Dreaming of dramatic landscapes, charming villages clinging to cliffs, and a culture steeped in Viking history? The Faroe Islands, an archipelago nestled in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway, offer a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience. However, getting to this remote paradise requires a little more planning than your average European city break. With limited flight options and ferry routes, understanding the best ways to reach the Faroe Islands is crucial for making your travel dreams a reality.
The Faroe Islands are becoming increasingly popular with adventurous travelers seeking unspoiled beauty and a chance to escape the crowds. Knowing your transportation options, from direct flights from select European hubs to the scenic Smyril Line ferry from Denmark, allows you to optimize your time and budget. This guide will break down the various routes, travel tips, and essential information you need to navigate your journey to this captivating destination, ensuring a smooth and memorable start to your Faroese adventure.
What are the best travel options and key things to consider when planning my trip?
What are the flight options for getting to the Faroe Islands?
The primary flight option for reaching the Faroe Islands is through Vágar Airport (FAE), the islands’ only airport. The national airline, Atlantic Airways, operates regular flights from several European cities. While other airlines might occasionally offer flights, Atlantic Airways provides the most consistent and extensive schedule.
Atlantic Airways offers flights from destinations like Copenhagen (Denmark), Reykjavík (Iceland), Paris (France), Edinburgh (Scotland), and Bergen (Norway). These routes are generally year-round, although frequency may vary depending on the season. Copenhagen is the most common and reliable connection point, offering multiple daily flights in peak season, making it a convenient option for travelers coming from further afield. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the summer months and holidays, as flights can fill up quickly.
Beyond Atlantic Airways, it’s worth checking with SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) for potential code-share flights operated in conjunction with Atlantic Airways, especially from Scandinavian cities. While not a direct flight operated by SAS aircraft, these code-share agreements can sometimes offer slightly different routing or pricing options. Keep in mind that flight schedules and availability can change, so always verify directly with the airlines for the most up-to-date information. Booking directly through Atlantic Airways’ website usually provides the most direct control over your booking and any potential changes.
Are there ferry routes to the Faroe Islands, and from where?
Yes, there is a year-round ferry route to the Faroe Islands operated by Smyril Line. The ferry, named *Norröna*, sails from Hirtshals in Denmark, with a stopover in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, before arriving in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands.
The Smyril Line ferry is not just a means of transportation, but also a cruise experience. The journey allows passengers to bring their own vehicles (cars, motorcycles, campervans) and offers various onboard amenities like restaurants, cafes, bars, a swimming pool, and a cinema. Cabins are available in different categories to suit various budgets and preferences. This makes the ferry an appealing option for travelers who prefer to travel with their own car, enjoy scenic sea voyages, or want to avoid the limitations of air travel in terms of luggage allowance. While the ferry offers a slower travel option compared to flying, it presents a unique opportunity to experience the North Atlantic and the stunning coastlines of Denmark, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. The schedule varies depending on the season, with more frequent departures during the summer months. Therefore, it is advisable to check the Smyril Line website for the most up-to-date timetable and booking information.
What’s the cheapest way to travel to the Faroe Islands?
The cheapest way to travel to the Faroe Islands is generally by flying with Atlantic Airways during their off-season, booking well in advance, and being flexible with your travel dates. Ferry travel from Denmark used to be a budget option, but it is no longer operational.
Flying off-season (typically outside of the summer months of June-August and major holidays) significantly reduces airfare. Atlantic Airways, the Faroese national airline, often offers discounted fares during these periods. Booking flights several months in advance will almost always secure lower prices compared to last-minute bookings. Furthermore, being flexible with your travel dates and flying on weekdays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays) rather than weekends can also result in considerable savings. Look for promotional offers and subscribe to airline newsletters to stay informed about potential deals. Unfortunately, Smyril Line no longer operates a direct ferry service between Denmark and the Faroe Islands. While Smyril Line still connects Denmark to Iceland, using this route as a connection point to the Faroe Islands is often far more expensive and time-consuming than flying directly. Consider budgeting for accommodation and food costs as well, as these can add up quickly. Opting for self-catering accommodation and preparing your own meals can help reduce overall travel expenses.
Do I need a visa to visit the Faroe Islands?
Whether you need a visa to visit the Faroe Islands depends on your nationality. The Faroe Islands are not part of the Schengen Area, but they adhere to Denmark’s visa policy. Therefore, the visa requirements are generally the same as for Denmark, with some exceptions. Nationals of many countries, including those from the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter the Faroe Islands without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The Faroe Islands have a slightly different visa policy than mainland Denmark. Some nationalities that may be visa-exempt for Denmark might still require a visa to enter the Faroe Islands. It is crucial to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip. You can consult the official website of the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information. Always ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Faroe Islands. It’s also a good idea to carry supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your visit. These documents may be requested by immigration officials upon arrival.
How far in advance should I book flights or ferries?
For both flights and ferries to the Faroe Islands, booking as early as possible—ideally 3-6 months in advance—is highly recommended, especially if traveling during peak season (June-August) or around holidays. This ensures the best availability and often the most favorable prices.
Booking flights to Vágar Airport (FAE) well in advance is crucial. Limited seating capacity on flights from key hubs like Copenhagen (CPH) and Reykjavík (KEF) means that prices can escalate rapidly as seats fill up. Peak season demand coupled with relatively infrequent flights makes early booking even more important. Similarly, if you are traveling during a festival or special event, book accommodation and transportation simultaneously. The Smyril Line ferry, *Norröna*, is the primary option for bringing a vehicle to the Faroe Islands from mainland Europe (Denmark). Cabins on the ferry sell out quickly, particularly during the summer months. Even if you are only traveling as a foot passenger, booking early ensures you secure a spot, especially if you have specific travel dates in mind. Booking several months ahead also gives you time to plan your itinerary on the islands, secure accommodations, and research any activities or tours.
What airport do international flights arrive at in the Faroe Islands?
International flights to the Faroe Islands arrive at Vágar Airport (FAE), which is the only airport in the Faroe Islands capable of handling international traffic.
Vágar Airport is located on the island of Vágar, and it serves as the primary gateway for travelers entering and exiting the Faroe Islands by air. While there are helicopter services connecting to other islands, these are primarily for local transport and aren’t relevant for most international travelers. Upon arrival, you’ll find facilities for car rental, bus services, and taxis to reach your final destination within the archipelago. Given the limited number of flight routes to the Faroe Islands, most international travelers will find themselves arriving directly at Vágar Airport. The airport is modern and relatively small, making navigation straightforward and allowing for a quick exit. Be sure to check flight schedules and plan your ground transportation in advance, especially if traveling during peak season or to more remote locations.
Are there any direct flights from the US or Canada?
Currently, there are no regularly scheduled direct flights to the Faroe Islands from the United States or Canada. Travelers from these regions will need to connect through Europe.
While direct flights are not available, accessing the Faroe Islands is still relatively straightforward. The primary gateway is Vágar Airport (FAE), the only airport in the Faroe Islands. The most common connecting hubs for flights originating in North America are Copenhagen (CPH) in Denmark and Reykjavik (KEF) in Iceland. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Atlantic Airways, the Faroese national airline, operate regularly scheduled flights from Copenhagen. Icelandair offers flights from Reykjavik, and these flights may connect with Icelandair flights from North American cities. To reach the Faroe Islands, you would typically book a flight from your origin city in the US or Canada to a European hub like Copenhagen or Reykjavik. From there, you would board a connecting flight to Vágar Airport. The overall travel time can vary depending on layover durations and specific routes, but generally expect at least 10-15 hours of travel time from the East Coast of the US, and longer from the West Coast or Canada.
So there you have it – your compass is set, and you’re ready to embark on your Faroese adventure! Hopefully, this guide has made planning your trip a little easier. Thanks for reading, and we truly hope you have an unforgettable time exploring the dramatic landscapes and unique culture of the Faroe Islands. Come back and visit us again soon for more travel tips and inspiration!