Faroe Islands essential info
Halfway between Iceland and Norway, to the north of Scotland, the Faroe Islands are a jigsaw puzzle of 18 volcanic islands, lying far off the tourist radar.
Travel in the Faroe Islands: vital stats
- Capital of the Faroe Islands: Torshavn
- Population of the Faroe Islands: 50,000
- Languages in the Faroe Islands: Faoese, Danish
- Time in the Faroe Islands: GMT (April-October GMT+1)
- International dialing code for the Faroe Islands: +298
- Voltage in the Faroe Islands: 220V 50Hz AC
- Visas for the Faroe Islands: N/A
- Money in the the Faroe Islands: Faroese króna
- Faroe Islands travel advice: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Faroe Islands tourist board: www.faroeislands.com
When to go to the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands’ climate is extremely changeable. Rain is plentiful but often short-lived and localised; winds can be ferocious, then just drop away.
Summer (June-August) is the best time to visit, with long days and milder weather – expect 10-13°C. Winter days are dark, and many services close, though temperatures aren’t that cold (January average 3°C).
International airports
Vágar Airport (FAE), the only airport in the Faroe Islands
Getting around the Faroe Islands
A good system of roadways and ferries connects most towns and villages on the Faroes, and there are inter-town buses. Torshavn has an efficient local bus service.
Helicopters service some towns and villages for relatively reasonable prices.
Faroe Islands accommodation
There is a campsite along the seafront in Torshavn. There is also a selection of hotels and B&Bs.
Faroe Islands food & drink
Lamb and fish are the main staples on the Faroe Islands. Meat may be hung, and fish dried, to preserve it for a long time.
Whale may also appear on menus. Whales are not hunted commercially here, but the practice has been generally condemned. Do not encourage it by ordering whale ‘out of curiosity’.
Health & safety in the Faroe Islands
Pack seasickness tablets if you’re prone. Pack layers for all weathers.