Cheap Accommodation In Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are not the destination most people associate with budget travel, and it’s true that this isolated cluster of eighteen islands in the North Atlantic has a reputation for being expensive. But with a bit of planning, accommodation in the Faroe Islands can be far more affordable than the glossy travel features suggest. Grass-roofed guesthouses, self-contained cottages, and simple hostel-style rooms are scattered across the archipelago, and staying in one of the smaller villages rather than the capital, Tórshavn, can stretch your money considerably further. The scenery here, dramatic sea cliffs, green valleys, waterfalls that fall straight into the ocean, doesn’t cost anything to look at, which helps balance out the higher cost of getting around. Use the search box above to compare accommodation options in the Faroe Islands and find the best deal for your dates.
Getting to the Faroe Islands on a Budget
Most travelers reach the Faroe Islands by air, flying into Vágar Airport, the only airport in the islands. Atlantic Airways, the national carrier, runs regular flights from Copenhagen, and there are also seasonal connections from cities such as Edinburgh and Bergen. Fares fluctuate a lot depending on how far in advance you book, so it pays to watch prices over several weeks rather than booking the first fare you see. If you have more time than money, the alternative is the Smyril Line ferry, which sails from Hirtshals in Denmark and stops in the Faroe Islands on its way to Iceland. It’s a slower way to arrive, but bringing your own car or camper on the ferry can work out cheaper overall once you factor in accommodation and rental car costs on the ground.
Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands
Summer, from June through August, brings the mildest weather and the longest daylight hours, which is a big advantage given how far north the Faroe Islands sit. It’s also the busiest and most expensive season for accommodation. Shoulder months like May and September offer a good compromise: fewer crowds, lower prices on guesthouses and rental cars, and weather that, while unpredictable, is rarely much worse than midsummer. Winter is the cheapest time to find accommodation in the Faroe Islands, but shorter days and rougher weather mean it suits travelers who don’t mind staying flexible with their plans.
Top Attractions in the Faroe Islands
Many of the best sights in the Faroe Islands cost nothing beyond the fuel or bus fare to get there. Mulafossur waterfall, tumbling off a cliff above the village of Gásadalur, is one of the most photographed spots in the islands and free to visit. The village of Saksun, with its turf-roofed church and tidal lagoon, is another highlight that requires little more than a short drive and a walk. Tórshavn itself is worth a wander, particularly the old harbor area of Tinganes, where turf-roofed government buildings sit right on the water. For something more active, the boat trip to see the bird cliffs at Vestmanna is a paid excursion, but it’s one of the more reasonably priced tours given what you see, including thousands of nesting seabirds along towering sea walls.
For Families and Kids
The Faroe Islands aren’t set up with theme parks or big kid-focused attractions, but there’s plenty that families can enjoy without spending much. Tórshavn has a small municipal park near the town center with open lawns and play equipment, and the harbor area is safe and interesting for children to explore, with fishing boats coming and going. Many villages have simple outdoor playgrounds attached to community halls. Kids also tend to enjoy the sheep, which outnumber people across the islands and are a constant, free source of entertainment on any drive.
Outdoors and Nature in the Faroe Islands
This is really where the Faroe Islands shine, and where budget travelers get the best return on their time. Hiking trails wind across almost every island, from gentle coastal walks to steeper routes up peaks like Slættaratindur, the highest point in the country. The hike to Trælanípa cliff, overlooking Lake Sørvágsvatn as it appears to hover above the ocean, is one of the most rewarding walks and completely free once you’ve reached the trailhead. Puffins nest on several islands during summer, most famously on Mykines, reachable by a short ferry trip. Whale and dolphin sightings happen occasionally around the coast, and the ever-changing weather, fog rolling over cliffs one minute, clear light the next, is part of the appeal rather than something to work around.
Local Culture and Heritage
The Faroe Islands were settled by Norse seafarers more than a thousand years ago, and that Viking-era heritage still shapes daily life, from the Faroese language, closely related to Old Norse, to the traditional grass-roofed timber houses still lived in today. The islands are a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with their own parliament, flag, and strong sense of identity distinct from mainland Denmark. Traditional chain dancing, sung to old ballads, is still performed at festivals, and wool from the hardy local sheep has long been central to Faroese life, evident in the hand-knitted sweaters sold in shops around Tórshavn. Fishing remains the backbone of the economy, and that connection to the sea is visible everywhere, from harborside drying racks to the seafood on every menu.
Eating on a Budget in the Faroe Islands
Dining out is one of the pricier aspects of a Faroe Islands trip, so budget travelers generally do best by self-catering where possible. Supermarkets in Tórshavn and larger villages stock reasonably priced staples, and picking up bread, cheese, and local fish for a picnic lunch is an easy way to cut costs while still eating well. For a hot meal without paying fine-dining prices, look for simple grill houses and bakeries in Tórshavn, which serve filling food at a fraction of the cost of the islands’ well-known tasting-menu restaurants. Traditional dried and fermented fish, along with lamb, appear on many casual menus and are worth trying at least once. Some locals also offer heimablídni, home dining experiences in private houses, which can be a good-value way to try authentic Faroese cooking in a more relaxed setting than a restaurant.
Accommodation Options in the Faroe Islands
Accommodation in the Faroe Islands ranges from simple guesthouse rooms to self-contained village cottages, and knowing which type suits your trip can make a real difference to your budget.
Budget and Cheapest Options
Guesthouses offering shared bathrooms and basic rooms are the mainstay of cheap accommodation in the Faroe Islands, particularly in Tórshavn and around Vágar. Tórshavn’s seamen’s home also offers straightforward, affordable rooms that are popular with independent travelers. Camping is another genuinely low-cost option in summer, with a handful of basic campsites dotted around the islands, though the weather means a good tent and warm sleeping bag are essential.
Self-Contained and Cottage Accommodation
Many villages have small self-contained cottages or converted farmhouses available to rent, often with a kitchen included. These can work out cheaper than hotels for couples or small groups, especially over a few nights, since cooking your own meals cuts down significantly on dining costs.
Family Accommodation
Families traveling through the Faroe Islands often do best in self-contained houses or larger guesthouse rooms rather than standard hotel rooms, simply because of the extra space and the ability to prepare meals. Booking a cottage with a couple of bedrooms can end up cheaper overall than two separate hotel rooms.
Long-Stay Accommodation
For travelers planning to base themselves in one spot and explore the islands over a week or more, apartment-style rentals in Tórshavn often offer better weekly rates than nightly hotel bookings, and give you a kitchen to keep food costs down.
Airport Accommodation
Vágar, home to the islands’ only airport, has a small number of guesthouses and hotels nearby, useful if you have an early flight or want to explore the dramatic west coast, including Gásadalur and Mulafossur, without driving back to Tórshavn.
Boutique and Business Hotels
Tórshavn has a small selection of mid-range and business-style hotels for those who want more comfort or a central location for work-related travel. These sit above budget accommodation in price but are generally more affordable than similar hotels in major European capitals.
Shopping in the Faroe Islands
Shopping in the Faroe Islands is fairly low-key, centered mainly around Tórshavn’s main street, Niels Finsensgøta, where you’ll find bookshops, outdoor gear stores, and a few boutiques selling locally made wool sweaters and other knitwear. Supermarkets are the best place for everyday essentials and picnic supplies. For souvenirs, look for locally produced wool goods and small handicrafts rather than mass-produced items, since they tend to represent better value for something genuinely tied to the islands.
Nightlife and Free Fun in the Faroe Islands
Nightlife in the Faroe Islands is modest and mostly concentrated in Tórshavn, where a handful of bars and cafes stay open into the evening, particularly on weekends. Drinks are not cheap, so many travelers keep evenings low-key, wandering the old Tinganes harbor area as the light changes, or simply watching the sky, since the northern latitude means long, lingering evening light in summer and a decent chance of aurora sightings in winter. Community events and local festivals, when they coincide with your visit, are often free or low-cost and offer a good way to experience Faroese music and dance firsthand.
Suggested Budget Day in the Faroe Islands
Start the day with a simple breakfast from a bakery or your guesthouse kitchen, then head out early to Saksun to see the turf-roofed church and tidal lagoon while the light is good and the tour buses haven’t arrived. From there, drive on to Gásadalur to walk out to Mulafossur waterfall, packing a picnic lunch from a supermarket in Tórshavn beforehand to avoid paying for a sit-down meal. Spend the afternoon back in Tórshavn wandering Tinganes and the harbor, picking up a coffee or a light snack from a local bakery. In the evening, cook a simple dinner using local fish if you’re staying somewhere self-contained, or grab a budget-friendly meal from a grill house before finishing the day with a walk along the waterfront as the light fades. It’s a full day that covers some of the best of what the Faroe Islands offer, without requiring an expensive tour or a fine-dining budget.