Europe · Northern Europe
Faroe Islands
🏛️ Capital
Tórshavn
👥 Population
54,885
📐 Area
1,393 km²
💱 Currency
Danish krone (kr), Faroese króna (kr)
🗣️ Languages
Danish, Faroese
📞 Calling Code
+298
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+00:00
🌐 Region
Europe / Northern Europe
About Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands emerge from the North Atlantic like a vision from another time — a volcanic archipelago of eighteen islands where vertiginous sea cliffs plunge into churning surf, turf-roofed houses cling to impossibly steep hillsides, and waterfalls dissolve into mist before reaching the sea. This self-governing territory of Denmark, located roughly halfway between Norway and Iceland, has become one of the world's most photographed destinations, yet it still manages to feel genuinely remote and uncommercial. With a total population of just under 55,000, the islands offer an intimacy and authenticity that larger destinations can only dream of.
You will spend a lot of time looking up in the Faroe Islands. The drama is always vertical — clouds racing along ridge lines, puffins wheeling above clifftops, sheep grazing on slopes so steep they appear to defy gravity. The capital Tórshavn is one of the world's smallest capitals, a cluster of wooden buildings with grass rooftops around a historic harbor, yet it contains excellent restaurants, contemporary design galleries, and a cultural life disproportionate to its size. The islands' infrastructure is impressively developed — subsea tunnels connect many islands, making multi-island road trips seamless.
Hiking here is world-class. The trail to the sea stacks of Drangarnir and the volcanic lake of Sørvágsvatn — which appears to float above the ocean in photographs due to a trick of perspective — draws visitors from around the globe. Birdwatching is exceptional: the Faroese cliffs hold Northern Europe's largest puffin colonies, as well as gannets, fulmars, and great skuas. Whether you arrive in summer for the long days and wildflower meadows or in winter for the storms and northern lights, the Faroe Islands deliver at every turn.
You will spend a lot of time looking up in the Faroe Islands. The drama is always vertical — clouds racing along ridge lines, puffins wheeling above clifftops, sheep grazing on slopes so steep they appear to defy gravity. The capital Tórshavn is one of the world's smallest capitals, a cluster of wooden buildings with grass rooftops around a historic harbor, yet it contains excellent restaurants, contemporary design galleries, and a cultural life disproportionate to its size. The islands' infrastructure is impressively developed — subsea tunnels connect many islands, making multi-island road trips seamless.
Hiking here is world-class. The trail to the sea stacks of Drangarnir and the volcanic lake of Sørvágsvatn — which appears to float above the ocean in photographs due to a trick of perspective — draws visitors from around the globe. Birdwatching is exceptional: the Faroese cliffs hold Northern Europe's largest puffin colonies, as well as gannets, fulmars, and great skuas. Whether you arrive in summer for the long days and wildflower meadows or in winter for the storms and northern lights, the Faroe Islands deliver at every turn.
History & Background
Irish monks settled the Faroe Islands in the 6th century, seeking solitude in remote Atlantic waters, and Norse Vikings arrived in the 9th century to establish the farming and fishing communities whose descendants still inhabit the islands today. The islands converted to Christianity around 1000 CE alongside the rest of the Norse world and became part of the Kingdom of Norway. When Norway entered into union with Denmark in 1380, the Faroes came under Danish sovereignty, a relationship that would define the islands' political status for the next six centuries.
The 19th century saw a remarkable cultural revival led by scholars who codified and promoted the Faroese language at a time when Danish authorities had suppressed it in official contexts. The islands gained home rule from Denmark in 1948 following a disputed independence referendum, securing control over domestic affairs while remaining within the Danish realm for foreign affairs and defense. The subsequent decades brought rapid economic modernization driven by fishing industry expansion, undersea road tunnels connecting the archipelago, and the emergence of a globally recognized cultural identity through music, design, and culinary innovation.
The 19th century saw a remarkable cultural revival led by scholars who codified and promoted the Faroese language at a time when Danish authorities had suppressed it in official contexts. The islands gained home rule from Denmark in 1948 following a disputed independence referendum, securing control over domestic affairs while remaining within the Danish realm for foreign affairs and defense. The subsequent decades brought rapid economic modernization driven by fishing industry expansion, undersea road tunnels connecting the archipelago, and the emergence of a globally recognized cultural identity through music, design, and culinary innovation.
Culture & People
Faroese culture is a fascinating paradox of fierce independence and deep Nordic roots. The Faroese language, closely related to Old Norse and Icelandic, has been preserved through centuries of Danish political control and is a matter of intense cultural pride — all education, media, and official business is conducted in Faroese, not Danish. The oral tradition of the kvæði — ancient Norse ballads performed in chain dances called the Faroese chain dance — has been maintained as a living tradition for over seven centuries and is the cornerstone of the national cultural identity.
Traditional Faroese crafts including the distinctive lopapeysa sweaters, knitted in natural undyed wool, and the construction of wooden boats using techniques unchanged since the Viking age reflect a people who have always relied on their own resourcefulness. The islands are staunchly Christian — the Lutheran church plays a central role in community life — but ancient Norse cultural undertones remain present. Sheep are woven into nearly every aspect of island life, from the landscape to cuisine to the national pastime of hiking to check on them. The Faroese are modest, direct, and genuinely welcoming to visitors who approach with curiosity and respect.
Traditional Faroese crafts including the distinctive lopapeysa sweaters, knitted in natural undyed wool, and the construction of wooden boats using techniques unchanged since the Viking age reflect a people who have always relied on their own resourcefulness. The islands are staunchly Christian — the Lutheran church plays a central role in community life — but ancient Norse cultural undertones remain present. Sheep are woven into nearly every aspect of island life, from the landscape to cuisine to the national pastime of hiking to check on them. The Faroese are modest, direct, and genuinely welcoming to visitors who approach with curiosity and respect.
Food & Cuisine
Faroese cuisine has undergone a transformation from humble necessity to gastronomic destination over the past two decades. The ancient preservation technique of skerpikjøt — air-dried fermented mutton that ages on wooden racks called hjallur for months or years — remains a defining national food, its powerful, funky flavor dividing visitors sharply but beloved by locals. Ræst lamb, a slightly less aged version, and ræstur fiskur — fermented fish — are the flavor foundations of traditional Faroese cooking. These preservation methods were born of necessity in an island without refrigeration, but have become celebrated as a unique culinary heritage.
Modern Faroese restaurant cooking, led by internationally recognized restaurants in Tórshavn, has elevated local ingredients to world-class status. Wild Atlantic salmon, hand-dived scallops, Faroese cod, and the exceptionally fine local lamb raised on salt-grass and seaweed appear on menus with Nordic minimalism and precision. The islands produce no wine or spirits but Danish beer is ubiquitous, and traditional Faroese malt ale brewed for festivals has been revived by craft producers. Meals tend to be long and social, eaten unhurriedly with good conversation.
Modern Faroese restaurant cooking, led by internationally recognized restaurants in Tórshavn, has elevated local ingredients to world-class status. Wild Atlantic salmon, hand-dived scallops, Faroese cod, and the exceptionally fine local lamb raised on salt-grass and seaweed appear on menus with Nordic minimalism and precision. The islands produce no wine or spirits but Danish beer is ubiquitous, and traditional Faroese malt ale brewed for festivals has been revived by craft producers. Meals tend to be long and social, eaten unhurriedly with good conversation.
Top Attractions
- Sørvágsvatn Lake — A volcanic lake that famously appears to float above the ocean in photographs, reached via a guided coastal hike with extraordinary cliff scenery.
- Drangarnir Sea Stacks — Dramatic twin rock pillars rising from the Atlantic surf, best photographed at sunrise from the Vágar coastal trail.
- Tórshavn Old Town — The world's smallest capital's historic Tinganes quarter with turf-roofed wooden houses, the Viking parliament site, and a surprisingly vibrant harbor scene.
- Mykines Island — The westernmost island and puffin capital of the Faroe Islands, with a lighthouse hike across suspension bridges above Atlantic waves.
- Gásadalur Waterfall — A spectacular waterfall that drops directly into the sea beside the remote village of Gásadalur, accessible by a road through a mountain tunnel.
- Kirkjubøur Medieval Ruins — The 13th-century unfinished St. Magnus Cathedral and the ancient Ólavskirka church beside one of the oldest inhabited wooden farmhouses in the world.
Practical Travel Tips
- No visa is required for EU, Schengen, and most Western nationals — the Faroe Islands are not EU members but apply Schengen rules.
- The Danish krone (DKK) and Faroese króna (FOK) are interchangeable; card payments are accepted almost everywhere.
- Weather changes extremely fast — always carry waterproofs, extra layers, and study the forecast before setting out on hikes.
- Guided tours to popular hiking spots like Sørvágsvatn and Drangarnir are mandatory during summer to manage environmental impact.
- Book restaurants in Tórshavn — particularly KOKS and Ræst — weeks or months in advance as tables are limited and demand is high.
- The subsea tunnels and ferry network make multi-island exploration easy; rent a car for maximum flexibility.
- Respect the nesting birds on clifftops — never approach puffin burrows, and keep distance from great skuas which will physically attack intruders.
Visa Overview
The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union but apply Schengen Area rules for entry. Nationals of Schengen member states and most Western countries including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia may enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The islands' immigration is managed separately from Denmark. Travelers should carry a valid passport rather than just an ID card. Check with the Faroese government's immigration portal for the latest requirements for your nationality.
Getting Around
Atlantic Airways operates flights to Vágar Airport from Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Edinburgh, and London. A ferry service from Hirtshals in Denmark takes about 36 hours and is popular with travelers wanting to bring their own vehicle. Renting a car is by far the best way to explore the islands — the road network including subsea tunnels is excellent and connects most of the populated islands. Ferries and helicopters connect the more remote islands not reached by tunnel. Tórshavn is very walkable; hiking the hills around the capital requires no transport at all.
Safety Notes
The Faroe Islands are exceptionally safe. Crime is virtually nonexistent and locals are consistently helpful. The main risks are environmental — clifftop hiking in wet conditions is genuinely dangerous as the basalt rock becomes treacherous when wet. Always hike in proper boots, never approach cliff edges in high wind, and tell someone your route before setting out. The Atlantic weather can deteriorate with extreme speed; never underestimate the power of sudden storms. Sea conditions for kayaking and boat trips can change rapidly and must be treated with respect.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Faroe Islands.
Danish krone (DKK) kr
Updated: 2026-10-05
Danish krone (DKK) kr
Updated: 2026-10-05
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 1.433854 |
| AAVE | 0.000829 |
| ADA | 0.561026 |
| AED | 0.549521 |
| AFN | 9.650061 |
| AKT | 0.188879 |
| ALGO | 1.142623 |
| ALL | 12.233351 |
| AMD | 54.204891 |
| AMP | 236.491332 |
| ANG | 0.269415 |
| AOA | 137.299691 |
| APE | 0.891924 |
| APT | 0.189306 |
| AR | 0.033439 |
| ARB | 0.744278 |
| ARS | 229.267804 |
| ATOM | 0.085917 |
| ATS | 1.841078 |
| AUD | 0.215684 |
| AVAX | 0.013738 |
| AWG | 0.267840 |
| AXS | 0.114233 |
| AZM | 1,271.887234 |
| AZN | 0.254377 |
| BAKE | 623.090900 |
| BAM | 0.261683 |
| BAT | 1.456820 |
| BBD | 0.299263 |
| BCH | 0.000470 |
| BDT | 18.400264 |
| BEF | 5.397331 |
| BGN | 0.261683 |
| BHD | 0.056261 |
| BIF | 450.973418 |
| BMD | 0.149631 |
| BNB | 0.000189 |
| BND | 0.191809 |
| BOB | 1.792118 |
| BRL | 0.781219 |
| BSD | 0.149631 |
| BSV | 0.007485 |
| BSW | 360.206092 |
| BTC | 0.000002 |
| BTCB | 2.111304 |
| BTG | 0.226179 |
| BTN | 14.430962 |
| BTT | 399,574.520941 |
| BUSD | 0.149282 |
| BWP | 2.066616 |
| BYN | 0.449725 |
| BYR | 2,928.594319 |
| BZD | 0.301161 |
| CAD | 0.213744 |
| CAKE | 0.059908 |
| CDF | 345.872274 |
| CELO | 1.422893 |
| CFX | 2.774888 |
| CHF | 0.124199 |
| CHZ | 8.952762 |
| CLP | 146.614784 |
| CNH | 1.004137 |
| CNY | 1.003297 |
| COMP | 0.005969 |
| COP | 490.849749 |
| CRC | 68.545647 |
| CRO | 2.191613 |
| CRV | 0.390728 |
| CSPR | 58.045134 |
| CUC | 0.149418 |
| CUP | 3.583238 |
| CVE | 14.753723 |
| CVX | 0.064241 |
| CYP | 0.078308 |
| CZK | 3.268299 |
| DAI | 0.149445 |
| DASH | 0.002513 |
| DCR | 0.008120 |
| DEM | 0.261683 |
| DFI | 226.174288 |
| DJF | 26.683499 |
| DOGE | 1.570358 |
| DOP | 8.956679 |
| DOT | 0.123312 |
| DYDX | 1.033711 |
| DZD | 20.004412 |
| EEK | 2.093463 |
| EGLD | 0.033503 |
| EGP | 7.877362 |
| ENJ | 4.476251 |
| EOS | 1.551769 |
| ERN | 2.244469 |
| ESP | 22.261838 |
| ETB | 24.429151 |
| ETC | 0.016693 |
| ETH | 0.000055 |
| EUR | 0.133796 |
| EURC | 0.133549 |
| FEI | 0.149423 |
| FIL | 0.142648 |
| FIM | 0.795517 |
| FJD | 0.337250 |
| FKP | 0.113278 |
| FLOW | 4.731851 |
| FLR | 20.713652 |
| FRAX | 0.150755 |
| FRF | 0.877646 |
| FTT | 0.585231 |
| GALA | 60.337357 |
| GBP | 0.113278 |
| GEL | 0.388353 |
| GGP | 0.113278 |
| GHC | 17,543.149416 |
| GHS | 1.754315 |
| GIP | 0.113278 |
| GMD | 11.083392 |
| GMX | 0.017843 |
| GNF | 1,316.983535 |
| GNO | 0.001238 |
| GRD | 45.591104 |
| GRT | 4.999249 |
| GT | 0.013481 |
| GTQ | 1.143397 |
| GUSD | 0.149702 |
| GYD | 31.277157 |
| HBAR | 1.450466 |
| HKD | 1.174108 |
| HNL | 4.026680 |
| HNT | 0.260459 |
| HOT | 334.192630 |
| HRK | 1.008089 |
| HT | 4.143544 |
| HTG | 19.579964 |
| HUF | 49.333718 |
| ICP | 0.045973 |
| IDR | 2,684.595386 |
| IEP | 0.105373 |
| ILS | 0.456650 |
| IMP | 0.113278 |
| IMX | 0.823519 |
| INJ | 0.019786 |
| INR | 14.430962 |
| IQD | 195.903164 |
| IRR | 260,964.574104 |
| ISK | 18.355098 |
| ITL | 259.065844 |
| JEP | 0.113278 |
| JMD | 23.669225 |
| JOD | 0.106089 |
| JPY | 23.653022 |
| KAS | 3.503887 |
| KAVA | 2.172387 |
| KCS | 0.019967 |
| KDA | 16.102648 |
| KES | 19.271206 |
| KGS | 13.086034 |
| KHR | 606.653924 |
| KLAY | 3.968033 |
| KMF | 65.823486 |
| KNC | 1.063192 |
| KPW | 134.476317 |
| KRW | 201.490228 |
| KSM | 0.029030 |
| KWD | 0.046222 |
| KYD | 0.124163 |
| KZT | 67.109724 |
| LAK | 3,372.496480 |
| LBP | 13,413.884274 |
| LDO | 0.320911 |
| LEO | 0.016750 |
| LINK | 0.010617 |
| LKR | 49.450630 |
| LRC | 14.220203 |
| LRD | 25.695343 |
| LSL | 2.503997 |
| LTC | 0.002137 |
| LTL | 0.461972 |
| LUF | 5.397331 |
| LUNA | 2.948690 |
| LUNC | 2,845.008768 |
| LVL | 0.094032 |
| LYD | 0.957577 |
| MAD | 1.475200 |
| MANA | 1.472946 |
| MBX | 5.027923 |
| MDL | 2.671490 |
| MGA | 666.804996 |
| MGF | 3,334.024979 |
| MINA | 0.934638 |
| MKD | 8.194361 |
| MKR | 0.000068 |
| MMK | 314.111529 |
| MNT | 538.553560 |
| MOP | 1.209331 |
| MRO | 60.092530 |
| MRU | 6.009253 |
| MTL | 0.057439 |
| MUR | 7.249226 |
| MVR | 2.313230 |
| MWK | 259.273515 |
| MXN | 2.727533 |
| MXV | 0.309526 |
| MYR | 0.611695 |
| MZM | 9,551.357252 |
| MZN | 9.551357 |
| NAD | 2.503997 |
| NEAR | 0.030683 |
| NEO | 0.058768 |
| NEXO | 0.173991 |
| NFT | 622,511.690458 |
| NGN | 198.578743 |
| NIO | 5.497619 |
| NLG | 0.294848 |
| NOK | 1.446060 |
| NPR | 23.100362 |
| NZD | 0.267652 |
| OKB | 0.001200 |
| OMR | 0.057575 |
| ONE | 1.023529 |
| OP | 1.142427 |
| ORDI | 0.033154 |
| PAB | 0.149631 |
| PAXG | 0.000036 |
| PEN | 0.517798 |
| PEPE | 34,076.761646 |
| PGK | 0.672126 |
| PHP | 9.388135 |
| PI | 1.722593 |
| PKR | 41.431926 |
| PLN | 0.587072 |
| POL | 1.378196 |
| PTE | 26.823758 |
| PYG | 873.624728 |
| QAR | 0.544658 |
| QNT | 0.000600 |
| QTUM | 0.152352 |
| ROL | 7,150.389744 |
| RON | 0.715039 |
| RPL | 0.078410 |
| RSD | 15.633557 |
| RUB | 12.548103 |
| RUNE | 0.191491 |
| RVN | 62.740519 |
| RWF | 221.029629 |
| SAND | 2.049721 |
| SAR | 0.561117 |
| SBD | 1.207334 |
| SCR | 2.133441 |
| SDD | 8,981.611990 |
| SDG | 89.816120 |
| SEK | 1.509056 |
| SGD | 0.191809 |
| SHIB | 25,352.232078 |
| SHP | 0.113278 |
| SIT | 32.062956 |
| SKK | 4.030749 |
| SLE | 3.448267 |
| SLL | 3,448.267260 |
| SNX | 0.595038 |
| SOL | 0.001240 |
| SOS | 85.271636 |
| SPL | 0.024939 |
| SRD | 5.658437 |
| SRG | 5,658.437160 |
| SSP | 854.782364 |
| STD | 3,306.120045 |
| STN | 3.306120 |
| STX | 0.379171 |
| SUI | 0.122868 |
| SVC | 1.309274 |
| SYP | 1,942.733882 |
| SZL | 2.503997 |
| THB | 5.040828 |
| THETA | 0.660772 |
| TJS | 1.377763 |
| TMM | 2,618.537748 |
| TMT | 0.523708 |
| TND | 0.447438 |
| TOP | 0.359578 |
| TRL | 7,355,814.213523 |
| TRX | 0.445982 |
| TRY | 7.355814 |
| TTD | 1.013956 |
| TUSD | 0.149478 |
| TVD | 0.215684 |
| TWD | 4.758746 |
| TWT | 0.263398 |
| TZS | 393.808234 |
| UAH | 6.729259 |
| UGX | 596.806432 |
| UNI | 0.016612 |
| USD | 0.149631 |
| USDC | 0.149429 |
| USDD | 0.149493 |
| USDP | 0.149707 |
| USDT | 0.149466 |
| UYU | 6.026354 |
| UZS | 1,762.218159 |
| VAL | 259.065844 |
| VEB | 12,974,499,480.6579 |
| VED | 129.744995 |
| VEF | 12,974,499.480658 |
| VES | 129.744995 |
| VET | 17.214246 |
| VND | 3,892.494962 |
| VUV | 18.021357 |
| WAVES | 0.497333 |
| WEMIX | 0.765947 |
| WOO | 11.094490 |
| WST | 0.415104 |
| XAF | 87.764647 |
| XAG | 0.002457 |
| XAU | 0.000036 |
| XAUT | 0.000036 |
| XBT | 0.000002 |
| XCD | 0.404962 |
| XCG | 0.269415 |
| XCH | 0.095011 |
| XDC | 4.548111 |
| XDR | 0.110508 |
| XEC | 18,418.675709 |
| XEM | 261.703750 |
| XLM | 0.671576 |
| XMR | 0.000278 |
| XOF | 87.764647 |
| XPD | 0.000128 |
| XPF | 15.966151 |
| XPT | 0.000088 |
| XRP | 0.099366 |
| XTZ | 0.455556 |
| YER | 35.371723 |
| ZAR | 2.503997 |
| ZEC | 0.000114 |
| ZIL | 41.756094 |
| ZMK | 2,938.656763 |
| ZMW | 2.938657 |
| ZWD | 54.151559 |
| ZWG | 4.005085 |
| ZWL | 10,007.603548 |
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Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Faroe Islands needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Faroe Islands?
The capital of Faroe Islands is Tórshavn.
What currency does Faroe Islands use?
Faroe Islands uses the Danish krone (kr), Faroese króna (kr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Faroe Islands?
The official language(s) of Faroe Islands include Danish, Faroese.
What is the population of Faroe Islands?
Faroe Islands has a population of approximately 54,885 people.
What region is Faroe Islands in?
Faroe Islands is located in Europe, specifically in the Northern Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Faroe Islands?
The international dialing code for Faroe Islands is +298.
What time zones does Faroe Islands observe?
Faroe Islands observes the following time zone(s): UTC+00:00.
What is the current time in Faroe Islands?
The local time in Faroe Islands is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Faroe Islands?
Faroe Islands covers a total area of 1,393 km².
How many states or provinces does Faroe Islands have?
Faroe Islands is divided into 9 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Faroe Islands in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Faroe Islands in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Faroe Islands?
Visa requirements for citizens of Faroe Islands vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.