Top 5 Tórshavn Day Trips: Explore the Faroe Islands
Tórshavn, that little capital city on Streymoy Island, that it’s almost like a jumping-off point for a bunch of pretty cool adventures in the Faroe Islands. You see, that location means it’s super convenient for exploring some amazing places. Whether you’re all about eye-catching landscapes, little villages with stories, or really getting a feel for Faroese culture, you’ll find that these day trips have got you covered. That planning part, it can feel a bit much, especially trying to figure out how to see the best stuff in a limited amount of time. I’ve put together a guide highlighting five great day trips, giving you some insights to help you plan. We will explore destinations from scenic boat rides to hikes with jaw-dropping scenery, offering some unforgettable moments in this remote and beautiful archipelago.
1. Mykines Island: Puffin Paradise
Mykines, that’s an island to the west, it really stands out. And it’s especially for anyone who likes birds, hikers, or anyone wanting crazy views. Very famous for its crazy amount of puffins, Mykines is one of the best places to see these super cute birds up close, is that not right?. Getting there usually involves a ferry ride from Sørvágur, or a helicopter, depending on the time of year and, too it’s almost like, availability. Keep in mind, those ferries can be affected by the weather, so having a flexible plan is advisable. That hike out to the lighthouse, it’s almost a must, is that what you’d say?. The views along the way are unreal, and the lighthouse itself is pretty cool, too. When you’re hiking, it’s very important to stick to the paths, not just for your own good, but to protect the puffin burrows.
When you’re thinking of visiting Mykines, those bookings need to be made well ahead. This is more crucial in the peak season, to guarantee a spot on that ferry or helicopter. That hike to the lighthouse, it takes a bit, it is, and those paths can get kind of muddy. So, some good hiking boots are nearly essential. A packed lunch is really recommended because those options for food on Mykines, they’re not that many. But more than that, it’s a great reason to pause somewhere scenic to recharge while drinking in the gorgeous views. This one you need to plan ahead. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mykines Island Puffin Paradise)
Read our full review: Mykines Island Puffin Paradise Full Review and Details
2. Vestmanna Cliffs: A Boat Tour Spectacle
Looking for something that gives you insane views and the opportunity to witness some impressive bird cliffs, the Vestmanna cliffs are a cracking pick, you see. That boat tour, it takes you along these high cliffs, in and out of caves. Along the journey, the variety of birdlife really is something. Expect to see guillemots, razorbills, and, really often, puffins during the breeding season. That boat trip itself, it’s pretty exciting, as the boats move along into narrow passages and right up close to the rock faces. Very often, tours leave from Vestmanna, a town roughly a drive of around 45 minutes from Tórshavn. So booking your tour ahead is certainly worth considering, it’s usually recommended during the busier months.
That boat ride, that is, it can be pretty choppy sometimes. Those who tend to get seasick, taking some preventative measures is a very good idea. Layers of clothing might be sensible, even on a day that starts out sunny. Once you’re out on that water, it can get pretty cold. That experience of seeing these cliffs from the water, and being really close to thousands of birds, it is fairly memorable. You will want your camera to take some awesome snaps! This day trip gives a fresh and striking viewing angle of the Faroe Islands’ wild charm. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Vestmanna Cliffs Boat Tour)
Read our full review: Vestmanna Cliffs Boat Tour Full Review and Details
3. Saksun and Tjørnuvík: Villages Frozen in Time
That drive to Saksun and Tjørnuvík, those are a treat, those two villages, because it gives you some unbelievable scenery. Saksun, that is known for its church and the tidal lagoon, the location it’s very peaceful, really. The drive, it’s over green hills and gives stunning views of the islands nearby. When the tide is low at Saksun, having that walk along the sandy beach to the ocean, this gives that feeling that you’re walking on the surface of another planet. Tjørnuvík, that’s further along on the north coast of Streymoy, is a village, and it has got that superb view of Risin and Kellingin sea stacks. That beach is perfect for some photographs, or even, just maybe, that chill time, soaking in the atmosphere.
That route to Saksun and Tjørnuvík involves some winding roads, driving carefully is that thing to do. Those conditions can vary pretty rapidly, always checking that weather ahead. Saksun church it’s only open at certain times, checking before visiting, that’s normally a solid idea. Tjørnuvík it’s awesome for surfers, bringing your gear, if that’s your vibe. Even watching surfers from the beach that can be a thrill. Exploring these villages gives a genuine peek into that tranquil, yet wildly charming, Faroese way of life. The cultural aspect is amazing! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Saksun and Tjørnuvík Villages)
Read our full review: Saksun and Tjørnuvík Villages Full Review and Details
4. Gjógv and Funningur: Northern Gems
Gjógv and Funningur, both of them up in the northern end of Eysturoy island, they have some great character and the surrounding scenery too, so I guess that makes this place popular. Gjógv, particularly well known for its gorge, that little natural harbour and its clifftop path offer some great views and nice walks. Funningur, very often claimed to be that oldest village on the Faroe Islands, sitting snugly at the foot of very high mountains, feels super remote. Driving up to these northern villages, the landscape itself it’s nearly another world. Be prepared for some climbs, though! The views of the ocean and surrounding islands will surely be rewarding.
That road to Gjógv and Funningur, parts of it can be a bit on that narrow side and, really, windy, just be careful when you’re driving. At Gjógv, there’s a guesthouse, providing something to eat and a chance to warm up with a coffee, you know, that sort of thing. The hike along that clifftop path at Gjógv that it offers great photo opportunities, those moments when you can really get great snapshots. Those villages, they show off that simple way of life, also with insane vistas. Experiencing both villages offers a wonderful peek into Faroese culture, but set amongst a totally breathtaking natural landscape. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Gjógv and Funningur Gems)
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5. Kirkjubøur: Historical Heart
That trip to Kirkjubøur, that place on Streymoy, not too far from Tórshavn, that offers something great, if you’re after history and some culture. Back in the day, Kirkjubøur was that old episcopal center of the Faroe Islands. Even now, you can see the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral and St. Olaf’s Church. Walking around Kirkjubøur, it almost feels like you’re moving backwards through time. You can easily imagine that place as a key location for Faroese heritage.
Kirkjubøur, so that’s very close to Tórshavn. This means that you get the bus or just grab that quick drive, your call! Those ruins, they have got informative signs, that explain about the site’s historical relevance. Roykstovan, a really old farmhouse, has that feel of being something special. I’d say this gives you something real. Very, very often the family which still lives there will do the tours. When you explore Kirkjubøur, I guess you get an enriched appreciation of the Faroese past, how about that?. You get it together with the architectural wonders. That quiet village provides a quietly effective insight into those historical roots of these captivating islands. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kirkjubøur Historical Heart)
Read our full review: Kirkjubøur Historical Heart Full Review and Details
Basically, when thinking about day trips from Tórshavn, you get quite a range to pick from. What will the best trips be? Well it comes down to what you personally like doing and wanting to get out of it, as I see it. The striking birdlife of Mykines or Vestmanna? It’s quite exciting. That calm vibe of Saksun and Tjørnuvík? Super special too. That historical relevance in Kirkjubøur or that wild and rugged northern charm of Gjógv and Funningur? You will make some unforgettable memories and great images. With planning, you will get something cool!
Key Points:
- Mykines: Known for puffins; remember booking ahead.
- Vestmanna Cliffs: Insane boat trip views but prepare for the weather and motion sickness.
- Saksun & Tjørnuvík: Amazing landscape, drive carefully on those winding roads.
- Gjógv & Funningur: You have wild scenery but expect the narrow routes.
- Kirkjubøur: History close to Tórshavn; an easy trip through old locations.
