A brief overview of Faroese farming history and ways to explore it today.
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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.
As the Faroese cows had great significance 60 or so years ago, unfortunately, they have become extinct. It was common for each household to have a cow in the basement providing heat and milk. It was also common for several families to share a cow.
There have always been horses on the Faroe Islands. Like sheep, the geographical remoteness of the North Atlantic Ocean forced the Faroese horse to adapt to its surroundings. Only the horses that could withstand the weather survived, and the Faroe Islands became home to a strong, hardy, and agile horse breed. Today, a preservation group (Felagið Føroysk Ross) is working hard to prevent the unique breed from extinction.
People population: 50,000
Sheep population: 70,000
The infield of the Faroe Islands is divided into 480 hagar (outfield)
Around 800 horses existed in the 18th century, today only 87 horses remain (2023)
Around 48.000 lambs are born (Spring) and slaughtered (Autumn) each year
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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 that brings CEOs and regular workers together on equal footing, joined together in the communal activities necessary for efficient sheep raising, sheering and slaughter.
Wool and woollen products exported from the Faroe Islands were once essential goods. Today, their importance is revived in the modern interpretation of classical patterns. Knitting never went out of fashion in the Faroe Islands, and most women knit and create their own patterns or reinterpret traditional patterns.
Visiting the Faroe Islands during autumn can give you a sense of the vibrant atmosphere during the steering and slaughtering. If you time your visit right, you can visit Heystfagnaðurin á Eiði, an annual event focusing on traditional agriculture.
If you plan on visiting Vágur, Suðuroy, check out their newly invented woollen sitting mats, which you can rent for free!
While there, ask for hiking tips and learn about the women in Vágur who are experimenting to discover the benefits of coarse Faroese sheep wool.
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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.
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.
Welcome to ‘Heimablídni’ and guided tours on our farm in Svínoy
Norðoyggjar
Try a traditional Faroese lamb meal while dining in the home of farmers Anna and Óli.
Streymoy
Heimablídni at Tummas Frank & Elisabeth's in Skúvoy
Sandoy
We invite you to experience unique B&B-style home and farm tours on the beautiful village of Æðuvík
Eysturoy
Experience locally-sourced ingredients and farm-raised sheep meat at Poul and Sóley's home in Sandur
Sandoy
Traditional Faroese food and specialities – made from scratch and locally produced
Streymoy
Take a guided wool tour and visit an active sheep farm with 'Heimablídni' in Signabøður, featuring Faroese Horses
Streymoy
Welcome to our Faroese sheep farm- experience in Selatrað - a 20-minute drive from Tórshavn!
Eysturoy
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.
Welcome to our Faroese sheep farm- experience in Selatrað - a 20-minute drive from Tórshavn!
Eysturoy
Discover the heart of Faroe Islands with BÖNDUR, offering unforgettable tours
Streymoy
All the garments are handmade from Faroese wool- locally sourced and sustainable
Suðuroy
Join a tour led by the farmer's daughter
Tórshavn
We invite you to experience unique B&B-style home and farm tours on the beautiful village of Æðuvík
Eysturoy
Horse riding with Faroese ponies in the mountains
Streymoy
Visit a farmer's family farm
Eysturoy
Experience farm life in Suðuroy
Suðuroy
Guided tours in the village and homemade meals in our lovely little home.
Tórshavn
Experience rural farm life in the northernmost village of the Faroe Islands
Norðoyggjar
Micro Wool Spinnery
Sandoy
The House of Faroese Wool
Norðoyggjar
Enjoy the beautiful Faroese nature while riding on either Faroese or Icelandic horses
Vágar
Homemade knitted and crafted articles
Tórshavn
Locally run kiosk in Trøllanes selling snacks and goods from the farm
Norðoyggjar
Experience the heart of Faroese culture, industry, and handicrafts
Tórshavn
Are you looking to find and try out fresh and locally sourced delicacies?
Tórshavn
We sell a wide range of homemade knit and crafts
Norðoyggjar
Snældan is a traditional wool producer and knitwear manufacturer
Streymoy
Uanni is a locally runned souvenir shop in Gásadalur
Vágar
Visit Gásadalsgarður Café, owned and operated by a local farmer and his family, for coffee or a meal after seeing Múlafossur
Vágar
A wool store that ties it all together
Tórshavn
The cosy shop has a large variety of local handicrafts in a historic building
Eysturoy
Get your perfect Faroese Sheepskin online or in a local shop
Vágar
Hand-knitted goods and a knitting club together with a Faroese knitter
Streymoy
a cosy designer boutique full of wonderful stories - a must-visit
Streymoy
A versatile store with everything from handmade goods to pharmacy products
Suðuroy
Homeknitted articles made by locals
Tórshavn
Welcome to Krambúðin Arts and Craft Shop
Streymoy
This small local museum is a restored farmhouse from around 1840 with three rooms exhibiting many historical everyday objects
Eysturoy
This local history museum boasts many interesting objects. An upstairs room is furnished with paraphernalia from the old shop
Eysturoy
The research station and nature reserve on Koltur Island unites science and nature
Streymoy
Farmhouse from year 1100
Streymoy
Step into history at Blásastova, a 19th-century farmhouse in Norðragøta
Eysturoy
The museum Kálvalíð in Miðvági is one of the first local museums in Faroe Islands.
Vágar
Dúvugarðar - Saksun Heritage Farm
Streymoy
The Sandur Village Museum was founded in 1988.
Sandoy
LAT AFTUR
