Hidden in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands exude an otherworldly vibe that captivates adventurous travelers seeking an escape from the mundane. This rocky, volcanic archipelago with its rugged mountains, steep cliffs, majestic waterfalls and unique wildlife is made up of 18 different islands – each one possessing its own character and set of stories woven into the very fabric of the land.
The geography here is a mesmerizing interplay of nature’s elements, an orchestra of rock and water. Jutting out of the ocean like sentinels, the islands’ vertiginous cliffs act as guardians. The relentless waves sculpted these cliffs over eons, imbuing them with a spiritual aura. Among the geological wonders of the Faroe Islands, the sea-stacks of Drangarnir and Geituskorardrangur are highlights – eliciting gasps of awe from onlookers.
Stepping into the heart of the Faroe Islands, one is transported back to the medieval ages. The first settlers were Irish monks, then Norsemen who gave it the name “Føroyar” which means Sheep Islands. With Viking roots, the Foroese culture is rich and distinct. Tradition holds a cherished place in the hearts of locals and age-old practices are passed down through the generations. As tourists discover the islands, they will find themselves drawn to the quaint turf-roofed houses – a seamless blend of old and new.
For an immersion into the Faroese way of life, the village of Kirkjubøur beckons. Home to the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral and the 900-year-old farmhouse, Roykstovan, this living heritage site whispers forgotten tales and evokes a sense of respect for the Faroese people. Another must-visit spot in the Faroe Islands, for entirely different reasons, is Lake Sørvágsvatn. Lying atop cliffs, this optical illusion of a lake creates a spectacle as it appears to float above the ocean. It’s nothing short of a masterpiece.
No matter where you go in the Faroe Islands, the spirit of adventure reigns supreme. The sea calls out to explorers, inviting them to embark on epic boat trips along the coast to witness the thriving birdlife. Thousands of puffins, gannets and fulmars create an avian symphony – a sight that ignites the soul. For hikers, the Faroe Islands’ sublime landscapes provide countless trails that meander through grassy emerald green hills – helping you forge a deeper connection with the untouched natural world.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend booking tours in the Faroe Islands with Outdoor – specialists in adventure-based excursions. Their team of local guides have years of experience leading activities out in nature – such as climbing, rappelling, cliff-jumping, zip-lining and kayaking – and have the certifications to ensure a safe experience for you and your traveling companions. Outdoor offers a range of exhilarating tours all across the Faroe Islands and below we highlight some of their best ones.
Best Adventure Tours in the Faroe Islands
Weekly Public Tours to Mykines & Tindhólmur
Departing from Tórshavn, the weekly public tours offered by Outdoor leave to Mykines every Monday and to Tindhólmur every Wednesday. These day trips give travelers the chance to tick two classic destinations off their bucket list. Since the tours are open to the public, you will be joining other adventurous souls and creating special memories together in an intimate group setting. Everything from transport to lunch to guides is included in the price – allowing you to enjoy the experience in a stress-free way.
Weekly Public Tour to Mykines (Every Monday)
Mykines is the westernmost island in the Faroese archipelago known for its striking green cliffs, one charming village and abundant bird species. By visiting this remote paradise from the months of April to September, with peak season in July, the opportunity to see puffins presents itself. While these seabirds are small in stature, their brightly colored beaks make them a wildlife-lover’s dream. Not only is Mykines a haven for birdwatchers but also for hikers, photographers and anyone looking for a peaceful escape.
The seven hour tour with Outdoor begins in Tórshavn with hotel pick-up and a boat ride from Port Sørvágur. Along the way, you will sail past the legendary Drangarnir and Tindhólm – making for superb photo-ops. Once in Mykines, the guide takes you to the best puffin spots where you can get up close and personal with these majestic little creatures, and then savor a delicious lunch. The journey ends with a cup of coffee or tea at the island’s only village, boasting old turf-roofed houses, before returning to Tórshavn.
Weekly Public Tour to Tindhólmur (Every Wednesday)
Tindhólmur, otherwise referred to as the “Sleeping Dragon”, is one of the Faroe Islands’ most breathtaking places. Characterized by towering sea stacks, spiky rock formations and dramatic cliffs rising from the North Atlantic Ocean, Tindhólmur offers spellbinding vistas from every angle. Since the island is uninhabited, booking excursions with a local travel agency such as Outdoor is the only surefire way to properly experience its natural beauty – whether it be the green hillsides or the sheer basalt cliffs.
Outdoor runs a weekly public tour to the island which lasts for six hours. This adventure starts from Tórshavn and then sets sail from the port of Sørvágur to Tindhólmur. After cruising around Drangarnir, with its two impressive sea stacks, the group arrives at the island and heads out on a guided tour. Activities for the afternoon include spotting puffin birds, swimming and cliff-jumping at a stunning lake, relaxing with a refreshing Faroese beer, and having lunch outside the only two houses on the island.
Weather Considerations for the Weekly Public Tours
Due to the windy, cloudy and rainy weather systems that often pass through the Faroe Islands – it’s common for visitors to have concerns about cancellations. Luckily, the team at Outdoor is transparent in this regard. They offer alternative experiences if the conditions make travel to Mykines or Tindhólmur impossible – including tours to different locations in the Faroe Islands or adventures near Tórshavn. In case you don’t want to go ahead with the alternative destination, Outdoor can offer you a full refund.
Private Tours to Your Destination of Choice
In addition to their weekly public tours, Outdoor also offers tailor-made private tours for your travel group – be it couples, families, friends or work colleagues. The Faroe Islands is a dream destination for everything from fun-filled family vacations to inspiring board meetings, and the travel coordinators at Outdoor can design an itinerary that exceeds your expectations – arranging all of the logistics, food and activities for your stay.
You might want to challenge your staff with kayaking, zip-lining or climbing adventures, go on gentle sightseeing excursions with your family or visit the most Insta-worthy destinations with your photography buddies. Whatever your needs and desires, Outdoor is here to help. Below are a couple of suggested destinations that you could include in your itinerary to the Faroe Islands – all of which Outdoor knows like the back of their hands.
Suggested Destinations for Your Trip to the Faroe Islands
- Tindhólmur: Tindhólmur is a mystical part of the Faroe Islands, surrounded by a surreal landscape and seascape of soaring sea stacks and formidable cliff faces – beckoning adventurers to explore its remote and untamed beauty. A staff outing here will help employees build stronger bonds and create shared memories to last a lifetime. For couples, friends and families, Tindhólmur may just be your best travel experience to date.
- Suðuroy: Suðuroy, the southernmost gem of the Faroe Islands, is an adventure playground with its rugged coastlines and lush green hills. Outdoor can organize it all here: zip-lining, kayaking, cliff jumping and cave swimming. And if the weather doesn’t play ball, you can always try the indoor rope-swing from the roof of Marghøllin or go village-hopping through the authentic communities that call the southern island home.
- Gamla Hoyvíkin: This tiny hidden treasure boasts turf-roofed houses and ancient historical sites amidst serene coastal vistas, offering a glimpse into the island’s storied past. Gamla Hoyvíkin isn’t situated too far from Tórshavn which makes it ideal for a leisurely day trip. Outdoor can set up team-building events for your company or a relaxed visit for your family here, enabling you to discover an authentic slice of Faroese paradise.
- Kallurin: Jaw-dropping is the only way to describe Kallurin on Kalsoy island. The rolling hills and striking cliffs have a whimsical shape, and walking on them provides you with some of the best views in the entire Faroe Islands. There is even a lighthouse to be visited and a connection to the James Bond films. Outdoor will give your group all the insights to this awe-inspiring place, sharing fun facts and anecdotes along the way.
- Mykines: Seeing puffins is definitely one of the top things to do in the Faroe Islands and Mykines, called the “Puffin Island”, is perfect for this activity. Did you know that up to a million birds breed in the Faroese archipelago every year during the summer months – from April to September? Although there are many different species that you could choose to search for, none quite compare to the beauty of the puffin.
- Kirkjubøur: Just 15 minutes away from Tórshavn lies this historical village, which effortlessly blends adventure and culture together into one attractive offering. Kirkjubø transports visitors back in time with its medieval churches and traditional turf-roofed houses, as well as getting the heart racing with potential activities such as sailing and cliff jumping. Let Outdoor take you there on an exciting day trip from the Faroese capital.
Final Thoughts on Faroe Islands’ Tours
Visiting the Faroe Islands is about as unique of a travel experience as it gets, but the off-the-beaten-track location and challenging logistics surrounding the archipelago can make the journey difficult. By partnering with the friendly and knowledgeable local guides at Outdoor, you can ensure a worry-free and thrilling adventure from start to finish. Finally, remember to follow Outdoor on Instagram and get in touch with them with any questions you may have for your upcoming trip. It will be one for the ages!
