Europe’s most unspoilt islands are now easier to reach than ever

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If you’ve ever looked at pictures of emerald green cliffs, puffinsAnd houses with grass roofs and thought, “Where is that?”, chances are you went to the Faroe Islands. Hidden in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland And Norwaythat’s what this little archipelago feels like Europe’s last wild frontier – but it becomes sudden much easier to reach.

We at Travel off the path have already shared how the Faroe Islands are like Iceland without crowds and storybook villages galore, and they’re quickly becoming one of our favorite “how does this even exist?” destinations. Now, new flights, tunnels, hotels and wellness areas This means you don’t have to be a hardcore adventurer to explore its remote corners.

Below we explain why the Faroe Islands are still incredibly untouched and why 2025–26 is the perfect window to go before everyone knows.

Where are the Faroe Islands and why are they still so quiet?

The Faroe Islands are one Volcanic archipelago with 18 islands in the North Atlantic Oceanabout halfway Iceland And Norway and just north of Scotland.

About 54,000 people live here, together with more than 70,000 sheep – and only round 100,000 tourists appear in a normal year, a small fraction from neighboring country of Iceland visitor numbers. That means you can still find yourself walking alone along sea cliffs, watching puffins Mykinesor wandering villages with grass roofs Gjógv And Saksun without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you’d expect in a place so photogenic.

Conde Nast traveler even mentioned the Faroe Islands one of the best places to go in 2025highlighting how the country is investing in new ways to reach the most remote corners without sacrificing that wild, empty feeling.

Getting there has now become much easier

For a long time: “How do I even get to the Faroe Islands?” was question number one. That is changing quickly.

From North America and Europe via Iceland

Icelandair now sells regular routes to Vagar Airport (FAE)the Faroe Islands‘ only airport, via route Reykjavík. From the US And Canadayou can connect via Iceland and continue to the islands on a single ticketoften with the option of a Stopover in Iceland en route.

If you love the idea of ​​bathing in hot springs and chasing down waterfalls Iceland before we delve deeper North Atlantic Oceanyou can use the Faroe Islands immediately Stopover in Iceland and follow ours 48 hour layover in the safest country in the world.

Direct flights from Europe

The Faroe Islands‘home carrier, Atlantic respiratory tracthas surprisingly built robust route network.

That’s possible now fly non-stop to Vágar of several Danish cities (incl Copenhagen And Billund) plus hubs like Paris, Edinburghand other seasonal European gateways, with additional options from airlines such as SAS And Wideroe.

In short: you no longer have to string together obscure connections. Most of the big ones US cities, that’s it one connection Through Iceland or Denmarkand from Europeoften simple 2 to 3 hours non-stop.

A new tunnel opens the ‘hidden’ islands

Once you land, the real magic is how simple it has become to achieve what used to be the most remote corners.

The Faroe Islands already had an impressive network of bridges and undersea tunnelsincluding the famous ones Eysturoy tunnel with his underwater roundabout. In end of 2023a brand new submarine connection – the Sandoyartunnilinor Sandoy Tunnel – opened to the public, finally connecting the main island Sandoy by road.

Instead of juggling ferry schedules, now you can just do it drive from Tórshavn to Sandoy through a Tunnel of over 6 kilometers decorated with moody, Viking-inspired art Through Faroe Islands artist Edward Fuglocomplete with a custom light show. There is one toll (approximately the equivalent of €20-25 each way for cars, usually billed automatically through your rental company), but you will receive compensation in return all year round, storm-proof access to windswept beaches and tiny villages that used to seem off-limits unless you had perfect timing.

For travelers, this is huge: it means you can settle in or around the capital, rent a carAnd comfortable day out to islands that once required serious logistics.

New hotels and spas for a cozy Scandinavian base

Despite being remote, the Faroe Islands are quiet taking their hotel game to the next level:

Directly at the airport:

Renewed Hotel Vagar just sitting there five minutes walk from the terminal with easy access to Mulafossur waterfall, Traelanipa (“more above the ocean”), Drangarnir sea ​​bow, and Mykines ferries.

In Torshavn:

The Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands offers familiar comfort (and a great breakfast buffet) plus great views over the capital, just a short walk or ride from the city center.

For something more local feeling, Hotel Foroyar is built into the hill with grass roofs and beautiful views Torshavn – and it is now home to Res Spaa tight one Nordic wellness area of saunas, heated poolsand floor-to-ceiling views of the fjords.

In the north in Klaksvík:

A brand new four star hotel, Hotel Biskis scheduled to open when the first large luxury hotel outside the capitalright on the water Klaksvik. It is designed with 81 roomsa restaurant and event space — perfect for exploring the area northern islands and the iconic Kallur Lighthouse walk.

If you’re more into it cold diving culture, Havdypp on Leynar Beach offers a small, private spa by the sea of sauna And cold bath overlooking the surf – a perfect way to thaw after a cliff walk.

How many days do you need and what can you actually see?

Thanks to the tunnels and compact size (you drive over the main islands in a few hours), you can see a lot 4–5 days:

• Day 1: Land on Vagardrop off bags at Hotel Vagar or inside Torshavnthen continue immediately Mulafossur and the “lake above the ocean” walk. Traelanipa.
• Day 2: Discover from Torshavn old town (Tinganes), the cathedral, and nearby Kirkjubourhome to medieval ruins and farms.
• Day 3: Drive through the Sandoy Tunnel for beaches, bird cliffs and quiet villages without having to worry about missing the ferry.
• Day 4–5: If weather permits, add a boat tour to the Vestmanna Cliffs or Drangarnirand if you’re visiting in the summer, a day later Mykines for puffin watching.

If you want to go slower, a week gives you space for Kalsoy, Suðuroyand a full spa day.

Practical tips before you book

A few quick things that your Faroe Islands travel smoother:

• Best time to go: Late May to early September brings longer days and active birds (puffins are generally absent May to the end of August). Winter is moody and beautiful, but very too little daylight and more weather dependent.
• Budget reality check: Like others Scandinavian destinationsthe Faroe Islands are on the pricey side. Mid-range hotels often start in the low hundreds per night, and eating out counts – but self-service and supermarket runs help a lot.
• To ride: Rent a car is the easiest way to explore; the roads are good, traffic is light and tunnels make island hopping easy. Just now watch sheep along the way and remember that some undersea tunnels charge tolls automatically to your rental.
• Border rules: The Faroe Islands are not in the EU or Schengenbut most visitors will travel through it Schengen hubs like Copenhagen or Reykjavík. Europe is newly rolled out fingerprints And exit/entry systemsso make sure you’re aware of what that looks like at the airport — our guide to the mandatory European fingerprint collection breaks it down into plain English.

And before you commit anything, we highly recommend running your plans through our new system 1 minute trip checkthat contracts access rules, hidden costsAnd advices in one place, so there are no surprises at check-in.

The Faroe Islands are still one of them Europe’s most pristine, surreal island escapes – but with new flights, tunnels, hotels and spasthey are no longer just for the hardcore. If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s finally time to go, this is it.