More and more people are choosing to explore the Faroe Islands from the saddle on their bicycles. It’s no wonder why, considering the spectacular beauty one can see from the roads, mountains, and valleys.

The infrastructure in the Faroe Islands is excellent, with all islands accessible either by sub-sea tunnels, bridges, or ferries. This, combined with low volume traffic on most roads, makes bicycling in the Faroe Islands a pleasurable experience.

However, the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so it is important to keep some things in mind before setting off on your adventure.

Keep in mind

Both in urban and rural areas, bike paths are uncommon. In most cases, cyclists will have to share the road with motor-driven vehicles. Note also that there are many tunnels in the Faroe Islands, and in some cases, these can be quite dark.

Dress for the occasion. You should wear good, protective clothing that is both warm and water-resistant. It is a good idea to wear gloves, as temperatures can fluctuate suddenly.

Though the islands are far from flat, most gradients are gentle. Be prepared to bicycle on gravel roads in some places, as not all roads are paved.

In some cases, the distance from one urban area to the next is quite considerable. It is important you make sure to bring appropriate equipment for basic repairs, as well as extra tubes and tires. Maps, GSP, and communication equipment are also important.

Bicycles can easily cause damage to the terrain, so make sure to stay on the path. Remember to always consider the environment. Also, it’s always a good idea to give someone your travel itinerary in case of an emergency.

Essential bicycling 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. Make sure yours is fitted with these before you bring the bike with you to the Faroe Islands. This is especially important because cyclists often encounter tunnels when cycling in the Faroe Islands.

When bicycling in the dark, you must have a working white light at the front and a red at the back. These can be bought at bike shops across the country.

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 make sure your trailer has a red light either fitted at the back or the left-hand side.

Taking children on your bicycle

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

Faroese traffic regulations

You must always cycle on the right-hand side of the road and if there’s a bicycling path, you should use this. If you are turning left, cross over the road you will join, so that you are waiting with the traffic on the right-hand side. 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

You are not legally required to wear a helmet. But it is a great idea to use one anyway!

Bicycling Routes

Here are some suggested biking trips (scroll to bottom of the page) that you can use for guidance.

Rent a bike

Wander around and explore the sights on two wheels.
E-bikes, Road bikes, Gravel/Hybrid bikes, and Mountain bikes can be rented from Rentabike.fo, Mountain bikes from ARA tours. Bike shops with a bike repair workshop are at Rentabike.fo and Súkkluverkstaðið hjá Gunnari.

Travelling on two wheels is a great way of exploring!

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