Guides

FAMILY-FRIENDLY |
THE COMPLETE GUIDE

The Faroe Islands are an unexpectedly family-friendly gem. The slow pace of life and the safeness of the islands are ideal ingredients for a fun, relaxing family adventure. Instead of an actual theme park made of concrete, the islands function as a natural theme park with beautiful outdoor locations spread all across the eighteen islands. Easy hikes, ferry rides from one island to another, indoor swimming pools, and outdoor play areas are all popular activities for families of all ages to enjoy.

Now what can you do as a family visiting the Faroe Islands? Where to stay, eat and how to prepare? Kids can explore scenic hiking trails, witness adorable puffins, and enjoy the simplicity of life in charming villages. The close-knit community and peaceful atmosphere make the Faroe Islands a delightful destination. 

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Options are abundant for kids to enjoy the islands, especially the non-typical kid's activities, as long as you get creative. The activities will be more or less the same all year round, depending on the weather, of course (hikes, boat, and fishing trips enjoy a long season from March to November).

Here are a few ideas to inspire you when visiting the Faroe Islands - Find your inner artist with outdoor painting lessons, fishing trips, and jewellery classes, rent a bike and have a blast. Take a nice stroll in Tórshavn to Viðarlundin Park and see the cute duck pond. Afterwards, head down to the playground “Grasagarður” – a big and newly created playground for kids of all ages.  

ACTIVITIES IN CASE OF RAIN: 

  • Attend the smallest cinema you've ever seen
  • Go explore the vast selection of museums, the National Art Gallery have a children's drawing section, a lovely Art café with lunch options and fun visual art installations for the whole family
  • Take up pottery painting
  • Go swimming in one of the various pools around the islands
  • See our cosy aquarium in Tórshavn, they have a fun game available for curious little ones
  • The local theatre often has kids-shows
  • See one of the regional centres for the latest children-related events happening
  • Go ice cream hunting in our many gas stations (the sprinkles are so yummy).

 

 

Harriet recommends

Our top 5 playgrounds in The Faroe Islands

As a family of four with two active little girls, we enjoy exploring our country, especially playgrounds around the islands. Through the years, I dare to say we have visited playgrounds in almost every village around the Faroes, and here I will share with you some of our favourites:

  1. Our top playground is in Søldafjørður, a very simple and mostly "homemade" playground put together by the people in the village. Still, this is our kids' top choice whenever they choose a playground—it is a bit hidden between the trees in Søldafjørður, but the colourful fence facing the road will help you find it. Extra info: this playground even has a bathroom.
  2. The playground in Hvannasund is a solid second place, with its tall and dramatic tower slide and many other fun activities—it also doesn't hurt that the scenery is stunning. 
  3. This summer, we discovered a playground in Sørvágur, right by the soccer field—the small stage area will help you find it. This playground also has a wide variety of different slides and activities for children of all ages, which definitely puts it on our list. It is well hidden between the houses, giving it good shelter from the wind in case of bad weather. 
  4. Also, on Vágar island, the school in Giljanes has a fantastic and dramatic playground. The playground has views of small islands in the back, the beautiful church, and even the occasional aeroplane on its way to land at Vágar airport. The big go-around and hammocks are our kids' favourite features. 
  5. In solid fifth place is the playground in the small village of Rituvík. Honestly, it's our go-to playground because it's so close to home. This one has everything your kids will need. The only downside is that it isn't completely done yet, with the soccer field still needing to be replaced. 

Others that you might want to visit while you are driving around with the kids are the playgrounds in Skálvavík (Sandoy), Bøur (Vágar), Hoyvík and Viðareiði for some great views while the kids are playing. 

Pálshøll

Pálshøll is the Faroe Islands' only 50m swimming pool, featuring a children’s pool, fitness center, and wellness area.

Suðuroy

Nordic House - Norðurlandahúsið

Nordic House - Norðurlandahúsið offers a unique cultural experience with Nordic design, versatile event spaces, and a cozy café.

Tórshavn

Listasavn Føroya

Discover Listasavn Føroya, the National Gallery of the Faroe Islands, showcasing unique Faroese art in a stunning Tórshavn setting.

Tórshavn

Berg Hestar (Horseriding)

Discover Berg Hestar (Horseriding) in Tórshavn with varied horse riding tours suitable for riders aged 7 and up.

Tórshavn

Fishing with blástein

Fishing with Blástein

Fishing with Blástein offers unforgettable sea angling tours in the Faroe Islands from June to September, with expert local guidance.

Streymoy

Vestmanna Bird Cliffs

Discover the stunning Vestmanna Bird Cliffs on scenic boat trips past towering 700m cliffs and vibrant seabird colonies.

Streymoy

Klaksvik Wellness area

The wellness area in Klaksvik public swimming pool is all about pure relaxation.

Norðoyggjar

Býarbókasavnið

Tórshavn’s vibrant public library offers books, events, and a welcoming culture

Tórshavn

Rent A Bike & Outdoor

Rent A Bike & Outdoor in the Faroe Islands offers bike rentals, guided tours, and expert repairs to explore stunning landscapes freely.

Tórshavn

The National Museum

Discover The National Museum in the Faroe Islands: explore geology, history, Viking treasures, and rich cultural heritage.

Tórshavn

Skansin (The fort)

Skansin (The fort) in the Faroe Islands served as a vital British Royal Navy base in WWII, offering historic views over Tórshavn.

Tórshavn

Hvannasund playground

Explore Hvannasund playground with its tall tower slide, fun activities, and stunning Faroe Islands scenery for all ages.

Norðoyggjar

Kria studio

KRIA

KRIA offers a cozy jewelry and pottery workshop in central Tórshavn to unleash your creative spirit.

Tórshavn

Boat.fo fishong trip

Boat.fo

Boat.fo offers authentic small group and family boat tours in the Faroe Islands, exploring fiords, fishing, and nature.

Streymoy

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

Viðareiði playground

Discover Viðareiði playground, the most scenic spot in the Faroe Islands where kids can climb and enjoy stunning village views.

Norðoyggjar

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING

There are a lot of kid-friendly dining options to choose from when visiting the islands. Generally, when roaming the islands you will almost always find a cosy café or quick dining option in any village. You can visit a modern burger joint, HAPS, with a kid's playroom, cartoons and a PlayStation, making it ideal for small children. Other great mentions for family meals are: Katrina Christiansen (family dinners in a charming and old 3-story traditional home), Café Paname has great coffee and lunch with many boardgames, Café Kaspar (serves bagels and has kid's games), Bitin (new Nordic sandwiches and healthy kids menus), Systrar, a lovely organic lunch place in the majestic Nordic House and great place to explore for the whole family. 

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SIGHTSEEING SPOTS

There are a vast option of places to see, and villages to explore. A good idea is to explore the islands by car or bus (perhaps even bike if you are feeling active). Here are some fun day trips to plan. Drive to Tjørnuvík up North, and on the way see the lovely waterfall Fossá. Here you can run on the beach, have waffles at the local café and even take surfing lessons.
Visit Sandoy and Skopun to try pedal boats. 
Explore the island of Kalsoy, where you can see the James Bond burial, the Seal Woman and visit a café at the edge of the world. Drive to Gjógv, where you can go birdwatching, have a small hike and even enjoy homemade pedal boats. Visit the south island, Suðuroy, by ferry, which has a lot to offer, everything from hikes to lighthouses, playgrounds, museums, and cosy cafés. Take a day trip with the ferry out to Nólsoy. 

Take a dip in the various beaches in Tórshavn, Tjørnuvík, Leynar or Gøta. Enjoy our annual summer concerts around the various islands, go on a Peter Pan adventure by boat and go horseback riding or kayaking. Eat with the locals, on the “Supper Club” initiative. Most importantly stay longer and travel slower. Rent a car and explore. Eat locally and use a local guide. You will witness the most spectacular views and sights. Only you (and perhaps the weather) set the limits.

OUR TOP TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FAMILY

  • You can safely only bring your credit card, as all establishments will accept this as payment
  • Most people on the islands understand and speak English fluently as well as Danish and other Nordic languages
  • How to get around the city - metro, trains, trams, buses, taxis? Are any of them pram-friendly? 
    The best way to get around the city is either by car or bus, the buses are free in the capital and a great way to explore the city. Most islands are connected by undersea tunnels so you can get almost anywhere within an hour by car. Regional busses, ferries and taxis (they also carry a child seat) are also very timely and regular.  
  • What to bring with you home? Visit the local charity shops and smaller kiosks to make unique finds, several will have homemade knits and even pottery. The local bookshop in downtown Tórshavn has toys, Faroese artefacts, souvenirs, books and fun prints. The many knit shops will have a stunning selection of homemade woollen pieces. Some cafés will also sell tasty Faroese teas, jams and cookies. Also check out our creative galleries, as the islands are filled with cool artists, where you can buy art and prints. 
  • What to pack? Make sure you pack multi-functional clothes where you can expect sun, wind and rain on the same day. The temperature is very mild all year round and it is just good sense to include good shoes and outerwear.
  •  Stay longer and enjoy slow travel. The islands are packed with many fantastic local activities all year round, so don’t hesitate to ask your local guide for relevant events.

Kunoy Village and Viðarlundin

Discover Kunoy Village and Viðarlundin: charming streets, a vibrant red church, lush forest paths, and stunning mountain views.

Norðoyggjar

Gøtusandur

Discover the scenic coastal beauty of Gøtusandur in Eysturoy, Faroe Islands. Explore local sights, nature, and unique experiences.

Eysturoy

Vatnsdalsvatn Lake

Discover Vatnsdalsvatn Lake, the 3rd largest on Vágar, offering scenic hikes and stunning panoramic views of the Faroe Islands' west coast.

Vágar

The Yarn-Bombed Rock

Discover The Yarn-Bombed Rock, a unique Faroe Islands legend where a giant rock is wrapped in handmade knitted fabric.

Sandoy

Postkassin-Mailbox

Discover the Postkassin-Mailbox, one of the world's largest mailboxes and a fun, exciting attraction for all ages in the Faroe Islands.

Sandoy

Á Reyni, Tórshavn

Old Town in Tórshavn (á Reyni)

Old Town in Tórshavn (á Reyni) features charming 14th-century black-tarred wooden houses with white-framed windows and turf roofs.

Tórshavn

Ergidalur

Discover Ergidalur, a historic Celtic and Viking site by Vatnsnes in the Faroe Islands, surrounded by stunning mountains and rich history.

Suðuroy

Gjógv

Discover Gjógv, a charming Faroe Islands village with stunning sea-filled gorge views, scenic hikes, and peaceful Nordic vibes.

Eysturoy

Sandur, Sandoy

Mølheyggjar

Discover Mølheyggjar, the only sand dunes in the Faroe Islands, perfect for picnics after hiking or fishing on Sandoy.

Sandoy

Nólsoy

Discover Nólsoy, a charming small island near Tórshavn known for stunning birdwatching, beautiful hikes, and welcoming locals.

Streymoy

Tjørnuvík

Discover Tjørnuvík, one of the oldest villages in the Faroe Islands, known for Viking history, hiking, and stunning sea views.

Streymoy

Fitjarnar (Kikarin)

Fitjarnar (Kikarin) offers stunning views of Risin, Kellingin, and Slættaratindur, easily accessible by car.

Eysturoy

Svartifossur

Discover Svartifossur, the stunning black waterfall just north of Tórshavn. Explore scenic trails and protected nature nearby.

Tórshavn

Sandágerð

Sandágerð, the largest family-friendly beach in Tórshavn, offers stunning fjord views, picnic spots, and gentle shorelines for kids.

Tórshavn

Bøur Playground

Discover the family-friendly Bøur Playground in a picturesque village setting, with fun and beautiful surroundings for all ages.

Vágar

Rannvátoft in Fagridalur

Discover Rannvátoft in Fagridalur, a historic site in Sandoy Valley with legends of Rannvá, one of Skúvoy's Black Death survivors.

Sandoy

FAMILY-FRIENDLY STAYS

There are several kid-friendly hotels in the capital area and the larger villages. Moreover, there are also several tremendous and charming B&Bs and cabin rentals scattered around the islands, where you get a true sense of local living and nature. Most hotels will accommodate baby cribs, family-friendly SPAs or outdoor hot tubs, mini kitchens and other amenities for children. As the Faroe Islands are very family-oriented, so most places will automatically be very kids-inclusive. 

Also with a superior infrastructure (we have many tunnels), super-fast 5G and modern facilities, any road trip here will be enjoyable and comfortable for the whole family. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

We love to say that The Faroe Islands should be experienced all year round. The general hiking/outdoor season starts around March/April until October, with summer being an obvious peak season. But consider this destination a great city break from the heated temperatures and stressful daily routines with so much to offer. Winter is also truly a magical time as well with Christmas markets and an abundance of merry events, workshops, concerts etc. 

Check out our Monthly Guides filled with inspiration, ideas and general helpful facts about what to do throughout the year.