8-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour: Wonders of the Faroe Islands
This 8-day self-drive tour offers a unique chance to experience the raw, untouched beauty of the Faroe Islands at your own pace and follow the open road through remote villages, dramatic fjords, and coastlines that leave a lasting impression.
Your adventure begins with your arrival in the Faroe Islands, where you’ll pick up your rental car and immediately step into the quiet, rugged charm of the islands. Your first stop is Gásadalur, one of the most scenic spots in the Faroes, with the iconic Múlafossur waterfall cascading into the Atlantic. From there, you’ll continue to the peaceful village of Gjógv, tucked beneath cliffs, where you’ll spend the night listening to the sound of the sea.
On your second day, you’ll explore the villages of Tjørnuvík and Saksun. These are places where time seems to stand still, with turf-roofed houses, black sand beaches, and mountains rising steeply all around. The winding roads and quiet atmosphere make this day one of reflection and awe. You’ll return to Gjógv for another cozy overnight stay.
Day three takes you north as you drive toward Klaksvík, the main town in the northern islands. The journey itself is part of the experience—passing through undersea tunnels and winding roads with sweeping views.
With Klaksvík as your base, day four is devoted to exploring the northern islands such as Borðoy, Kunoy, and Viðoy. These islands are linked by impressive tunnels and bridges, making for a dramatic and scenic drive. Along the way, you’ll find untouched landscapes, peaceful fjords, and maybe even spot puffins nesting along the cliffs, depending on the season. After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to Klaksvík for the night.
On day five, you’ll head south to the capital, Tórshavn. The drive gives you time to enjoy the quiet beauty of the islands as you make your way toward this small but lively city. Once in Tórshavn, you’ll find colorful houses, a charming harbor, and a vibrant food scene that blends local traditions with modern influences. You’ll overnight in the city, with time to explore its historic streets and waterfront.
Day six takes you on a day trip to Sandoy, one of the lesser-visited islands in the archipelago. Known for its open landscapes, birdlife, and strong cultural roots, Sandoy is a peaceful contrast to the more rugged northern islands. You’ll return to Tórshavn in the evening for another relaxed overnight stay.
On your final full day, you’ll have the freedom to explore Tórshavn and the surrounding area at your own pace. Wander the narrow streets of the old town, visit local art galleries or museums, or take a coastal walk for some last views of the Atlantic. This day is yours to slow down, reflect, or follow your curiosity.
Day eight marks the end of your journey. After returning your rental car at the airport, you’ll depart the Faroe Islands with memories of quiet villages, dramatic views, and the kind of stillness that stays with you long after the trip is over.
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Accommodation and car options
Take the wheel and discover the Faroe Islands at your own pace with a self-drive tour designed for flexibility and comfort. You can choose from a range of dependable cars, all well-suited to the unique conditions of Faroese roads. Whether you prefer driving manual or automatic, we’ve got you covered—so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Each night, you’ll rest in welcoming, carefully selected 3-star hotels that include private bathrooms and a proper breakfast to fuel your day of exploring. If you’d like a bit more space or extra comfort, upgrades to premium cars and accommodations are available. Just reach out—we’re happy to help tailor the trip to match your travel preferences.
Day 1: Arrival in the Faroe Islands – Vágar – Gjogv
You arrive in the Faroe Islands and collect your rental car at the airport, ready to begin your journey. The drive takes you west toward Gásadalur, a small village surrounded by steep mountains and wide-open ocean views. The road itself is part of the experience—narrow, winding, and incredibly scenic.
At the edge of Gásadalur, you’ll find the Múlafossur waterfall, where a river drops straight off the cliffs into the sea below. It’s one of the most striking sights in the Faroe Islands and well worth the stop before you continue your journey.
From Gásadalur, you head north to the quiet village of Gjógv, where you’ll spend the night. The road there offers a beautiful introduction to the islands—remote valleys, grazing sheep, and views that shift with every turn. Gjógv is a peaceful place to end your first day, known for its natural harbor and dramatic setting beneath tall cliffs. It’s the kind of village where time moves a little slower, and the landscape speaks for itself.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 2: Tjornuvik & Saksun, overnight in Gjógv
After breakfast in Gjógv, you set out for a day of exploring the remote northern coast of Streymoy. Your first stop is the village of Tjørnuvík, one of the oldest settlements in the Faroe Islands. Surrounded by steep mountains and facing the Atlantic, this peaceful village offers sweeping views of the sea stacks known as Risin and Kellingin, rising from the ocean like ancient sentinels. On clear days, the black sand beach here is perfect for a quiet walk, with only the sound of waves and seabirds for company.
From Tjørnuvík, continue to Saksun—a small village nestled deep in a fjord, where dramatic cliffs meet a tidal lagoon. The silence in Saksun is almost otherworldly, and the surrounding landscape shifts with the ebb and flow of the tide. A walk along the shoreline here feels timeless, with turf-roofed houses and a tiny church completing the picture.
After taking in these two remote gems, return to Gjógv for another restful night. The evening light in the village often casts a golden glow across the cliffs and sea, offering the perfect end to a day spent deep in the Faroese countryside.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 3: Gjogv – Klaksvik, overnight in Klaksvik
After a restful night in Gjógv, you’ll begin your journey northwards toward Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroe Islands. You’ll pass through deep valleys surrounded by towering mountains, along rugged coastlines where the sea crashes against the cliffs, and over rolling green hills where sheep graze peacefully in the fresh island air.
This route includes several tunnels and bridges that connect the islands, which are a great example of the engineering that make island-hopping possible here. These connections not only provide stunning views but also a glimpse into everyday life for the locals who rely on them.
When you arrive to Klaksvík, you’ll notice a lively energy, unlike the quieter villages you’ve seen so far. Known as the fishing capital of the Faroes, Klaksvík blends its strong maritime heritage with a local culture. The town offers cozy cafés where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood, small shops offering local crafts, and a welcoming community spirit that makes visitors feel right at home.
Spend the evening exploring the town’s charming streets or simply unwind by the harbor while watching the fishing boats come and go. Overnight in Klaksvík gives you the perfect chance to rest and recharge before the next day’s adventures in the northern islands.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 4: Exploration of northern islands, overnight in Klaksvik
Today, you’ll dive into the wild and breathtaking landscapes of the northern islands that feel untouched and rarely hurried. Departing from Klaksvík, your route will take you through Borðoy, Viðoy, and Kunoy—each island offering its unique character and beauty. The roads wind along fjords and charming fishing villages, giving you an authentic sense of Faroese island life away from the crowds.
As you drive, you’ll come across spectacular viewpoints where the vast North Atlantic stretches endlessly before you. These are perfect spots to pause, take photos, or simply breathe in the fresh sea air. The northern islands are also home to rich birdlife, including puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds that nest along the cliffs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals resting on the rocks or whales passing offshore.
Despite their remote feel, these islands are connected by a series of tunnels and bridges, making it easy to explore several locations in one day without sacrificing the thrill of adventure. Additionally, you can visit places where locals continue to fish and farm as their ancestors did, offering a glimpse into a traditional way of life that remains alive today.
After a day filled with awe-inspiring nature and peaceful moments, you’ll return to Klaksvík for the night. Here, you can relax in a warm and welcoming town, enjoy fresh local cuisine, and reflect on the day’s discoveries amid the unique northern Faroese atmosphere. Staying in Klaksvík gives you a comfortable base for the next steps of your Faroe Islands journey, combining the convenience of town life with close access to some of the most striking landscapes in the archipelago.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 5: Klaksvik - Tórshavn, overnight in Tórshavn
After breakfast in Klaksvík, you will continue your journey south toward the capital of the Faroe Islands. Along the way to Tórshavn, take time to stop and explore. The route offers opportunities to visit smaller villages or pause at scenic viewpoints where the surrounding nature feels vast and untouched. One particularly striking part of the journey is passing through the Norðoyatunnilin, the undersea tunnel that connects the northern islands to the mainland. With colorful light displays inside, it’s both a feat of engineering and an unexpected visual treat.
As you arrive in Tórshavn, the pace changes. Despite being one of the world’s smallest capitals, Tórshavn has a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The harbor is lined with turf-roofed houses and fishing boats, and the old town of Tinganes is full of narrow lanes, history, and charm. You’ll find cozy cafés, excellent restaurants featuring Faroese cuisine, and small shops showcasing local design and crafts.
Spending the night in Tórshavn gives you the chance to enjoy both comfort and culture. After days spent in remote villages and wild landscapes, the capital offers a warm contrast—while still holding onto that quiet Faroese spirit.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 6: Day trip to Sandoy island, overnight in Tórshavn
Today’s journey takes you off the beaten path with a full-day trip to Sandoy—one of the quieter and more traditional islands in the Faroe Islands archipelago. Often overlooked by visitors, Sandoy offers a different side of Faroese life.
To reach Sandoy, you’ll take the ferry from Gamlarætt, just a short drive from Tórshavn. The crossing itself is part of the experience, offering beautiful views of the coastline and neighboring islands. Once on Sandoy, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere where life moves at a slower pace. Small villages like Sandur, Skálavík, and Dalur welcome visitors with their colorful houses, friendly locals, and strong ties to old Faroese traditions.
You can spend the day exploring coastal paths, visiting historic sites, or simply enjoying the silence and wide-open views. Sandoy is also rich in birdlife, and, depending on the season, it is an excellent place for spotting puffins and other seabirds that nest along the cliffs.
After a full day of discovery, you’ll return to Tórshavn for the night.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 7: Explore Tórshavn and surroundings or be in the flow
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you feel like exploring the city, venturing into the nearby countryside, or simply following the day as it unfolds, Tórshavn offers the perfect base for a relaxed and meaningful experience.
Start your morning with a stroll through the historic Tinganes district, where narrow lanes wind between turf-roofed buildings that date back centuries. The harbor is always alive with quiet activity, from local fishing boats to cafés serving fresh Faroese fare.
If you feel like exploring beyond the town, several scenic areas are just a short drive or walk away. Kirkjubøur, the oldest village in the Faroe Islands, is home to medieval ruins and a family farm that has been inhabited for over 17 generations. Or head up to the hills for panoramic views over the islands—a reminder of just how close nature is, even in the capital.
Would you prefer to stay in the moment? Let yourself be guided by the weather, the light, or a spontaneous recommendation from a local. Visit a gallery, pick up handmade wool goods, or settle into a cozy spot with a coffee and simply watch island life go by.
This is a day for slowing down, whether you choose to explore or just be. In the evening, return to your accommodation in Tórshavn and enjoy the soft evening light over the rooftops—an experience in itself.
Suggested driving itinerary for the day
Day 8: Departure Day – Farewell to the Faroe Islands
Your journey through the Faroe Islands comes to a close today. After a restful night in Tórshavn, it’s time to make your way to the airport, return the rental car, and prepare for your flight home. The drive offers one last chance to take in the calm beauty of the landscape—green hills, vast skies, and quiet ocean views that have become familiar over the past few days.
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