Faroe Islands
More Sheep Than People? My Wild Few Days in the Faroe Islands
A short flight from Iceland lands you in a remote archipelago where sheep outnumber people and every cliff feels cinematic. Here's what surprised me — the good, the complicated, and the unforgettable.
The Faroe Islands are just a short flight from Iceland, landing you in a wild, rugged place where sheep outnumber people and underwater tunnels connect the scattered islands. It sounds like a dream — and in many ways, it was. But I'll be honest: I was hesitant to visit at first.
Like many others, I had seen dramatic images of the traditional whaling practices in documentaries and on social media. As someone who cares deeply about animals and the environment, it gave me pause. I debated whether I wanted to support tourism in a place where that tradition still exists. In the end, I decided to go.
I spent several days exploring this remote destination, and while it was absolutely stunning, there were a few things that surprised me — some charming, others a bit frustrating.
Getting Around & Practical Realities
First off, Google Translate features that I rely on were not supported, which made everything a bit more complicated as someone with dietary restrictions. I certainly was not able to read Faroese to determine if something was vegetarian or not. When I asked a local about it, they told me that only one person on the entire island is working on translating the language. When I visited in October 2024, the photo-translate feature did not support Faroese.
I spent my time exploring the capital, Tórshavn, visiting old churches in the area and museums. And of course, I drove around the islands and tried some local restaurants. I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands, which was great — minus the party they hosted with blasting music until 4 a.m. Be sure not to have a room located over the bar area.
Interesting Facts About the Islands
While the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, they definitely have their own vibe. And if you are a James Bond fan, you might be excited to know that the dramatic cliffs from the finale of No Time to Die were filmed here. Locals even placed a makeshift headstone as a tribute to Bond in that exact spot.
There is only one traffic light in the entire country, and it is in the capital city, Tórshavn. You read that right — one.
The Weather & My Canceled Flight
Now, about the weather. It is wildly unpredictable. My return flight to Iceland was canceled the day of due to 50+ mph wind gusts. The plane was tiny — maybe 50 seats max — so I understood the caution. I was rebooked for the following day, and while it was still gusty, we made it back safely despite a few rough bumps that left passengers screaming.
Vegetarian Travelers, Take Note
If you are vegetarian like me, I will be honest — it is not the easiest destination for vegetarian eating. Between the limited food options and my canceled flight, there were moments I seriously questioned why I visited the destination.
Final Thoughts
That said, I am ultimately grateful I got to experience such a remote and dramatic place. The landscapes are like nothing else — waterfalls pouring over cliffs, puffins (hopefully I will see these one day), and grass-roofed homes. It is one of those destinations that challenges you a bit… but stays with you long after you leave.
Notes
Practicalities and honesty
Practical tips
- Do not rely on Google Translate for Faroese — especially for reading menus with dietary restrictions.
- Request a room away from the bar if you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tórshavn.
- Build buffer days into your itinerary; flights can be canceled due to high winds.
- Pack weatherproof layers — the climate changes quickly and dramatically.
- Vegetarian options are limited, so research restaurants ahead and consider self-catering when possible.
What I liked
- The dramatic, untouched landscapes that felt completely otherworldly.
- Driving between islands through underwater tunnels.
- Spotting the James Bond No Time to Die filming location and the local Bond tribute.
- The novelty of a country with just one traffic light.
What I would change
- I would research vegetarian-friendly restaurants more thoroughly before arriving.
- I would add an extra day as a buffer in case of weather-related flight cancellations.
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