GETTING AROUND

Exploring the Faroe Islands’ beautiful landscapes by car, campervan, bus or motorcycle is a popular way of getting around. It’s easy, flexible and you can decide your own pace – just like a true Faroese.

BY VEHICLE

Most islands are connected by an excellent infrastructure of roads, bridges and subsea tunnels, making it effortless to get around.

For example, you can take in the majestic view of Múlafossur waterfall in Gásadalur, explore the breathtaking gorge in Gjógv and hike out to the Kallurin lighthouse on Kalsoy all in one day – and even make it back in time for a lamb roast dinner in Tórshavn. (This depends on how many photos you plan on taking at each location – which is usually quite a lot!)

PLEASE READ BEFORE DRIVING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS

All major highways are paved, but some roads, especially to the smaller villages, are still gravel roads. Navigating these roads carefully, as loose gravel can make driving difficult. Many roads and tunnels leading to villages can be narrow, so please choose a safe speed according to the conditions. To keep traffic flowing, these roads have lay-bys (widened sections formed to one side to leave the road free for others to pass). These lay-bys are NOT to be used for parking.

The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on asphalt and gravel roads in rural areas. Road maps help, so bring one along before you start your journey. They can be picked up at regional information centres nationwide.

Motorists are legally obliged to use headlights at all times, day and night. Passengers in an automobile's front and back seats must wear safety belts. Talking on a mobile phone and driving under the influence of alcohol is strongly prohibited.

TIP

If a car behind you blinks its lights twice, it politely asks to pass you. Locals are used to driving on narrow, winding roads and prefer to drive faster, so they will appreciate your pulling over.

Due to the narrow roads and one-lane tunnels, you may need to reverse for a significant distance. It's best to attempt this before you're in such a situation.

If you are travelling with an RV in the Faroe Islands, please be aware that camping overnight is only allowed at designated campsites. Read more about camping here.

GUIDE TO DRIVING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS:

SAFE TRAVEL

Although the Faroe Islands is one of the safest countries in the world, getting around here might be different from what you are used to. Before you begin your journey, it is important that you are well aware of things like weather extremes, narrow, windy roads, and different road rules.

There are several one-lane tunnels in the Faroe Islands 

ACCIDENTS

In case of an accident, please contact the Faroese Police by calling +298 351448. If the accident is an emergency, please call 112.

Please note that sheep enjoy walking on roads, regardless of traffic. If you hit a sheep, please report this to the Faroese Police by calling +298 351448. You will not be required to compensate the farmer for lost income. However, if the accident is not reported to the police, the farmer cannot apply for reimbursement from their insurance company. By reporting the accident, you are helping the farmer.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING

Off-road driving is prohibited by law in the Faroe Islands. Please respect nature and stay on paved roads.

PARKING

Parking in Klaksvík, Tórshavn, Runavík and at Vágar Airport is restricted. Parking discs must be displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the front windscreen, showing the time you parked your car. These display discs are free from banks and regional tourist centres nationwide. Parking violations will incur a fine of DKK 200.

FILLING STATIONS

Filling stations are located on most islands. Distances between filing stations may vary, so ensure you have enough fuel to reach the next one.

SUB-SEA TUNNELS

These tunnels have changed our lives,” he says. “My grandmother lived on another island and would sometimes take three days to get to Tórshavn by rowing boat, stopping to stay at farmhouses en route and waiting for the right tide and weather. She would never believe the speed at which we do things now"

Edvard Fuglø, Faroese artist to The Guardian, UK

It is more significant than going from A to B; this is a route to another world. The Faroe Islands has four subsea tunnels: Vágatunnilin, Norðoyartunnilin, Eysturoyartunnilin, and Sandoyartunnilin. All require a toll payment, and prices vary.

Vágatunnilin connects the western island of Vágar (Airport) to the island of Streymoy (capital Tórshavn). If you arrive by plane and plan to visit other islands besides Vágar, you must drive through this tunnel. You only pay for one stretch of the journey when travelling from Vágar.

Norðoyatunnilin connects the northern island of Borðoy (Klaksvík) to the island of Eysturoy (Leirvík). You only pay for one stretch of the journey when travelling from Klaksvík.

Eysturoyartunnilin connects the island of Streymoy (Tórshavn, the capital) with Eysturoy (two towns: Strendur and Runavík). In this tunnel, you pay both ways.

Sandoyartunnilin connects the mainland of Streymoy (Tórshavn, the capital) with the island of Sandoy. This means you are also closer to the remote island of Skúvoy, where you can take the ferry. When travelling to Sandoy, you only pay for one stretch of the journey. 

There are no pay stations at the tunnels. You can choose to pay online or drive through the tunnel without stopping and pay at one of these petrol stations:

Effo – Kollafjørður
Effo – Gundadalur
Effo – Klaksvík
Magn – Klaksvík
Magn – Gøtudalur
Effo – Leirvík
Magn – Miðvágur

Payment must be made within three days. The bill will be sent to the car's owner by post if payment is not made.

Visit tunnil.fo for prices and further information.

TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC BUS & FERRY

Public transport around the islands is efficient and wallet-friendly as ferries are government-subsidized and can cost as little as DKK 15. If you purchase multi-day Travel Cards (DKK 500 for 4 days), they can be used on all buses and ferries except the one to Mykines. Additionally, you can catch a bus that travels around Tórshavn, including to the historic village of Kirjubøur. If you have the time to travel according to the pace of the timetables, you won’t need to rent a car or book a bus tour.

GUIDED BUS TOURS

Many tour operators and on-location coordinators provide guided bus tours to various locations in the Faroe Islands.

HELICOPTER

Helicopter travel is subsidized by the government so that locals can live on some of the archipelago’s more remote islands; hence, this form of transport is mainly reserved for residents. However, you can, during the peak seasons, find specific sightseeing tours arranged by Atlantic Airways, so we recommend you keep an eye on their website. Should you wish to book a standard ride, please keep in mind that since the helicopter subsidy is a community initiative, it is only possible for tourists to book a one-way trip. Booking is possible 2 days before departure (travelling the return trip by ferry or bus, depending on the destination).

BIKE RENTAL

There's nothing like wandering around the Faroe Islands on a bike, exploring the sights. The lanes are fantastic, and there's a new sight around every corner. Find a list of bike rentals here.

CAR RENTAL

There are several car rental agencies in the Faroe Islands. Cars can be booked through the rental agencies’ websites, a travel agent, or directly upon arrival at the airport in Vágar. Many types of cars are available, from small family cars to powerful SUVs. The vehicles can easily be picked up and dropped off at the airport.

Notice that some car rental companies are located at the airport and others are not. Some offer pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport, and some do not.

SHUTTLE TO & FROM THE AIRPORT

Make sure to book transport from the airport to your accommodation in advance. Take the bus or order a shuttle from one of these services.