If the Faroe Islands feel like something out of a dream—windswept cliffs, grass-roofed cottages, and waterfalls tumbling directly into the sea—that’s because they are. This remote North Atlantic archipelago, perched between Iceland and Norway, offers an intoxicating blend of raw beauty and refined simplicity, where nature shapes life, not the other way around.

Still relatively under the radar for American travelers (which we consider a win), the Faroes have quietly become a bucket-list destination for those craving unfiltered, cinematic landscapes and a deep sense of calm. Whether you’re a lover of slow travel, dramatic scenery, or food that feels like a story on a plate, the Faroe Islands deserve a place at the top of your travel list.

Why The Faroe Islands Are Special

In a world overrun with overtourism and curated Insta-moments, the Faroes feel like the antidote—raw, mysterious, and refreshingly unpolished.

• With only about 50,000 residents spread across 18 volcanic islands, the archipelago offers that rare combination of wilderness and warmth, where locals might chat with you at the harbor, then point you toward their favorite hidden cove.
• The Faroes have no chain hotels, no fast-food joints, and no billboards. What they do have is verdant valleys, weathered cliffs, and the kind of moody skies that belong on oil paintings.
• The weather can be mercurial—mist rolling in one moment, sun piercing through the next—but that’s part of the allure. The landscape transforms with the light, making every hour feel like a new discovery.

What to See & Do in the Faroe Islands

Hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn

This optical illusion of a lake hovering above the sea is a must-see, even for casual hikers. The surrounding cliffs are pure drama.
More on the hike

Visit the Village of Saksun

A storybook-perfect hamlet, where grassy-roofed homes sit tucked between cliffs and a tranquil lagoon. The setting feels both ancient and timeless.
See Saksun

Chase Waterfalls in Gasadalur

The famous Múlafossur waterfall—plunging off a cliff into the sea—is a postcard moment, but the walk through the village is just as magical.
Discover Gasadalur

Explore Tórshavn

The smallest capital city in the world punches above its weight with gorgeous harbors, colorful houses, and a surprisingly sophisticated food scene.
Explore Tórshavn

Where to Eat in the Faroe Islands

Koks

Tucked into a remote valley, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a pilgrimage for serious gourmands. Chef Poul Andrias Ziska leans into local ingredients—think fermented lamb, sea urchin, and wild herbs—foraged and fished from the Faroes themselves.
Learn more about Koks

Roks

The sibling to Koks, located in Tórshavn’s harbor, where seafood is the star and the vibe is more laid-back but no less exceptional.
Learn more about Roks

Paname Café

Perfect for a slow breakfast or afternoon pause, this chic café serves excellent coffee and pastries, with large windows framing the ever-changing weather.
Visit Paname

Where to Stay

Hotel Føroyar

Perched on a hill above Tórshavn, this design-forward hotel blends contemporary architecture with classic Faroese materials—stone, grass roofs, and sweeping views.
Check availability

The View

A luxury guesthouse designed for travelers who want privacy and panorama in equal measure. It’s small, intimate, and ideal for longer stays.
Discover The View

Nolsoyarstova

A beautifully restored guesthouse on the tranquil island of Nólsoy, offering pared-back luxury, sweeping sea views, and effortless access to the slower rhythms of Faroese island life.
Stay at Heim Atlantic

Pro Tip: Embrace Slow Travel

The magic of the Faroes isn’t found in checking off landmarks, but in watching the mist roll over the hills, wandering into a village café just because the window was fogged up, and following a narrow road until it ends at the sea.

Rent a car, pack layers (the weather changes hourly), and lean into the slow rhythms of island life. This is a place to be present, curious, and quietly enchanted.

Credits:

Written by: Carter Blythe