FARMTOURISM

Agriculture and farming in the Faroe Islands are deeply rooted in our culture and history. For generations, village communities were managed by a few main farmers thus largely contributing to the shaping of village landscapes and our nature as a whole. Our social and cultural heritage is also deeply intertwined with our farming history. 

Origins of farming & animal life on the islands

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.

FACTS

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 

Farming today

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.

TIP


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.

Food culture

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.

FARM STAYS & HEIMABLÍDNI 
dining with locals

EXPERIENCE FARMTOURISM

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.  

FARM VISITS

lamb.fo

Taste & Experience Faroese Tradition

Taste & Experience Faroese Tradition with authentic sheep farming, local stories, and traditional cuisine just 30 minutes from Tórshavn.

Eysturoy

Böndur

Discover Böndur in the Faroe Islands: unique mountain tours by local farmers with stunning landscapes and farm-to-table meals.

Streymoy

Vesturgarður

Vesturgarður offers unique handmade Faroese wool garments crafted sustainably in Suðuroy, with tours of local wool production.

Suðuroy

MARKA

Discover MARKA in the Faroe Islands: guided hikes with the farmer’s daughter, stories of sheep, nature, and traditional crafts.

Tórshavn

Hanusarstova in Elduvik.

Hanusarstova

Hanusarstova offers unique B&B home and farm tours in Æðuvík, with intimate farm experiences and local hospitality.

Eysturoy

Fjallaross

Fjallaross

Experience Fjallaross: horse riding with charming Faroese ponies through stunning mountain landscapes in the Faroe Islands.

Streymoy

Varmakeldugarðurin

Experience Varmakeldugarðurin, a Faroese family farm offering traditional food, farm tours, and local culture insights.

Eysturoy

Family Farm Við Rangá

Discover Family Farm Við Rangá in Suðuroy: enjoy farm visits, pony rides, and authentic Faroese farm life with friendly animals.

Suðuroy

Highridge in Nólsoy - home dining & guided tours

Experience Highridge in Nólsoy with guided village tours and homemade, locally sourced meals in a charming seaside home.

Tórshavn

Leitisgarður Farm in Viðareiði

Discover Leitisgarður Farm in Viðareiði and enjoy authentic rural farm life, nature, and friendly animals in the Faroe Islands.

Norðoyggjar

The Spinning Mill by the river

Discover The Spinning Mill by the river—a family-run micro wool spinnery in the Faroe Islands crafting soft, sustainable yarns.

Sandoy

Spinnaríið

Discover Spinnaríið, the House of Faroese Wool, showcasing rich wool spinning history, workshops, and unique Faroese wool crafts.

Norðoyggjar

Davidsen Hestar (Horseriding)

Discover Davidsen Hestar (Horseriding) and explore stunning Faroese nature on Faroese or Icelandic horses with flexible tours.

Vágar

Dortea Joensen

Signabøgarður

guided wool tours, traditional Faroese sheep farm visits

Streymoy

CAFÉS & SHOPS

Føroya Heimavirkisfelag

Discover unique homemade knitted and crafted articles at Føroya Heimavirkisfelag in Tórshavn, perfect Faroese souvenirs.

Tórshavn

The kiosk at the end of the world

The kiosk at the end of the world in Trøllanes offers local snacks, ice cream, coffee, Faroese cold cuts, and homemade farm goods.

Norðoyggjar

Østrøm

Discover Østrøm, the heart of Faroese culture, featuring unique crafts, art, and local handmade treasures in Tórshavn.

Tórshavn

Tórshavn Market

Fresh local delicacies, fish, and farm produce bring the true taste of the Faroe

Tórshavn

1912

Discover 1912 - homemade knit and crafts in Klaksvík, Faroe Islands. Explore unique handmade sweaters and local artisan products.

Norðoyggjar

Snældan

Snældan is the Faroe Islands’ only working spinning mill, crafting traditional wool and knitwear with four generations of family heritage.

Streymoy

Uanni

Discover Uanni, a charming locally run souvenir shop in Gásadalur offering unique Faroese handcrafted gifts and woolens.

Vágar

Gásadalsgarður

Experience authentic Faroese farm-to-table dining at Gásadalsgarður café, near stunning Múlafossur waterfall.

Vágar

Ullvøruhúsið

Discover Ullvøruhúsið in Tórshavn – a unique wool store blending Faroese tradition with natural, handcrafted fashion.

Tórshavn

The cosy handicraft shop in Fuglafjørður has a large variety of beautiful goods

Handicraft shop in Fuglafjørður

Find unique local handicrafts in the cosy historic store in Fuglafjørður

Eysturoy

Faroe Sheep, faroesheep.com
Faroe Islands

Faroe Sheep

Discover Faroe Sheep sheepskins—natural, unique, and untreated. Available online and in local Faroese shops for your home comfort.

Vágar

Kvívikknit

Discover Kvívikknit in the Faroe Islands: a cozy knitting club and hand-knitted goods with stunning views and expert guidance.

Streymoy

SVANHILD

SVANHILD: Discover a cosy designer boutique in Kvivik offering unique Faroese-inspired footwear, knitwear, and heartfelt stories.

Streymoy

Suðuroyar Heimavirki

Discover Suðuroyar Heimavirki in Suðuroy – a versatile store with unique handmade goods, Faroese products, and pharmacy essentials.

Suðuroy

The handycraft shop i Nólsoy

Discover The handycraft shop i Nólsoy with unique homeknitted articles crafted by locals. Visit us for authentic Faroese handmade goods.

Tórshavn

Krambúðin in Vestmanna

Discover Krambúðin in Vestmanna, a charming arts and craft shop with authentic Faroese wool products, café, and local crafts.

Streymoy

19TH CENTURY FARMHOUSES & MUSEUMS