Tucked away in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are one of Europe’s most captivating hidden gems. Comprising 18 volcanic islands connected by bridges, ferries, and sub-sea tunnels, this dramatic archipelago is defined by towering cliffs, windswept landscapes, and colorful turf-roofed villages that seem untouched by time. With fewer than 60,000 inhabitants, the Faroes remain one of the least crowded destinations in Europe, making them perfect for travelers seeking exclusivity and authenticity.
Luxury travel in the Faroe Islands is not about five-star resorts and bustling nightlife — it’s about immersing yourself in wild, unspoiled nature while enjoying refined cultural and culinary experiences. Visitors can savor world-class cuisine in Tórshavn’s acclaimed restaurants, hike to lighthouses perched dramatically above the sea, or explore villages with Viking and medieval heritage. The islands are also gaining international attention as a filming location — Kalsoy’s rugged cliffs starred in the James Bond movie No Time To Die, adding a cinematic allure to the islands. For travelers who crave a mix of myth, adventure, and modern indulgence, here are the top 10 best things to see and do in the Faroe Islands.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Faroe Islands? Leave a comment. Below is my YouTube video from my visit to the incredible Faroe Islands (don’t miss the opening minutes, which showcase breathtaking drone footage).
10. Take a Boat Tour to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
The Vestmanna Bird Cliffs offer one of the most dramatic ways to experience the Faroes — by sea. On this exhilarating boat tour, visitors glide beneath towering rock walls that soar hundreds of meters above, passing through narrow straits and into sea caves carved by centuries of Atlantic waves. Thousands of seabirds make their home here, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, their calls echoing against the cliffs as they soar overhead. The boat captains are skilled at maneuvering close to grottoes and arches, offering thrilling yet safe encounters with the raw power of nature. Luxury travelers can opt for private charters, enjoying champagne on deck while taking in the extraordinary scenery. The Vestmanna experience blends adventure and relaxation, making it an unforgettable highlight of any Faroe Islands trip.
9. Cross the Only Undersea Roundabout
The Eysturoyartunnilin is more than just infrastructure—it is a world-class engineering marvel that showcases the innovation and determination of the Faroese people. Opened in late 2020, the tunnel stretches for more than 11 kilometers (7 miles) beneath the Atlantic Ocean, reducing what was once a long ferry ride to a seamless 20-minute drive between Streymoy and Eysturoy. At its centerpiece lies the world’s first undersea roundabout, a feat that has become both a functional junction and a cultural landmark. The roundabout is brought to life by a mesmerizing light installation created by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson, who combined swirling blue patterns to evoke ocean currents and motifs drawn from Faroese mythology, transforming a simple drive into an almost meditative experience. The tunnel is an unmissable example of how tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously in the Faroe Islands.
8. Visit Kirkjubøur – The Historical Heart of the Faroes
Kirkjubøur, located just south of the capital Tórshavn, is the most important historical site in the Faroe Islands. During the Middle Ages, it served as the islands’ religious and cultural center, and remnants of that era remain remarkably well-preserved. Here, visitors can explore the ruins of the 14th-century Magnus Cathedral, admire St. Olav’s Church — the oldest church still in use in the Faroes — and visit Kirkjubøargarður, one of the oldest continuously inhabited wooden farmhouses in the world. The Patursson family has lived here for 17 generations, connecting visitors directly to centuries of Faroese heritage. Strolling through Kirkjubøur feels like stepping back in time, where medieval stone walls and turf roofs stand as living testaments to resilience, faith, and tradition.
7. Sail to Tindhólmur and Drangarnir
Among the Faroes’ most breathtaking sights are Tindhólmur and Drangarnir, two landmarks that rise from the sea with almost mythical presence. Tindhólmur’s serrated, dragon-like peaks look sculpted for legend and even inspired the cinematic isle of Berk in How to Train Your Dragon. Beside it stands Drangarnir, a towering natural sea arch carved by centuries of storms—an icon of Faroese coastal beauty and one of the most photographed formations in Europe. Reaching them feels like an adventure in itself. Boat tours let you sail beneath Drangarnir’s soaring arch and circle Tindhólmur’s jagged silhouette, while guided hikes across private land reward you with panoramic clifftop views. The setting is unforgettable: emerald headlands plunging into turquoise seas, seabirds wheeling above, and the silhouettes of Tindhólmur and Drangarnir glowing in the evening light. Here, cinematic grandeur and natural majesty converge in a scene that feels lifted straight from myth.
6. Take the Ferry to Mykines – The Puffin Island
The island of Mykines is famed for its birdlife, particularly the puffins that nest in huge numbers on its grassy cliffs during summer. Accessible by ferry or helicopter, the island feels remote and untouched, offering travelers a chance to step into a slower, more natural rhythm. A hike to the lighthouse on Mykineshólmur takes you across a thrilling suspension bridge, where seabirds swoop and dive against the backdrop of crashing waves. Along the way, visitors encounter colonies of puffins and gannets, as well as sweeping views that stretch endlessly across the Atlantic. Mykines is also home to just a handful of permanent residents, adding to its charm as a place where nature vastly outnumbers people. For those seeking solitude, wildlife, and raw beauty, Mykines is an absolute must.
5. Marvel at the Múlafossur Waterfall in Gásadalur
Few sights are as iconic as the Múlafossur Waterfall, cascading directly into the Atlantic Ocean from the cliffs of Gásadalur. The waterfall tumbles gracefully into the sea, framed by steep mountains and the tiny village of Gásadalur, which until 2004 was accessible only by footpath or helicopter. Today, a tunnel connects the village to the rest of Vágar Island, making it far easier to visit this postcard-perfect location. Visitors can stroll through the village, admire traditional turf-roofed houses, and take in sweeping views across to the island of Mykines. Whether you arrive at sunrise when the cliffs glow orange or at sunset when the waterfall shimmers in golden light, Múlafossur is a must-see natural wonder that captures the raw beauty of the Faroe Islands.
4. Explore Tórshavn – Europe’s Smallest Capital
Tórshavn may be one of the world’s smallest capitals, but it more than makes up for its size with charm, sophistication, and culture. The old town of Tinganes is particularly enchanting, with narrow alleyways lined with centuries-old wooden houses topped with turf roofs — a living reminder of the islands’ Viking and medieval past. Today, Tórshavn has become a hub for modern Faroese creativity, with boutique shops showcasing knitwear, artisanal goods, and design pieces inspired by the landscape. Foodies will delight in the capital’s innovative culinary scene, from cozy cafés serving freshly baked goods to sophisticated restaurants offering tasting menus that celebrate local ingredients like lamb, fish, and rhubarb. For luxury travelers, Tórshavn offers boutique hotels with harbor views, spa services, and easy access to nearby excursions, making it the perfect base for exploring the Faroes in style.
3. Dine in Style at PAZ
PAZ is the culinary crown of Tórshavn—a modern, elegant restaurant led by Chef Poul Andrias Ziska, who earned two Michelin stars for PAZ just weeks after opening in 2025. Raised in the Faroes, Ziska trained at world-renowned kitchens like Geranium and Mugaritz before redefining Nordic fine dining at KOKS. At PAZ, he brings that ambition back home—crafting a multi-course tasting menu rooted deeply in local traditions, focusing on sustainability and storytelling through flavor. His dishes honor a time-honored technique called ræst—fermentation in the cold, salty Faroese air—which imparts fermented depth, like blue-cheese notes on meat and seafood. One standout dish combines langoustine tail, shell-powder crunch, a rich bisque, and fermented celeriac—a symphony of innovative textures and indigenous. Impeccable service, intimate ambiance, and thoughtfully curated wine and non-alcoholic pairings complete the experience. PAZ doesn’t just serve food—it conjures the Faroe Islands on a plate.
You can watch my own dining experience in the YouTube video at the top of this article (the dining scene begins at 32:28).
2. Hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn and the Optical Illusion Cliff
Lake Sørvágsvatn, also known as Leitisvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands and one of its most photographed landmarks. What makes this spot extraordinary is the natural optical illusion: from the right vantage point, the lake appears to hover high above the ocean, even though it is only about 30 meters above sea level. A scenic hike takes you to the Trælanípa cliffs, whose name translates to “Slave’s Rock” in reference to a grim Viking legend where slaves were pushed off the edge. From here, you can witness the dramatic interplay between the calm freshwater lake and the roaring Atlantic Ocean beyond. The hike itself takes around two hours round trip, offering opportunities to see seabirds, wildflowers, and panoramic views across Vágar. This is one of the most awe-inspiring hikes in the Faroes, blending geology, history, and natural spectacle.
1. Hike to the Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island
The hike to Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy is one of the most iconic experiences in the Faroe Islands, offering unparalleled views and cinematic history. The lighthouse, perched dramatically at the tip of the island, is surrounded by sheer cliffs plunging into the sea on both sides. This remote spot achieved global fame as a filming location in No Time To Die, where it served as the dramatic setting for James Bond’s final scene. In recognition of its role, a symbolic grave for James Bond now stands near the site, making it a pilgrimage spot for movie fans. The hike itself takes about an hour each way from the village of Trøllanes, with rolling green hills, ocean vistas, and encounters with grazing sheep along the path. Combining natural beauty, cultural mythology, and cinematic allure, Kallur Lighthouse is a destination unlike any other in the world.
Final Thoughts
The Faroe Islands are more than just a travel destination — they are an experience where untouched nature, cultural heritage, and refined indulgence converge. Whether you’re hiking to iconic landmarks like Kallur Lighthouse, savoring fine dining at PAZ, crossing the world’s first undersea roundabout, or visiting medieval treasures in Kirkjubøur, the Faroes offer moments that linger long after you’ve returned home. The islands reward curiosity and appreciation, giving travelers a sense of discovery in one of Europe’s last true frontiers. For those seeking adventure balanced with comfort and authenticity, the Faroe Islands stand as one of the world’s best-kept secrets.
