The best of the Faroe Islands - 5 days self drive

Rannvá  Joensen - (rannvajoensen)
Itinerary created by
Rannvá Joensen
What you’ll do

This ultimate 5-day self-drive itinerary guide will help you discover the best of the Faroe Islands. Planning an itinerary can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, due to the abundance of incredible sights and activities. To make your visit easier and more enjoyable, I have created this itinerary highlighting the MUST-SEE places in the Faroe Islands, ensuring you experience the most iconic and awe-inspiring sights, making your trip truly unforgettable.

The itinerary is designed around day trips, allowing you to return to the capital, Tórshavn, each evening and embark on a new adventure the next day. With the short distances between most islands, Tórshavn serves as the perfect base for your explorations.

Considering the unpredictable weather, the order of the days is flexible, so you can adjust them as needed. It's always recommended to check the weather forecast on www.yr.no/en or view live webcams at www.faroeislandslive.com. This way, you can plan your days accordingly and make the most of your Faroe Islands adventure.

It's your first day exploring the Faroe Islands, and it will take you to the must-visit places in Streymoy and Eysturoy. Your first stop is the charming village of Saksun, known for its breathtaking surroundings. Here, you can explore an old farmhouse, a quaint church, and a stunning waterfall, perfect for a stroll. After Saksun, you'll head to the largest waterfall in the Faroe Islands. Conveniently located right next to the road, it's an ideal spot for a quick photo opportunity.

1

Saksun
Saksun
Viking village
Category
Sightseeing

19.4 km (12 mi)

23 min

2

Fossá
Fossá
Tallest waterfall
Category
Waterfall

19.5 km (12.1 mi)

20 min

Before driving to Tjørnuvík, be sure to check the parking sign right after the village of Haldórsvík. This sign will inform you if there are any available parking spots in Tjørnuvík, as the village has only 20 spots and can easily become crowded.

Once in Tjørnuvík, head down to the beach to see the two legendary sea stacks. The scenery is stunning. Afterward, take a walk through the village to admire the old houses. You might even meet my friend Hans Esbern, who is famous for his homemade waffles. He usually wears a traditional Faroese hat, and is hard to miss. Be sure to bring cash with you!

3

Risin og Kellingin
Risin og Kellingin
Two legends
Category
Sightseeing

27.1 km (16.9 mi)

32 min

4

Tjørnuvík
Tjørnuvík
Scenic village
Category
Beach

24.9 km (15.5 mi)

27 min

It's time to drive to the next island, Eysturoy, and prepare for one of the most breathtaking journeys. This mountain pass road is a personal favorite of mine, offering incredible views of mountains and fjords. Don't miss the chance to photograph Funnings Church before continuing up the winding road to Gjógv.

5

Funningsfjørður
Funningsfjørður
Scenic drive
Category
Sightseeing

5.8 km (3.6 mi)

5 min

6

Funnings Kirkja
Funnings Kirkja
Charming church
Category
Culture

5.1 km (3.2 mi)

8 min

Once you reach the summit of the mountain pass, park near the cattle gate. Parking can be tight as there are limited spaces available. From here, you have two hiking options. The easier route veers to the right towards the Hvíthamar viewpoint, while the straight path upwards leads to another viewpoint. Both trails offer spectacular views and are short hikes.

7

Hvíthamar
Hvíthamar
Short hike
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
30-60m

3.6 km (2.3 mi)

5 min

After a few hours on the road, it's time to unwind and immerse yourself in the picturesque village of Gjógv. If you're feeling hungry, consider stopping at Gjóbiti restaurant at Gjáargarður Hotel (http://gjaargardur.fo/restaurant-1) for a light meal. They also offer lunch boxes if ordered by the day before 16 hrs. Due to Gjógv's popularity, it's advisable to book a table in advance as the restaurant fills up quickly.

For those with a sweet tooth or who prefer a lighter snack, I recommend visiting the quaint Gjáarkaffi café. Here, you can savor treats while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Faroe Islands' largest gorge.

Take time to explore the village and its charming harbor. If you're up for a short hike and keen on spotting puffins between early May and mid-August, follow the path to the left of the gorge leading to the cliffs. Take it easy as there are many stairs, which can be challenging. Once you reach the cliff's edge, you'll often spot puffins right before you, making the effort well worthwhile.

8

Gjáarkaffi
Gjáarkaffi
Cute coffee place
Category
Café
Est. Price
$

22 m (0 mi)

9

Gjógvin í Gjógv
Gjógvin í Gjógv
Stunning gorge
Category
Sightseeing

11.3 km (7 mi)

17 min

Now it's time to return to Tórshavn, but rather than following the same route, take a detour towards the village of Eiði. Along the way, you'll pass by Slættaratindur, the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands. Make a brief stop at the Risin og Kellingin viewpoint to admire the legendary sea stacks from a different perspective before continuing your journey back

10

Risin og Kellingin viewpoint
Risin og Kellingin viewpoint
Legendary sea stacks
Category
Sightseeing

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