Calling all bird lovers! This is your invitation to the Faroe Islands! If you’re captivated by birds, their calls, and migration routes, we invite you to experience a place where thousands of birds return to our cliffs and coastlines every summer. They fill the air with life and sound, offering you a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows.

The Faroe Islands are a paradise for bird lovers. Every summer, thousands of seabirds return to nest on our cliffs and coastlines, filling the air with life and sound.

- Silas Olofson

Lake Sandsvatn and Gróthúsvatn

The shallow lakes close to the village of Sandur on Sandoy offer some excellent birding in a beautiful setting. Hundreds of Barnacle Geese breed here along with different species of ducks. The stunning Red-throated Diver is regular on the lakes, and its horrowing call can be heard occasionally. Both Arctic and Great Skua come to the lakes to freshen up after hunting at sea, often harassing the Kittiwakes that also come to take a bath. There is a small population of Red-necked Phalaropes, but be careful not to disturb these beautiful and tiny birds. At Sandsvatn, there is a paved road all around the lake. A walk from the lake to the beach along the stream is rewarding, but a slow drive along the eastern shore—with regular stops to look for birds—can also be enjoyable.

At Gróthúsvatn, you can follow the paved road to Søltuvík, but when you reach the western side of the lake, continue along the gravel road. Make regular stops until you get a viewpoint close to the lake's northern end, from which birds can be observed easily.

Lake Toftavatn

Close to Runavík on Eysturoy, you find Lake Toftavatn. The place is worth visiting for its sheer beauty—soft hills, rocks, and heather as far as the eye can see. It is a great place to watch geese and ducks, and outside of the breeding season, a reliable spot for Slavonian Grebes. Red-throated Divers are regularly seen on the lake, where Great and Arctic Skuas fly by. Besides the lakes, the general area is excellent for birds breeding in the heather. Curlews, Whimbrels, European Golden Plovers, Common Snipes and Oystercatchers are common in the region, and the air can be thick with bird sounds.

The best way to visit the area is to park along the road to Rituvík, close to the lake's northern end. A nice path takes you around the north lake and offers excellent views of the southern part.

Skúvoy

If you wish to get away from the central islands and go birding on a remote island, Skúgvoy is an excellent option. During the breeding season, the island is loaded with birds. Puffins and Black Guillemots greet you as the ferry enters the harbour. Both species can be easily observed from the village at relatively close range—but be sure not to disturb the birds!

If you take a hike on the islands, you will likely find breeding Arctic and Great Skuas, Oystercatchers, Whimbrels, Golden Plovers and if you are lucky, breeding Dunlins and Purple Sandpipers. You'll find large Arctic Tern colonies, too.

During the day, Manx Shearwaters can be seen both from the ferry and land, but they only visit their nesting burrows at night. Razorbills and Common Guillemots breed on the cliffs on the island's western side and are likely to be seen from the ferry.

Tórshavn

The capital offers some good birding opportunities. Central Park contains birds throughout the year. European Robins, Collared and Rock Doves, Goldcrests, and Mallards are all found here. The park also regularly attracts forest-dwelling migrants. Very rare species like the Oriental Turtle Dove from Asia and the American Black Duck from North America have been recorded here.

At Sandagerði, you will likely see several gull species, Northern Eiders, and Red-breasted Merganser, Black Guillemots and occasionally shorebirds. 

A hike through Havnardalur is highly recommended. There you can find geese, ducks, oystercatchers, whistlers, northern wheatears, and more. Shorebirds often occur along the streams and lakes, and in the plantation, you might find passerines of different kinds.

The ponds at Velbastaðhálsur often contain ducks and geese along with shorebirds, and if you are lucky, you might even find a Red-necked Phalarope during the summer.

Viðareiði

The northernmost village of Viðareiði is a stunning place to visit. The tall mountains cast shadows over the houses, and the dramatic scenes are breathtaking. It is also an excellent place for bird watching. To the northeast, you find large hayfields, where all kinds of birds can be seen depending on the season. Oystercatchers, Whimbrels, 

Common Snipes and Golden Plovers are common in and around the village. Three artificial ponds have been made in the centre of the village, and willows have been planted. Here, you might come across both passerines and shorebirds, and several gull species. Plenty of rare birds have also been recorded here, so be prepared for anything.

A good way to visit Viðareiði is to park at the church, walk along the road from west to east, and then circle back to the church. Make sure to visit the old harbour to the east and do some sea watching. Northern Gannets, Puffins, Guillemots, and Manx Shearwaters pass the harbour regularly, but remember to bring your binoculars. You can also check the gardens and meadows you pass during your walk.