Have questions about the “Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism” working days?
You’re in the right place. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions — from costs and eligibility to logistics and what to expect — whether you’re just curious or planning to apply.

Before you’re selected

These questions are for those considering applying or waiting for a response. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about what the programme involves, what to expect, and how the application process works.
 

1. What will I need to pay for?

2. Do I need special qualifications to participate?

3. Will I need a work permit?

4. How does the selection process work?

5. If I come with friends, will we be able to work together?

6. Will locals also participate?

7. Is there a more detailed itinerary?

8. Can I choose which project I’d like to work on?

9. What will be maintained/built?

10. Are tourists causing problems in the Faroe Islands?

11. Can I apply next year if I’m late signing up?

12. When will I know if I’m admitted?

1. What will I need to pay for?

You must cover the cost of your travel to and from the Faroe Islands. We have an agreement with the national airline, Atlantic Airways, which offers promotion codes providing discounted fares for participants. You’re welcome to choose other travel options, but the promotion codes apply only to flights with Atlantic Airways.

Accommodation and food are provided during the Closed for Maintenance period.

2. Do I need special qualifications to participate?

To become a volunteer, you must be 18 years old by the start of the working days.

Our projects vary in difficulty, so you don’t need specific skills or professional experience to participate. What we do require is:

• A willingness to help.
• A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as some tasks involve walking on uneven terrain and working outdoors.
• A basic understanding of English is required, since this is the common language used for communication during the project. (You don’t need to be fluent — just able to understand instructions and interact with others.)
   

3. Will I need a work permit?

All non-Nordic citizens are required to obtain a work permit. Obtaining a permit is simple — we handle the application process and provide all necessary information once you’ve been admitted to the Maintenance Crew.

4. How does the selection process work?

We receive many more applications each year than the number of available spots. To ensure a fair and balanced group, a portion of the participants is selected randomly, while the rest are chosen based on their relevant skills and experiences that match the year’s planned projects.

Your application's timing within the 48-hour registration window does not affect your chances — everyone who applies in time has an equal opportunity to be selected.

5. If I come with friends, will we be able to work together?

Yes! If you sign up with a friend, you’ll be placed on the same project team — and you might even end up as double-bed buddies.
If that’s a no-go, let your on-site project manager know beforehand, and they’ll make other arrangements.

6. Will locals also participate?

Yes! Each year, a group of Faroese volunteers joins the projects, working with international participants. Locals play a key role in sharing stories, cultural insights, and knowledge of the islands — creating a meaningful exchange between participants and the community.

Local project leaders and staff are also Faroese, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet and connect. We encourage everyone to share something from their own culture — a snack, song, story, or instrument — it’s always warmly received.

If you’re a local reading this, please note that sign-up for Faroese volunteers opens about one month before the project.

7. Is there a more detailed itinerary?

A detailed itinerary is shared with selected volunteers closer to the event. The general structure is:

Day 1: Introduction and arrival at project site
Day 2: Full work day
Day 3: Full work day
Day 4: Half workday and celebratory party

Exact times, locations, and schedules vary yearly and will be provided in your information package once selected.

8. Can I choose which project I’d like to work on?

No. The organising team makes project assignments based on project needs, skills, and crew balance. You can indicate your preferences in the application form, and we’ll do our best to consider them, but final placement is decided centrally.

9. What will be maintained/built?

Most visitors come to the Faroe Islands for nature, so the work primarily focuses on maintaining or building paths in popular areas. Many of these paths are ancient village trails that remain important hiking routes today.

Once the projects are confirmed each year, more specific information is shared in coordination with municipalities and tourist information offices across the islands.

10. Are tourists causing problems in the Faroe Islands?

A growing number of visitors has led to erosion and safety concerns in some areas. While tourism is still developing here, Closed for Maintenance aims to protect nature, support communities, and responsibly guide visitors to prevent escalating issues.

11. Can I sign up for next year if I missed the deadline?

Ah, too bad! You can’t sign up for next year just yet, but if you subscribe to our newsletter and leave your email, we’ll notify you as soon as registration opens.

12. When will I know if I’m admitted?

Visit Faroe Islands will notify the selected volunteers approximately one week after the application deadline. If selected participants don’t book their flights within 48 hours, their spot will be offered to another applicant.
Those who are not selected will receive an email once the Maintenance Crew is fully manned.

Important information for volunteers

If you’ve already been selected — please read this entire section carefully.
Here you’ll find all the essential logistics, practical details, and tips to help you prepare for your time on the Maintenance Crew. Taking a few minutes to read through everything will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
 

13. What accommodation and meals can I expect?

14. How will I get from one place to another?

15. What should I bring?

16. Is there free time?

17. Can I extend my stay?

18. If I come with friends, will we be able to work together?

19. What language will be used?

20. What happens if I don’t book flights in time or don’t respond?

21. Is insurance required or provided?

22. How will the event wrap up

13. What accommodation and meals can I expect?

All volunteers are accommodated throughout the working days, from the introduction day until the night after the final celebration. You’ll stay in project villages during the work days and in Tórshavn after the party. Accommodation is basic but comfortable, with shared rooms and facilities — part of the charm of the experience.

During the maintenance days, three meals a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — are provided, plus a light meal on arrival and a festive dinner at the closing party. We do our best to offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, though this can be more challenging at some remote project sites.

If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, you must arrange and cover your accommodation. See the “17. Can I extend my stay?” question below for details.

14. How will I get from one place to another?

The coordinators will arrange buses and ferries to transport volunteers between locations during the programme at no cost.

Volunteers are responsible for booking and paying for transportation back to the airport after Closed for Maintenance has concluded.

15. What should I bring?

The weather in the Faroe Islands is famously unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared for various conditions.

Check out our What to Pack page for general guidance. As the event approaches, selected volunteers receive a more detailed packing list. Working gear, such as gloves, will be provided if needed for the projects.

You’ll also receive specific information from your local project leader, including details on whether you need to bring items like a towel, sleeping bag, or other practical gear.

We kindly ask everyone to bring their refillable water bottle — our tap water is clean, fresh, and delicious.

16. Is there free time?

Yes. There’s some free time in the evenings, and hosts often organise cosy, fun, and educational activities. It’s a great chance to get to know fellow volunteers, share cultures, and maybe even learn a traditional song or dance.

If you’d like to explore more of the islands, consider booking flights to stay extra nights before or after the event — many volunteers do!

17. Can I extend my stay?

Yes! You’re welcome to extend your stay before or after the project. Volunteers can use the special flight discount code up to one week before and after the working days.

Many participants explore the islands together, often coordinating travel plans through the collective volunteer group, making it easy to arrange shared adventures.

18. If I come with friends, will we be able to work together?

Yes — during registration, you can list the names of up to two friends you’re travelling with in the comment box. You must each sign up and pay separately.

We’ll do our best to place you on the same project and, if relevant, in the same accommodation — just let us know if you'd prefer not to share a double bed!

19. What language will be used?

All communication during the programme is in English, but you might be lucky to pick up some Faroese words.
Check ‘Faroe Islands Translate’ to learn some Faroese phrases before arriving here.

20. What happens if I don’t book my flights in time or don’t respond?

If you’re selected and don’t book your flights within 48 hours of receiving your notification email, your spot will be offered to another applicant.

Please check your inbox — and your spam folder — during the selection period to avoid missing your place.

21. Is insurance required or provided?

No, additional insurance is not required. You’ll receive a work permit as a volunteer, meaning Visit Faroe Islands acts as your official “work giver”. This ensures you are covered by Faroese labour insurance during the project days.

22. How will the event wrap up?

The event ends with a celebratory party on the final evening — rumoured to be the best of the year. There’s complimentary food, drinks, and entertainment, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate all the hard work together.

Need more help?

If something isn’t covered here, email us at info@visitfaroeislands.com, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.