6-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour in the Faroe Islands
This 6-day summer self-drive tour through the Faroe Islands is designed for those who want to experience the raw beauty of the islands with the freedom to explore at their own pace. From steep sea cliffs and peaceful valleys to historic settlements and tiny villages clinging to the coastline, the route follows the rhythm of local life and the land itself. Each day takes you deeper into the Faroese landscape, shaped by the sea, weather, and centuries of tradition.
Your journey begins on Vágar Island. After landing at the airport, you’ll pick up your rental car and set out toward Gásadalur, a remote village once only reachable on foot, now connected by a tunnel through the mountain. The drive there takes you past the views of Tindhólmur rising from the sea. In Gásadalur, the Múlafossur waterfall drops directly into the Atlantic just beyond the last row of houses. After taking time to walk and breathe in the salty air, continue toward Tórshavn, the quiet and welcoming capital, where you’ll spend your first night.
The next day, leave the capital behind and make your way across the mountains and fjords of Eysturoy Island. The route leads to Gjógv, a picturesque village renowned for its stunning natural sea gorge and breathtaking mountain setting. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional fishing communities and catch a glimpse of Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the Faroe Islands. After a day of winding roads and open views, return to Tórshavn for the evening.
On the third day, head north to explore the distant islands of Kunoy and Borðoy. These are quiet, less-visited places where nature feels untouched and deeply rooted. In Klaksvík, the main town of the north, you’ll find a working harbor and a strong sense of local life shaped by the sea. The contrast between the quiet of Kunoy and the energy of Klaksvík gives you a broader understanding of how people live here. In the evening, return once again to the capital.
Day four takes you along the western coast of Streymoy. First, drive into the mountain-ringed village of Saksun, where a lagoon and turf-roofed church sit peacefully beneath cliffs. From there, continue to Tjørnuvík, one of the oldest settlements in the Faroes. The black sand beach and the sea stacks of Risin and Kellingin rising on the horizon create a dramatic setting that feels timeless. The quiet in these northern villages is something Faroese people hold close—it gives space for reflection, and it stays with you.
On your final full day, take a short trip south to Kirkjubøur, the country’s most important historical site. The old Magnus Cathedral stands open to the sky, its stone walls still solid after centuries of wind and salt air. Next to it, St. Olav’s Church continues to serve the local community, as it has since the 12th century. The Roykstovan farmhouse, still inhabited today, offers a rare sense of continuity, where modern life and deep history coexist side by side. After your visit, spend your final afternoon in Tórshavn. Wander the old lanes of Tinganes, visit a small gallery, or enjoy a quiet dinner made with local ingredients.
On the sixth and final day, drive back across the islands to Vágar Airport.
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Accommodation and car options
Set your own pace and experience the Faroe Islands on your terms with a carefully planned self-drive tour. The roads here follow the rhythm of the land—winding through valleys, along sea cliffs, and across mountain passes—so having the right car matters. You can choose from dependable vehicles well-suited for Faroese conditions, with both manual and automatic transmission options available, depending on your comfort behind the wheel.
At the end of each day, you’ll rest in welcoming, locally selected 3-star hotels that offer comfort, privacy, and a good breakfast to start your mornings right. If you’re looking for a little more space or style, we also provide the option to upgrade both your accommodation and vehicle to premium.
Day 1: Arrival in the Faroe Islands
Your journey begins the moment you arrive in the Faroe Islands. After collecting your rental car at Vágar Airport, take the scenic route toward one of the archipelago’s most breathtaking spots—Gásadalur. The drive itself is an experience, winding past dramatic cliffs, open sea views, and the sharp silhouette of Tindhólmur, rising steeply from the Atlantic.
Gásadalur, once one of the Faroes’ most remote villages, remains a place of quiet beauty. Until 2004, it was only accessible by footpath or boat. Today, a tunnel carved through the mountain brings you to this peaceful valley, where colorful turf-roofed houses sit beside one of the most photographed sights in the islands—the Múlafossur waterfall, cascading directly into the sea below.
After soaking in the stunning landscape, drive to Tórshavn, which is the Faroe Islands’ small but lively capital. Here, you’ll settle in for your first night, surrounded by a mix of old wooden buildings, harbor views, and the gentle pace of island life. It’s the perfect place to start your journey!
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 2: Tórshavn – Eysturoy – Gjógv - Tórshavn
After a restful night in Tórshavn, you can set out to explore the striking landscapes of Eysturoy, the second-largest island in the Faroe Islands. Leaving the capital behind, the drive takes you through dramatic mountain scenery and along winding fjords that offer panoramic views in every direction.
As you make your way north, the road climbs steadily, offering glimpses of Slættaratindur, the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands, standing at 880 meters. On clear days, the view stretches endlessly over peaks and sea. The drive alone is unforgettable, but your destination is even more special.
Arriving in Gjógv, you’ll find one of the most charming villages in the archipelago. Tucked between cliffs and hills, Gjógv is named after the natural sea gorge that cuts into the coast just beside the village. Colorful cottages, many with turf roofs, line the narrow lanes, and the sound of seabirds echoes off the cliffs. It’s a peaceful place, often favored by locals when they want to escape the busier routes.
After spending time in the village and perhaps taking a short walk to admire the views from the headland, begin the drive back to Tórshavn, taking in the light and landscape from a different angle. The return journey is just as scenic, and by the time you arrive back in the capital, you’ll have seen some of the Faroes’ most iconic and naturally rich regions—all within a single day.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 3: Explore the Northern Islands: Kunoy – Borðoy
Today, you’ll head north to explore one of the most dramatic and less-traveled corners of the Faroe Islands—the Northern islands, where steep mountains meet quiet fjords, and life moves at a slower, more grounded pace.
Your journey takes you across undersea tunnels and along narrow roads carved into the mountainsides, with views that shift constantly between peaks, ocean, and sky. First, make your way to Kunoy, one of the most peaceful islands in the north. The village of Kunoy sits at the base of towering cliffs, overlooking a calm fjord that often mirrors the sky. It’s the kind of place where you hear little more than the wind, the birds, and the water—a place locals visit when they want to reconnect with nature.
From Kunoy, continue to Borðoy, home to Klaksvík, the second largest town in the Faroe Islands. Nestled between dramatic mountains, Klaksvík is a working harbor town with deep roots in Faroese fishing culture. It’s a great spot to experience a more lived-in side of the islands, with local cafés, shops, and one of the country’s most striking modern churches.
The Northern islands offer a different perspective—quieter, more remote, and full of rugged beauty. It’s a part of the Faroes that even many locals think of as a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the landscape without distraction.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 4: Streymoy – Saksun - Tjornuvik
Today’s journey takes you through some of the most atmospheric and visually striking landscapes in the Faroe Islands as you travel across the island of Streymoy to the remote villages of Saksun and Tjørnuvík.
Leaving Tórshavn behind, you’ll follow winding roads through open valleys and along steep ridgelines. Your first stop is Saksun, a small village tucked deep in a sheltered bay surrounded by towering cliffs. Once a natural harbor, the inlet was closed off by a storm centuries ago, leaving behind a tidal lagoon that reflects the changing sky. A turf-roofed church stands quietly at the edge of the water, and the nearby Dúvugarður farmhouse speaks to the simplicity and strength of rural Faroese life. It’s the kind of place where silence becomes part of the experience—and one that locals often return to for that very reason.
After taking in the peace of Saksun, continue the drive north to Tjørnuvík, which is one of the oldest settlements in the Faroe Islands. The road hugs the cliffs as it climbs and curves toward the sea, offering views that shift with every turn. When you arrive, you’ll find a village that feels both timeless and alive, with traditional houses lining the hillside and a sweeping black sand beach stretching toward the Atlantic. From the shore, you can see the legendary sea stacks Risin og Kellingin—the Giant and the Witch—rising from the water just off the coast.
After your visit, return the same way, taking your time. This is a day for moving slowly, watching the light shift on the mountains, and letting the stillness of the north settle in.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 5: Kirkjubøur and Free Time According to Your Own Interest
Today, you have the opportunity to connect with the rich history and tranquil rhythm of the Faroe Islands. Begin with a visit to Kirkjubøur, the country’s most important historical site, located just a short drive from Tórshavn along the southern coast of Streymoy.
The road to Kirkjubøur is scenic and peaceful, with views across the sea to the islands of Hestur and Koltur. Once you arrive, you’ll find a small village that holds centuries of Faroese heritage in one quiet place. The ruins of the Magnus Cathedral, built around the 13th century, stand open to the sky—weathered but proud. Just next to it, the 12th-century Saint Olav’s Church is still in use today. It’s a simple and sacred space, unchanged in its purpose for nearly a thousand years.
Also part of Kirkjubøur’s story is Roykstovan, believed to be one of the oldest inhabited wooden houses in the world. For generations, the same Faroese family has lived here, continuing a tradition that speaks to the endurance and closeness of island life. Walking through the village, with the sea just beyond, gives you a rare sense of time stretching back through the centuries.
After visiting Kirkjubøur, return to Tórshavn, where the rest of the day is yours. You might explore the old quarter of Tinganes, browse local shops and galleries, or sit down for a quiet lunch at one of the harbourside cafés. Whether you choose to stay in town or take one last drive into the hills or along the coast, this part of the journey is about creating space for your rhythm—something we value deeply here in the North Atlantic.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 6: Departure
As your journey through the Faroe Islands comes to an end, it’s time to make your way back to Vágar Airport. Allow enough time to enjoy a final drive through the quiet landscapes, return your rental car, and check in at least two hours before your flight.
The road back offers one last chance to take in the open views, passing hills, fjords, and villages that may now feel more familiar. We hope the Faroes stay with you long after you’ve gone!
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