There’s a reason why the Nordic lifestyle gets a lot of hype. Explore the Faroe Islands under the glow of the midnight sun or watch the northern lights from the deck. Regardless of the season, expect gradual hikes with jaw-dropping views as far as the eye can see. Sailing on Norðlýsið, the ship you’ll take from island to island across 80 nautical miles, is an adventure in itself. In addition to viewing rugged peaks and waterfalls dripping off Eysturoy’s rocky coastline, you’ll also gain a glimpse into the rich fishing and sailing traditions of the region.
You’ll hike through picturesque villages clothed in mist. Then, follow trails to the top of cliffs with sweeping coastal vistas and board a historic sailboat that will take you to scenic areas such as Gásadalur, Mykines and Gjógv. Get ready for eight days of island hopping in the lush Faroe Islands. You will hike over 82 km and visit over 15 incredible villages and cities. Immerse yourself fully in the ancestral relationship of the human being with the sea, the mythology of these lands, and rocks that guard its rugged but stunning coasts.
Meet your guides at the Vágar International Airport, make sure to arrive by 4pm. Get settled in the Gásadalur valley on the third largest island in the Faroe Islands. Once you’re briefed by your guides, and your personal materials have been reviewed, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. You’ll have time to rest before the dinner. The first night of your Faroe Islands tour will be spent in a guesthouse.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Driving: 11 km (6.8 mi)
Over the next two days, we’ll explore the island of Vágar. Your guides will choose a different trail for each day depending on the weather.* We’ll prepare for long day hikes along dramatic cliffs and wave-battered headlands, surrounded by open ocean. We’ll witness the raw power of offshore Atlantic swell, thousands of seabirds nesting in the steep rock walls, and the famous cascading Múlafossur Waterfall. If possible, the group will visit the Trælanípan cliffs and bear witness to Lake Sørvágsvatn as it sits on the edge of a hundred foot bluff above the ocean. We’ll hike through emerald green pastures used for centuries by Faroese shepherds, and aim to reach the old abandoned village of Víkar on the more remote reaches of the island. We’ll spend each night near Gásadalur, otherwise known as Geese Valley.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Hiking: 17-24 km (10.6-15 mi)
Ascent: 314 m (1,030 ft)
Descent:379 m (1,243 ft)
Max height.:443 m (1,453 ft)
Driving:10-40 km (10-24.9 mi)
*Depending on weather conditions, the chosen trails for each day will be adjusted by the guides.
We’ll meet the Norðlýsið crew and begin our first sailing portion of the journey! Settle into your bunks, have a safety briefing talk with the captain and the crew, and prepare for cast off. For the next 3 days, there will be no fixed route or set hiking itinerary as this journey is entirely dependent on weather & swell conditions. Each night, your guides will plan our course for the next day.
Every day, we’ll try to maximize our time spent hiking onshore, based on the weather forecast. Potential plans on the northern islands: hike from Vestmanna or Saksun to Tjørnuvík or Haldarsvík, sail the rugged coast of the northern islands, hiking to Slættaratindur, hike in Gjógv or Ambadalur valley, hike to Kallur in Kalsoy island, explore Kunoy, Borðoy, Vidoy, Svínoy islands, etc. Potential plans on the southern islands: explore the less known islands of Hestur, Koltur, Sandoy, Skúvoy, Stóra Dímun & Suðuroy.
Accommodation: Expedition sailboat
On the last day of our Faroe Islands tour, we’ll set sail to the south to Nólsoy island. Weather permitting, we’ll have an opportunity to try some fishing and cook what we catch! Once moored at Nólsoy’s harbor, we’ll trek the mainland before spending the afternoon exploring Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Upon arrival, we’ll have ample time to explore the bustling city streets, appreciating the nordic city charm, colorful houses and buildings, and the always warm welcome of the Faroese people.
Accommodation: Hotel
Hiking: 7 km (4.3 mi)
After breakfast on our last day, the guides will coordinate your transfer from Tórshavn back to the airport. Say farewell to the Faroe Islands. You’ll be back where you started, at Vágar Airport, but one adventure of a lifetime richer. Just make sure your flight departs no earlier than 12pm—that way, you’ll get to enjoy the final breakfast and have some rest before driving to the airport.
Driving: 46 km (28.6 mi)
Included:
Not included:
Please be aware that this Faroe Islands adventure requires certain abilities to fully enjoy the experience. To ensure you fully enjoy the trip and are able to follow the itinerary, please consider the following criteria:
The journey may present various challenges, both physically and mentally, and having a strong sense of determination is crucial to overcome obstacles and push through difficult moments. It is essential to maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and embrace the spirit of adventure.
Suitcases are not allowed on this tour. Please bring a duffel back and a backpack for daily hikes.
Ensure that all items fit securely within your duffel bag without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations.
Here’s a general list of personal gear you need to bring:
Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring:
Prior to the start of the route, the guide will do a comprehensive gear check with each traveler to ensure that everything necessary is brought.
While your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities based on personal requirements, including any specific pathologies or risks.
Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.
The weather conditions in the Faroe Islands, particularly in its rugged terrain and coastal areas, are renowned for their capricious nature and swift shifts. One must remain prepared for a variety of weather scenarios that can transpire within a mere day, encompassing fierce gusts of wind, intermittent showers, and notable temperature fluctuations.
To fully embrace this expedition, it’s necessary to bring suitable outdoor gear capable of withstanding these ever-changing atmospheric elements. By equipping yourself with top-notch gear, you ensure both your comfort and safety throughout the journey, enabling you to wholeheartedly immerse in the experience despite the weather conditions that may arise.
Sailing through the Faroe Islands is an unforgettable adventure, unveiling breathtaking landscapes at every turn. The fjords offer calm, sheltered waters, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey. However, as we venture into the open sea, the ocean’s character shifts, and a noticeable swell may arise. Some travelers may experience seasickness, but the experienced crew is prepared with support and remedies to ensure comfort. Despite occasional challenges, the journey remains a mesmerizing exploration of the Faroe Islands’ natural beauty.
Group sizes:
If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. The guide will be adding travelers until the minimum group size to confirm the trip can be guaranteed. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room.
Min. age requirement:
The Faroe Islands are only a short flight from a variety of European destinations, such as Copenhagen (DK), Paris (FR), Reykjavik (IS), Edinburgh (UK), and Bergen (NO). Two airlines fly to the Faroe Islands. These are Atlantic Airways and Scandinavian Airlines.
Flights from Reykjavik, Edinburgh and Bergen to the Faroe Islands are only one hour long, and flights from Copenhagen last only two hours. Direct flights from Paris to the Faroe Islands last just under three hours.
Your guide will meet you at the Vágar Airport and take you to your accommodation in Vágar.
It is important for the correct development of the trip that the return flights don’t depart until 12.00am in the morning of the last day. Since the Faroe Islands capital is more than 50 km from the airport, this allows a correct rest for the guides and an enjoyment of breakfast for the whole group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Hiking with a local guide means getting a chance to explore all the hidden corners of the remote Faroe Islands. Not only will you see the best of what the Faroe Islands have to offer, but you’ll learn about the mythology that shaped the local culture. You’ll also have an expert who knows the area well and knows just what to do if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
With us, it’s all play and no work for you! 57hours is an open platform that connects you with trained and certified outdoor adventure professionals all over the world. Using our tech-savvy, we make it super easy to find and book adventures worth tackling, with guides worth booking, all gathered from the first-hand experiences of the locals who adventure in these amazing locations.