A Week in the Isles of Fog: A Faroe Islands Campervan Diary

A photojournalist from Norway shares a few notes from a summer week in the Faroe Islands. Her account is accompanied by photographs from her visit and other campervan guests.

Grey campervan on a narrow road beneath steep mountain slopes in the Faroe Islands.
A stop along the way.

Arriving during Ólavsøka

Little did we know when booking our flight to the Faroes that we would arrive in the middle of the national holiday, Ólavsøka. What a day to arrive! After parking our van outside Tórshavn, we found the capital filled to the brim with people, music, Faroese national dress and food stalls. It was the perfect start to ease into island life.

Faroese flag above people gathered on a lawn in Tórshavn during Ólavsøka.
Arriving in the middle of Ólavsøka.
Fjord, village and green hills seen through a campervan window, with the wing mirror in the foreground.
Watching the scenery change from the passenger seat.

Seven days on the road

In a week, we got to discover almost everything we wanted: winding roads, lovely people, nature and wildlife. Nearly every little village had a football field and a church.

With the van, we really had the freedom to explore. There were plenty of campsites to choose from, and scenic stops for coffee and lunch using the included gas stove. On our seven days on the road, we travelled north to Kunoy, south to Sandoy, west to Vestmanna and east to Toftir. No rush – it didn’t take too long to drive between stops.

Narrow coastal road and grazing sheep seen through a campervan windscreen in the Faroe Islands.
On the road, with sheep for company.

Hikes and stops along the way

One of the highlights of travelling by campervan was the hiking: a mix of well-known, paid hikes and lesser-known paths without fees. Along the way, we saw sheep, hares, seals and puffins.

With our white van, we found hikes that would have been harder to reach by bus. It was good to have somewhere to rest afterwards, too.

Aerial view of a road beside calm water, below layered green mountains and low clouds in the Faroe Islands.
Room to slow down.
Two sheep standing on a foggy road, seen through a vehicle windscreen in the Faroe Islands.
Not every stop is planned.

Whatever the weather

Expect a bit of everything, weather-wise. Use it to your advantage. What better than warming up in a sauna in Glyvrar, or watching a movie at a campsite with a view?

We were pleasantly surprised by the facilities we found along the way, including showers and washing machines. A luxury not to take for granted.

Bedding beneath fairy lights inside a campervan, with grass visible through the rear windows.
Some evenings are spent inside.
Sea at dusk seen through the rear windows of a dark campervan, lit by a small warm lamp.
The view before turning in.

Five tips from the trip

  • Bring a poncho or rain jacket, whatever the forecast.
  • Download your hiking route before setting off.
  • Bring snacks for hikes. We found good local options at Miklagarður.
  • Do not skip Sandoy.
  • Rent a campervan for the freedom to explore.

Planning your own trip? Read our camping trip guide or take a look at our campervans.

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