The Faroe Islands: The North Atlantic’s Best-Kept Secret
Moody skies, puffins, and views that break the internet.
Everyone knows Iceland now. Greenland’s been having its moment. But tucked quietly in the North Atlantic, right between them, is a place so wild and gorgeous you’ll wonder how it’s stayed under the radar this long: the Faroe Islands — a true North Atlantic hidden gem. Think cliffs that drop straight into the sea, emerald valleys that look Photoshopped, and villages painted like they came out of a fairytale.
First settled by Vikings over a thousand years ago, the Faroe Islands have always been defined by the ocean. For centuries, fishing has been the heartbeat of these remote islands, shaping both their economy and their way of life. Today, the Faroes are a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with their own parliament and language, Faroese. While Denmark handles foreign affairs and defense, the islands steer their own course at home — a setup as unique as their dramatic, wave-sculpted coastline.
Visiting feels like stepping into a movie, except it’s all real, and every curve of the road drops another jaw. You don’t just see the Faroes. You experience them.
Arriving Through the Elements
Getting here is part of the vibe. My first glimpse came from the plane window: jagged coastlines slicing up through clouds, cliffs free-falling into icy-blue water. The weather here? Total main character energy — switching from golden sun to mist to sideways rain in minutes. That’s why your airline choice matters (more on that in the tips below).
Even the drive from the airport starts with a wow moment…a swirling, neon-lit tunnel that feels like a surreal portal into another world.
Landscapes Painted in Green and Blue
The Faroes are all about contrasts: sheer cliffs like those near Drangarnir, where sea stacks rise defiantly from the waves and in summer, puffins swoop along the edges, diving into the water like tiny torpedoes.
Deep fjords hold small fishing villages, their houses lined quietly along the water’s edge, like they’ve been there forever.
Then you turn a corner and — surprise — you’re sharing the road with cows who look like they’re auditioning for a Vogue rural edition.
Life in the Villages
Villages here are pure storybook energy: bright houses, winding streams, and fishing boats bobbing in small harbors. Some still rock turf roofs, the OG eco-friendly insulation.
From higher up, places like Gjógv look like toy towns dropped between mountains and the open ocean. In season, puffins make their nests in the grassy cliffs nearby, waddling right past the walking paths like they own the place.
Cliffs, Sea Stacks, and Quiet Wonders
Some of the most breathtaking sights come where land meets sea. Sheer cliffs that plummet into deep blue, solitary sea stacks, and colonies of puffins gathered on ledges, keeping watch over the waves.
Gjógv’s narrow gorge feels alive, the water moving in and out like the islands’ own heartbeat. If you’re lucky you might catch a community of colorful puffins here wondering what all the fuss is about.
Up in the highlands, you’ll find still, glassy lakes with views that basically beg for a coffee and a moment to just sit and think about the universe and everything.
Why the Faroe Islands Should Be Your Next North Atlantic Adventure
If you’re looking for a destination that blends the epic drama of Iceland, the untouched beauty of Greenland, and a level of authenticity that’s getting harder to find, the Faroes are it. This is where wild landscapes meet real-deal local life — no tourist trap vibes, just raw beauty and a pace of living you can actually breathe in.
Five Hot Tips for Visiting the Faroe Islands
Fly Atlantic Airways — Seriously.
This is the most important tip. Atlantic Airways’ pilots and planes are prepped for the Faroes’ famously unpredictable weather. I’ve seen Icelandair and SAS flights turn around mid-air and head back to Copenhagen or Reykjavík, leaving people stranded for days. Multiple friends got stuck this summer alone. With Atlantic Airways, you’ve got the best shot at landing when the weather’s throwing a fit.Plan for Flexible Days.
Faroese weather changes faster than your TikTok feed — a perfect morning can turn into fog and drizzle before lunch. Keep your schedule loose so you can swap days around if the weather flips.Rent a Car and bring a dramatic nature-focused playlist.
The best spots aren’t on bus tours. With tunnels, bridges, and roads that hug cliff edges, driving here is part of the adventure. Bonus: every other minute you’ll want to pull over for a photo.Layer Like a Pro. Every Day.
Even in summer, you can go from “let’s have a picnic” to “where’s my thermal jacket?” in under an hour. Think waterproofs, windbreakers, and cozy layers you can peel off or pile on.Be a Respectful Guest.
Villages here are living communities, not open-air museums. Stick to paths, close any gates you pass through, and say hi to the local people. A little kindness goes a long way here.
When Iceland feels too busy and Greenland still feels too remote, the Faroe Islands are waiting for you…quietly, beautifully, and with a kind of magic you’ll carry long after you leave.
We are headed to Faroe Islands ourselves! Booked on Icelandair so, cross your fingers for us ;)