CYCLING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS

We dare say that travelling by bike is the best way to experience the stunning beauty of the Faroe Islands. The slower pace allows you to inhale all the impressions of the roads, mountains, and valleys you pass by.

The infrastructure in the Faroe Islands is excellent for biking. All islands are accessible by subsea tunnels, bridges, or ferries. Low-volume traffic on many roads makes bicycling in the Faroe Islands a pleasurable experience, and you can easily access all the top highlights, such as Saksun, Tjørnuvík, Bøur, Gásadalur, by bike. Still, you can also go to lesser-known places and experience the essence of silence.

Find your cycling route here

Keep in mind

  • The weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so it is essential to remember some things before setting off on your adventure.
  • The distance between urban areas can be pretty long. Hence, it is crucial to bring essential repair equipment, such as extra tubes, tyres, maps, GPS, and communication equipment.
  • Always stay on the path to avoid damaging the terrain, and be mindful of the environment. 
  • Dress appropriately for the weather with warm and water-resistant clothing. Since temperatures can fluctuate suddenly, wearing gloves is also a good idea.
  • Lastly, it's always a good idea to share your travel itinerary with someone in case of an emergency.

ROAD CONDITIONS

The islands are far from flat, and many gradients can be thought of, but the Island of Sandoy is known to be the flattest island in the country and is excellent for a day trip or even two.

Bike paths are uncommon, so cyclists often have to share the road with motor-driven vehicles.

 Additionally, there are numerous tunnels in the Faroe Islands, and some of them can be pretty dark. 

Some roads are not paved, so you may have to ride on gravel roads.

Take your bike on the bus

It’s best to take the Bygdaleiðir bus from Farstøðin rather than the bus stops in Tórshavn, as you’ll have more time to load your bike. Remember that space is limited—usually, only 2–3 bikes at a time—and not all buses allow bikes. Check with SSL (Strandferðslan) in advance.

Essential cycling equipment

Your bike must have a bell, a white reflector visible from the front, yellow reflectors on the pedals and wheels, and a red reflector at the back. This is significant in the Faroe Islands, where cyclists often encounter tunnels.

When bicycling in the dark or fog, you must have a working white light at the front and a red at the back.

Biking in a small tunnel in the Faroe Islands

Bike trailers must have two white reflectors on the front and two red on the back, with two yellow reflectors on each side. After dark, you must ensure that your trailer has a red light fitted either on the back or the left-hand side.

Taking children on your cycle

If you are over 15, you can transport two children under eight on your bicycle, provided you have the necessary cycle seats. If you have a bike trailer, you can take two children of any age. Children in bike seats and trailers must be permanently fastened in.

Faroese traffic regulations

You must continuously cycle on the right-hand side of the road, and if there’s a bicycling path, you should use this. If you turn left and cross over the road, you will join the traffic on the right-hand side, so you will be waiting with the traffic. Then go with the traffic when the light is green. Bicyclists must use their arms to signal that they are slowing down, turning, or stopping.

Helmets

Although helmets are not legally required, it is a great idea to wear one anyway!

Rent a bike