How to Plan Your Camping Trip to the Faroe Islands

Planning a camping trip to the Faroe Islands can feel like a daunting task. If you’ve already booked your flight or ferry tickets and secured a campervan from us, congratulations—you’re well on your way to an unforgettable journey. Now let’s make sure your adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Cozy camper van interior with a man enjoying an ocean view and distant mountains in the Faroe Islands at sunset
Bartal showcasing the view from one of our camper vans

What to Pack: Stay Ready for Anything

Packing clothing for the Faroe Islands can be challenging, given the ever-changing weather. Layers are your best friend! For an extensive guide, our sister company, Experience Faroe Islands, has you covered on What to Wear

How to Navigate the Faroe Islands

When it comes to getting around, Google Maps is probably your strongest tool to navigate the Faroe Islands.

Back in 2016, the Faroe Islands weren’t yet mapped for Google Street View. That’s when Visit Faroe Islands launched the whimsical Sheep View 360 campaign, equipping sheep with solar-powered cameras to map the islands. The campaign went viral, even winning a World Media Award, and eventually, Google sent their own camera van to finish the job.

While Google Maps is great, a physical map is also handy. It helps you see the big picture and track your journey—perfect for creating a visual memory of where you’ve been.

And don’t worry, on these islands, you’re never more than 5 kilometers from the sea. If you ever get disoriented, a fjord, a cluster of houses, or even the position of the sun can help guide you. However, if you find yourself surrounded by thick fog (which can happen), the best strategy is to sit tight and wait for it to clear.

For safety reasons, we recommend you keep a fully charged smartphone with you when hiking in the Faroe Islands.

Person standing on a mountain at Sornfelli in the Faroe Islands, gazing at a breathtaking sea of clouds during a golden sunrise
Kristina on top of Sornfelli gazing at a breathtaking sea of clouds during sunset

Forget Perfection: Plan with Flexibility

While planning your vacation day-by-day is certainly helpful, you should allow for some flexibility in your schedule as the Faroe Islands rarely allows for any strict hour-by-hour meticulously planned agenda. In fact, we would go as far as saying any overly detailed planning is pretty sure to backfire.

Here’s why:

  • Driving Takes Time: Getting from one place to another often takes longer than expected. The roads here are narrow and winding, and you’ll need to slow down—especially when a flock of sheep decides to hold a roadside meeting. You’ll have to wait patiently for them to finish their business.
  • The Scenery is a Constant Distraction: The views on the Faroe Islands change with every turn. The light shifts, the colors transform, and suddenly you’ll find yourself wanting to stop to soak in the beauty or snap a photo. Trust us, this won’t happen just once. And when it happens you absolutely should take advantage of it. Go with your gut feeling, not by your agenda.
  • The Unpredictable Weather: This is the biggest factor. The Faroe Islands are affectionately called “The Land of Maybe” for a reason. Locals often answer questions with, “We’ll see. Maybe.” Everything—flights, ferries, hikes, and even your mood—depends on the weather, which can shift dramatically in minutes. Plan for sunny skies, and you might get rain instead—or vice versa.

In this archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, weather forecasts are little more than educated guesses. Your best bet? Look out the window to see what’s happening right now.

Cloud-covered view of Árnafjørður in the Faroe Islands, showcasing rugged rocks, a turquoise bay, and a small village below
Mountain view of Árnafjørður - weather conditions can change quite rapidly in the Faroe Islands

Understanding Faroe Islands Weather and Wind

In the Faroe Islands, the weather isn’t just about whether a high-pressure or low-pressure systems. The strength and direction of the wind are equally—if not more—important. While most international weather reports rely on just 8 wind directions, the Faroe Islands recognize an impressive 32. These additional distinctions reflect how critical wind direction can be for local conditions.

When Atlantic winds rush through the islands, they are funneled between the mountains and fjords, creating stronger gusts in certain areas.The direction of the wind also significantly influences the weather. For example:

Westerly winds: Bring moist air, typically leading to overcast skies and rain on the west-facing slopes. Meanwhile, the east-facing slopes may enjoy drier conditions and even sunshine.

Easterly winds: In contrast, these often result in better weather on the west-facing coasts.

On summer days during high-pressure, the southern part of the Faroe Islands is usually cool and clear, while the northern areas might be cloudy and humid. During low-pressure summer days, the reverse is true.

To stay informed, we recommend downloading the Faroe Islands Live app. It provides a real-time overview of the weather across the islands, and some areas feature webcams so you can get a real-time view of the place before heading out. This is a good tool for planning your daily adventure.

Picturesque village of Gjógv in the Faroe Islands, featuring colorful houses, a stream, and children playing in the stream day with mountains in the background
On a summer day you're guaranteed to find children playing in the Gjógv village stream

Camping: Respect the Rules

The Faroe Islands’ pristine nature is a treasure, and preserving it is a top priority. Overnight camping is only allowed at designated campgrounds. While some spots offer full amenities, others may lack basics like waste disposal, so plan ahead. For details on camping options, check out www.camping.fo as well as this blog post on the best camping sites in the Faroe Islands.

Also, remember that some islands can only be reached by ferry, and not all ferries allow vehicles. Ferry schedules depend on the weather, so always confirm your plans with ssl.fo.

Tranquil shoreline of Nólsoy village in the Faroe Islands, featuring colorful houses, calm waters, and a peaceful harbor setting
Visiting Nólsoy village is a great option during your stay in the Faroe Islands - leave your camper van in Tórshavn and take the 20-minute boat ride across the fjord

The “Maybe” Mindset: Your Secret Weapon

Ultimately, the best way to experience the Faroe Islands is to embrace the unexpected. A surprise sunny day might lead you to an unplanned hike, while a weather delay could give you time to explore a charming village you’d otherwise skip.

Put on your “maybe hat,” seize the moment, and let the Faroe Islands work their charm. After all, isn’t the best part of any journey the surprises along the way?

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