Visiting the Faroe Islands is Now Easy from New York

Visiting the Faroe Islands? Likely the first thing you will ask is Where are the Faroe Islands – and even What are the Faroe Islands? You’ll find these lush landmasses in the North Atlantic, an archipelago of 18 islands shape by volcanoes and glaciers. All but one are inhabit and they are well-connects by pave roads, tunnels, bridges and ferry lines.

The second thing you will find if you are visiting the Faroe Islands is that they are inhabite by more sheep than people. 

Føroyar means “Sheep Islands” in Old Norse and for eons from the early settlements in 800 AD, the islands were isolated and self-sustaining. Then fishing became an international money maker and the Faroes were put on the map – as a territory of Denmark.

Today they are still somewhat remote – islands of unspoil nature, fresh air, world class gastronomy and a rich cultural history in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and, possibly, the next great Nordic destination in its spot midway between Scotland, Norway and Iceland. 

Visiting the Faroe Islands

To that end, visiting the Faroe Islands is, indeed, an adventure now aid by Atlantic Airways, the Faroese national carrier, which is launching historic service between the U.S. and the Faroe Islands. The route will connect New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) with Vágar Airport (FAE) in the Faroe Islands.

This first-ever direct regularly schedule flight between the U.S. and the Faroe Islands brings a flight time of 7 hours – perhaps a greener alternative than other options for the savings in air hours, connections and take-offs/landings and it all starts as a seasonal route on August 22 through October 4, 2023. The weekly flight to the Faroe Islands will run on Wednesdays to the Faroe Islands, and Tuesdays back to New York. Travelers from the U.S. who would like to visit the Faroe Islands during other time periods can easily do so though Keflavik airport in Iceland. Seats start at $895 roundtrip.

Visiting the Faroe Islands: Where to Stay

In this Danish-lingua land where houses have grass roofs and plenty of sheep to mow them, life runs at a slow pace. When visiting the Faroe Islands you will likely be based in Tórshavn, the capital and largest city in this land of some 60,000 people. It has all of six traffic lights, possibly eight soon. Outside Tórshavn, you might find one more.  Renting a car is the easiest way to discover the islands, but busses also dot the islands and run free of charge. 

Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands is a modern building with a clean-cut glass façade and grass roof, which blends into the surrounding landscape. The hotel enjoys a quiet setting outside of the town center, though within walking distance (20 minutes). Light pours into the inviting lobby, which features several stylish seating areas, a fireplace, and a cascade of pendant lights.

The 130 rooms of this 4-star hotel are uniformly designs in a bright Nordic style with a soothing neutral palette offset by the island’s greenery. Each room features a comfortable bed with white linen, hardwood floors, a wooden desk with a Smeg electric kettle, a Smeg mini fridge, chaise-lounge-style sofa, flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, and bathroom with free toiletries. Some rooms have sea views. 

A reason to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn is the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar. The restaurant Hallartún is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast consists of a varie buffet and made-to-order omelet station. The lunch menu is small, but has universal appeal. And, the dinner menu consists of local and French cuisine. 

Guests enjoy free, no-hassle parking, gym access, and a complimentary washing machine and dryer. The hotel spa is an extra charge and needs to be pre-book. 

Eco Mind Traveler

Eco-mind travelers visiting the Faroe Islands will want to check out Hotel Brandan, a striking hotel with a grass-covered roof and a dark timber and glass façade. This 4-star hotel is located outside the historic center – only a 15-minute walk into town. The 124 quiet rooms of Hotel Brandan range from 18 m² to 38 m². All rooms have luxurious beds with billowy linen, desks, leather benches, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Rooms are on the plain-side, but enlivened by the colorful mural “Landmark,” by local artist Edward Fuglø, which pays tribute to all things Faroese. 

Hotel Brandan’s on-site restaurant, Húsagarður, serves Nordic cuisine. Guests can order from the vegetarian-friendly a la carte menu, or choose the 3-, or 5-course set menu. Opt for wine pairing, or peruse the cellar list of 2,500 wines. There’s also a fantastic non-alcoholic drink menu. Breakfast is a high-quality affair with an emphasis on local, eco-friendly ingredients. The spa facilities encompass a complimentary gym and sauna (in each changing room) as well as three private hot tubs (extra charge). Parking is free. 

With its grass-covers roof, the hillside Hotel Føroyar blends effortlessly into its countryside surroundings. This 4-star hotel is perch above Tórshavn, along the scenic Oyggjarvegur road. Though it may be feasible to walk 35-40 minutes into the old town, it’s not practical. Only stay here if you’re renting a car.  The200 rooms of Hotel Føroyar are modern and classy with neutral colors and stylish accents. Many rooms overlook the North Atlantic Ocean, Nólsoy Island, and Tórshavn.

Hotel Dinner Restaurant

The hotel’s dinner restaurant, Ruts, spotlights Nordic vegetarian and pescetarian cuisine. Ruts is open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 6 pm to 9 pm. For a casual meal or drink, guests can relax in the new 1933 Bar & Café, which is open daily from noon until midnight (kitchen closes at 10 pm). The bar menu offers something for everyone: burgers (beef and mushroom), salads, grilled salmon, tenderloin, and dessert. If the weather is beastly, you can also savor a proper afternoon tea between 1 pm and 4 pm. All guests have free access to the gym. Parking is free. Booking a hotel in the main building is recommended.

Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 is a boutique hotel set in a historic villa along the shore at Úti við Strond. Guests visiting the Faroe Islands will love this charming property if only because it is a mere 10-minute walk to Tórshavn’s old town. From the 1950s until 2013, this property served as the residence for Danish commodores. In 2016, the Faroese government took over the building and then sold it to new owners, who carefully renovated it. The mother-and-daughter owned hotel opened its doors in 2018.

All 14 rooms vary in size and design, but are all equipped with flat-screen TVs, safety deposit boxes, and private bathrooms with free toiletries. The style is more evocative of a British B&B than a Scandinavian hotel. With its romantic bay window, the King Suite with Sea View (Commodore Suite) is the finest room. A plentiful breakfast is included in the room rate. Guests can also enjoy the sea-facing hot tub in the garden. 

Hotel Hafnia

Hotel Hafnia is located in the historic center of Tórshavn, just a stone’s throw away from the harbor. Surrounded by restaurants and shops, this central property offers a convenient base for exploring the capital. 

Hotel Hafnia has 79 rooms for visitors to the Faroe Islands. They are decked with mid-century pop-culture murals and furnishings. Rooms are equipped with desks, coffee/tea machines, small refrigerators, and TVs. A bountiful breakfast is served from 7 am – 10 am daily.  The hotel’s restaurant has a long history of hospitality, dating back to the 1950s. Over the years, it has continuously evolved to cater to modern tastes. The hotel recently unveiled a new restaurant that combines French cuisine with Nordic produce. From Monday to Friday, a lunch buffet is served and on Fridays a Fish- and Seafood Buffet is served in the evening. The hotel’s casual café, Kaspar, is a great spot for salads, bagels, burgers, and light meals. The hotel does not have on-site parking, but it is possible to park nearby.

Gjaargardur Guesthouse Gjógv is an intimate, great-value-for-money accommodation for those visiting the Faroe Islands. And it offers an excellent on-site restaurant. This grass-roofed lodge is located in the remote village of Gjógv, home to 50 people, in northeastern Eysturoy Island. This is the best place to stay in the Faroe Islands if you want to experience the magic of a remote village with the convenience and comfort of a hotel, namely breakfast and dinner. 

Best View

The 25 rooms of Gjógv are very simple, but functional and clean. Don’t expect luxury here. But, do expect a cinematic setting with dramatic views of the Atlantic and cliffs teeming with Puffins (summer only).  Dinner is a highlight offering some of the best dining outside of Tórshavn. The menu features local seafood, Faroese salmon, and whatever is in season.  Overnight guests are not automatically guaranteed a table. It’s critical to make a dinner reservation in advance.  The breakfast buffet (included in the room rate) is small, but features high-quality ingredients: smoked salmon, cheese, fresh bread, etc. The guesthouse also boasts a small shop, selling local goods like wool sweaters. 

Gjógv is located at the mouth of a natural harbor, cradled by mountains. During your stay, walk down to the harbor and follow the cliffside path to reach the bird cliffs. It’s possible to continue the hike all the way to Ambadalur valley. Enroute to, or from Gjógv, try hiking to Hvíthamar Viewpoint.