FARMTOURISM
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Agriculture and farming in the Faroe Islands are deeply rooted in our culture and history. For generations, village communities were managed by a few main farmers thus largely contributing to the shaping of village landscapes and our nature as a whole. Our social and cultural heritage is also deeply intertwined with our farming history.
Origins of farming & animal life on the islands
Due to the remoteness of the Faroe Islands, the animal life here is primarily of Faroese descent, and many species have been preserved to this day. The Faroese sheep roaming the soft lands of the islands today are the original Faroese sheep, which have been bred for generations to adapt to the harsh climate and rugged terrain of the islands.
Farming today
Farming today can be said to be in its prime, although structures and frameworks have changed somewhat. Shepherding is still a popular and respected business and pastime which brings both CEOs and regular workers together on equal footing, joined together in the communal activities necessary for efficient sheep raising, sheering and slaughter.
The wool was formerly a very important good as were the woollen products exported from the Faroe Islands. Today we see a revival of the importance of wool and woollen products in the modern interpretation of the classical patterns. Knitting never went out of fashion in the Faroe Islands and most women knit and create their own patterns or re-interpret traditional patterns.
You can get a sense of the vibrant atmosphere during the steering and slaughtering by visiting the Faroe Islands during autumn, and if you time your visit right you can visit Heystfagnaðurin á Eiði, an annual event focusing on traditional agriculture.
Food culture
Traditional Faroese food is of great significance to the locals; not only the part where you get to dig in and satisfy those taste buds but also the other stages, from hunting and killing to preserving, fermenting and preparing. A must-see while visiting, is the monthly food market pop-up “Matkovin” found at the harbour in Tórshavn, presenting freshly grown local goods and delicacies from nearly all corners of the 18-islands. Read more about Faroese food culture below.
Over the past decade, there has been a shift in farming practices from primarily cultivating potatoes and rhubarbs to experimenting with a wider variety of vegetables. Some farmers have already established profitable avenues for several vegetables. This trend is particularly evident on the island of Sandur and in the village of Hvalba (Suðuroy), where the fertile land has led to great green growth.
EXPERIENCE FARMTOURISM
Now you can get a taste of farming in the Faroe Islands in a multitude of ways. You could try Heimablídni (farm visit), and you can gain an authentic experience with trading farmers by dining or staying on a farm, going hiking, or visiting a village museum or a barn to experience our farming heritage.
Also, bring a piece of the Faroe Islands back home, and you will find an array of heart-made pieces, i.e. handmade artefacts, knitted sweaters, unique pieces of Faroese wool or knitting patterns, food delicacies as well as high-end designer knits.
FARM VISITS & MUSEUMS
Spinnaríið
The House of Faroese Wool
Norðoyggjar
Kálvalíð
The museum Kálvalíð in Miðvági is one of the first local museums in Faroe Islands.
Vágar
Eiriksgarður in Dalur
In the cozy village Dalur
Sandoy
Varmakeldugarðurin
Visit a farmer's family farm
Eysturoy
Dúvugarðar
Dúvugarðar - Saksun Heritage Farm
Streymoy
History Museum (Bygdasavnið Látri)
This small local museum is a restored farmhouse from around 1840 with three rooms exhibiting many historical everyday objects
Eysturoy
Blásastova
Step into history at Blásastova, a 19th-century farmhouse in Norðragøta
Eysturoy
History Museum (Bygdasavnið Forni)
This local history museum boasts many interesting objects. An upstairs room is furnished with paraphernalia from the old shop
Eysturoy
Roykstovan í Kirkjubø
Farmhouse from year 1100
Streymoy
Savnið á Mýri in Hov
The old village shop in Hov is now a museum which also hosts cultural events and art exhibitions.
Suðuroy
The village museum Húsini við Brunn
The village museum
Streymoy
The bulls stable - Tarvafjósið
Suðuroy
Hoyvíksgarður
The old town of Hoyvík is an Open Air Museum in Hoydalar
Streymoy
Signabøgarður
Take a guided wool tour and visit an active sheep farm with 'Heimablídni' in Signabøður, featuring Faroese Horses
Streymoy
Koltur
The research station and nature reserve on Koltur Island unites science and nature
Streymoy
Húsmøðrafelagshúsið
Assembly house in the village of Sørvágur.
Vágar
CAFÉS & SHOPS
Føroya Heimavirkisfelag
Homemade knitted and crafted articles
Tórshavn
The kiosk at the end of the world
Locally run kiosk in Trøllanes selling snacks and goods from the farm
Norðoyggjar
Østrøm
Experience the heart of Faroese culture, industry, and handicrafts
Tórshavn
Faroe Sheep
Get your perfect Faroese Sheepskin online or in a local shop
Vágar
Snældan
Snældan is a traditional wool producer and knitwear manufacturer
Streymoy
1912
We sell a wide range of homemade knit and crafts
Norðoyggjar
Uanni
Uanni is a locally runned souvenir shop in Gásadalur
Vágar
Handicrafts at the old store in Fuglafjørður
The cosy shop has a large variety of local handicrafts in a historic building
Eysturoy
Ullvøruhúsið
A wool store that ties it all together
Tórshavn
The handycraft shop i Nólsoy
Homeknitted articles made by locals
Tórshavn
Gásadalsgarður
Visit Gásadalsgarður Café, owned and operated by a local farmer and his family, for coffee or a meal after seeing Múlafossur
Vágar
Krambúðin in Vestmanna
Welcome to Krambúðin Arts and Craft Shop
Streymoy
FARM STAYS & HEIMABLÍDNI
dining with locals
The farm á Stórheygnum
Welcome to ‘Heimablídni’ and guided tours on our farm in Svínoy
Norðoyggjar
Heimablídni at Tummas Frank & Elisabeth's
Heimablídni at Tummas Frank & Elisabeth's in Skúvoy
Sandoy
Hanusarstova
We invite you to experience unique B&B-style home and farm tours on the beautiful village of Æðuvík
Eysturoy
Dining with farmers Anna and Óli
Try a traditional Faroese lamb meal while dining in the home of farmers Anna and Óli.
Streymoy
