Itinerary
On Vágar, we hike to the stupendous cliffs at Traelanípa to view Sørvágsvatn, a breathtaking clifftop lake that seems suspended in the sky. A spectacular cruise below Faroese rock formations brings us to Mykines Island, stretching out in a spine of glorious bluffs and sheer cliff faces. It is the most westerly island of the Faroes and a photographer's and ornithologist's paradise. We'll walk through its turf-roofed village and hike to a teeming puffin colony.
The thousand-foot high Vestmanna cliffs are sculpted into craggy arches and grottos that are home to thousands of seabirds including guillemots and razorbills—and daring sheep that graze on the edges. We'll boat below these cliffs, and on Eysturoy, meet a local artist at her studio, then hike up nearby Eiðiskollur for panoramas of two towering sea stacks, Risin and Kellingin, said to be the remains of a giant and giantess.
On Bordoy, we visit the oldest brewery in the Faroes, and on Vidoy, our hike brings epic views of the northernmost edges of the archipelago and the wild Norwegian Sea stretching toward the Arctic. One evening, we'll have a dinner complete with Faroese dance and song.
We explore Tórshavn's Old Town, with its turf-roofed buildings, and enjoy dinner in a family home with ingredients fresh from the farm—and of course, local Faroese schnapps. Depart on Day 8 via Sørvágur.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 4, Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 4.5 miles a day, being on your feet for up to 5 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose rocks. You will need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
Average Hiking Day
- 3 miles
- 3 hours
- 1,000-1,200 feet gain/loss
- Day 6: 4.5 miles, 4 hours, and 1,700 feet gain/loss
Trails are mostly grassy, and with the frequent rain, they can be muddy and slippery. There are sections with jagged rock, and some steep ascents and descents, often without defined trails. The Faroe Islands lack trees, so trails are often exposed and there can be occasional wind gusts. We cross a
metal bridge on the island of Mykine, the bridge length is about 120 feet and it is 90 feet above the ocean. Some hikes are through boggy terrain, so waterproof gaiters are recommended, but not required. Hiking poles are necessary for the steep, slippery descents.
Temperatures should be in the mid 50s°F during the day and in the 40s°F at night. The weather can provide spectacular and clear days, but rain is very common. Weather in the Faroe Islands is always unpredictable, so you must come prepared for at least some rain and bring appropriate rain gear. Even on sunny days, expect strong winds. It is unlikely that it will be hot. The weather is a major factor in deciding whether a hike is possible, as strong winds, low clouds, and rain can make exposed hikes too dangerous.
Our accommodations will be in comfortable hotels and in a charming guesthouse while in Gjógv on the island of Eysturoy. Hotel Vagar is extremely simple and isolated with small rooms. Please note that the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Twin beds are often next to each other, but they will have separate bedding. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
Our lunches are picnic-style or at local restaurants. Dinners are often taken in the home of locals where they will treat us to an authentic experience and share stories. Faroese cuisine is generally simple, and vegetables are not readily available, so vegetarian and vegan options are extremely limited. Vegan options, particularly, may not always be available. Gluten and dairy are also expected at every meal. We'll have the chance to sample a lot of traditional food, including fresh fish and beer from the island's oldest brewery.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).
Client Testimonials
"A fantastic hiking/cultural experience in a uniquely beautiful island group!"
Anne C.
Altamonte Springs, FL
"Skye's skill in identifying places and people ensured a wonderful balance of hiking, cultural experiences, and time in the homes of Faroese people. We had access to very unique places and met people who added their personal perspectives to life in the Faroes."
Eleanor H.
W Montrose, Ontario
"I've wanted to hike in the Faroe Islands for more than 20 years and was glad that Wilderness offered the trip. There was spectacular scenery, great accommodations, and a guide who cared about our experiences—in towns, beautiful churches, and the arts. We had two gatherings in private homes and the Faroese were so welcoming. I would highly recommend the trip to anyone."
Gay T.
Fort Myers, FL
"The hiking was excellent, but I really enjoyed the home visits also. It was a unique way to experience local culture."
Julie S.
Emporia, KS
"This trip was wonderful. The islands are stunning, with incredibly dramatic scenery and weather. The birds, especially the puffins and oystercatchers, were amazing. The hikes were lovely, not too strenuous and appropriate for the group traveling."
Linda K.
Saratoga Springs, NY
"One of the best trips I've been on. The Faroes are magnificent to behold, the hiking was fabulous, and the views were jaw dropping stupendous."
Lynne R.
Larkspur, CA
"Loved the home visits with locals for tea, post-hike snacks, lunch and dinner. Unique experiences!"
Mary C.
Earlham, IA
"I enjoyed this trip so much that I almost cried when it was over. With our leader, there was NEVER a dull moment."
Ruby S.
Vancouver, BC
"A well-designed itinerary with a wonderful mix of hiking and cultural experiences. The cultural interactions with local residents were one of the high points of the trip. The hikes were very scenic, historic, and enjoyable."
Sandra C.
Seattle, WA
"This trip was a wonderful introduction to the beauty of the Faroe Islands and the culture and history of the Faroese. The people we met generously offered us their hospitality, culture, history, and personal stories."
Sandy J.
Irvine, CA
"This trip exceeded my expectations—and I had fairly high expectations. Our guide and the itinerary design were excellent."
Sarah L.
Sioux Falls, SD
"This was such a fabulous trip in such a beautiful country. I loved the exercise and I loved so many of the cultural events—visiting the artist, the brewery, the old farmhouses, the churches, Oliver's boat trip. It was just great."
Vicki V.
Baltimore, MD
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.