Top 10 Things to Do in the Faroe Islands: The Ultimate Activity Guide
By Triprz Editorial Team | November 1, 2026
A ranked guide to the top 10 things to do in the Faroe Islands — covering Mulafossur Waterfall, Sørvágsvatn optical illusion lake, Mykines puffins, Gásadalur village, Tórshavn old town, and Faroese culinary experiences.
Tags: faroe islands, things to do, attractions, mulafossur, mykines, puffins, torshavn, grass roof, travel guide
Article
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory of Denmark sitting in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway. Eighteen volcanic islands, 54,000 people, 80,000 sheep, and zero traffic lights. If you are planning a trip, these are the 10 experiences that define the Faroes.
## 1. See the Sørvágsvatn Optical Illusion Lake
Sørvágsvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, and from the cliff at Trælanípan, it appears to float hundreds of meters above the Atlantic Ocean. The optical illusion — created by the lake sitting 30 meters above sea level on a plateau that drops sheer to the ocean — is the most photographed view in the Faroes.
**How to get there:** Park at the trailhead near Midvágur (Streymoy). The hike is 3.5 km round-trip, 1.5 hours, easy-to-moderate. For a full guide to this hike and the lake itself, see our Sørvágsvatn Lake guide.
**Cost:** Free
## 2. Photograph Mulafossur Waterfall at Gásadalur
Mulafossur is a waterfall that plunges from a cliff directly into the Atlantic Ocean, framed by the tiny village of Gásadalur behind it. Until 2004, Gásadalur was accessible only by a 4-hour hike over a mountain — now you can drive through the tunnel and walk 200 meters to the viewpoint.
**How to get there:** Drive to Gásadalur on Vágar island (15 minutes from the Sørvágsvatn trailhead). Park at the village and follow the signed path to the viewpoint.
**Cost:** Free
## 3. Visit the Puffin Colony on Mykines
Mykines is the westernmost island in the Faroes and home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the world. Between May and August, thousands of puffins nest in the cliffs and grassy slopes around the Mykines lighthouse. You can stand within 5 meters of them.
**How to get there:** Take the ferry from Sørvágur (Vágar) to Mykines — $35 round-trip, 30-minute crossing. The ferry runs twice daily in summer and can be cancelled in rough seas. Book in advance at mykines.fo.
**Cost:** $35 ferry + $12 hiking fee
## 4. Wander the Old Quarter of Tórshavn (Tinganes)
Tórshavn is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, and its old quarter — Tinganes — is a cluster of black-tarred wooden houses with white-trimmed windows and turf roofs, sitting on a narrow peninsula where the Faroese parliament (one of the oldest in the world, dating to the 9th century) still meets.
Wander the alleys, visit the small cathedral, and have coffee at one of the cafes overlooking the harbor. The entire old quarter is walkable in 30 minutes.
**Cost:** Free
## 5. Hike to the Summit of Slættaratindur
At 880 meters, Slættaratindur is the highest peak in the Faroe Islands. On a clear day, the summit offers views of all 18 islands. The hike starts from Eiði on Eysturoy and takes 3–4 hours round-trip. It is steep and unmarked above 600m — only attempt in clear weather.
**How to get there:** Drive to Eiði (40 minutes from Tórshavn). Park at the football pitch and follow the sheep tracks northwest. For a full trail guide, see our [Faroe Islands hiking guide](/blog/faroe-islands-hiking-guide-best-trails-difficulty-safety-2026).
**Cost:** Free
## 6. Eat Faroese Salmon at a Local Restaurant
Faroese salmon is exported worldwide, but eating it at the source is a different experience. The cold, clean North Atlantic waters produce some of the highest-quality salmon on earth.
**Where to eat:**
- **Áarstova** (Tórshavn) — traditional Faroese cuisine, salmon and lamb, $45–$65 per person
- **KOKS** (Leynavatn) — Michelin-starred Faroese tasting menu, $180–$220 per person, book 3+ months ahead
- **Etika** (Tórshavn) — Faroese-style sushi using local salmon, $35–$50 per person
- **Heima Beers & Burgers** (Tórshavn) — casual, local salmon burger, $18–$22
**Cost:** $18–$220 depending on restaurant choice
## 7. Drive the Submarine Tunnels
The Faroe Islands are connected by a network of undersea tunnels bored through volcanic rock. The Eysturoy Tunnel (opened 2020) is 11 km long and includes the world's first undersea roundabout, decorated with colored lighting and Faroese art. The Sandoy Tunnel (opened 2023) connects Tórshavn to Sandoy island in 10 minutes instead of a 2-hour ferry.
Rent a car and drive the tunnel network — it is a surreal experience and the most practical way to see multiple islands.
**Cost:** Car rental $55–$80/day + tunnel tolls ($12 per crossing for the Eysturoy Tunnel)
## 8. See the Grass-Roof Houses at Saksun
Saksun is a tiny village on the northwest coast of Streymoy, set above a tidal lagoon surrounded by mountains. The village has a few houses with traditional grass roofs and a white church from 1858. At low tide, you can walk across the lagoon bed to the ocean. At high tide, the lagoon fills and the village becomes a peninsula.
**How to get there:** Drive 50 minutes from Tórshavn. The road is single-track with passing places. Park at the church and walk down to the lagoon.
**Cost:** Free
## 9. Take the Ferry to Kalsoy and Visit Kallur Lighthouse
Kalsoy is a long, thin island nor
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