Small Villages in the Faroe Islands
Explore small villages in the Faroe Islands, from Saksun and Sandavágur to traditional grass-roof houses. Discover Faroese village life with A2B Car Rent.
Explore small villages in the Faroe Islands, from Saksun and Sandavágur to traditional grass-roof houses. Discover Faroese village life with A2B Car Rent.
The small villages in the Faroe Islands are among the most charming places to explore during a visit to this beautiful North Atlantic destination. Surrounded by green mountains, dramatic coastal cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean, these peaceful communities offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Faroese life.
Across the islands, colourful wooden houses, grass-covered roofs, historic churches, and narrow village roads create landscapes that feel almost untouched by time.
While the Faroe Islands are famous for their breathtaking natural scenery, their small villages are equally memorable. Each village has its own history, traditions, and unique relationship with the surrounding landscape.
From peaceful coastal settlements to remote mountain communities, exploring traditional Faroese villages is a wonderful way to experience the culture and atmosphere of the islands.
Many of these villages are located away from the main towns, making a Faroe Islands car rental a convenient way to discover them at your own pace.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the most beautiful villages in the Faroe Islands, discover traditional Faroese architecture, and explain how renting a car can help you experience authentic local life.
Vágar Island is one of the best places to begin exploring the small villages in the Faroe Islands.
Located near Vágar Airport, the island is home to several beautiful communities surrounded by mountains, fjords, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
One of these villages is Sandavágur, known for its traditional houses, peaceful atmosphere, and distinctive church.
Sandavágur church is one of the village's most recognisable landmarks, with white walls, a red roof, and a tall church tower.
The village also offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and coastline, making it a pleasant destination for visitors interested in Faroese culture and photography.
Walking through Sandavágur provides an opportunity to experience everyday life in a traditional Faroese community.
Nearby, Miðvágur is another charming settlement with local shops, historic buildings, and easy access to the famous Lake Sørvágsvatn.
Sørvágur, located close to Vágar Airport, is also an excellent starting point for exploring the island.
Visitors staying on Vágar can discover several villages in a single day while enjoying spectacular coastal scenery along the way.
Renting a car near Vágar Airport makes it easier to explore Sandavágur, Miðvágur, Sørvágur, and other beautiful destinations without depending on public transportation schedules.
Saksun is one of the most picturesque villages in the Faroe Islands and a popular destination for visitors seeking peaceful landscapes and traditional Faroese scenery.
Located on Streymoy Island, Saksun is surrounded by steep mountains, green valleys, and a beautiful tidal lagoon.
The village is especially famous for its traditional black wooden houses with grass-covered roofs, which blend naturally into the surrounding landscape.
One of the most recognisable sights in Saksun is the historic church overlooking the lagoon and mountains.
The combination of traditional architecture, dramatic scenery, and peaceful surroundings makes Saksun a wonderful place for photography and sightseeing.
Driving to Saksun is also an unforgettable experience.
The narrow road leading towards the village passes through a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, streams, and open countryside.
Visitors should drive carefully, particularly when meeting oncoming vehicles, and use designated passing places when necessary.
When exploring Saksun, it is important to remember that the village is a living community and much of the surrounding land is privately owned.
Always respect local residents, avoid entering private property, and follow permitted walking routes.
For travellers planning a Faroe Islands road trip, Saksun is a destination worth including in the itinerary.
One of the most distinctive features of traditional Faroese villages is their beautiful wooden houses with grass-covered roofs.
These historic buildings are an important part of Faroese culture and reflect the islands' long relationship with nature and the surrounding environment.
Traditional Faroese houses were designed to withstand challenging weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and cold temperatures.
Grass roofs provide insulation and help buildings blend naturally into the green landscapes.
Many traditional houses are painted black, red, or other colours, creating beautiful contrasts against the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Visitors can discover these historic buildings in villages throughout the Faroe Islands, including Bøur, Saksun, Kirkjubøur, and Gjógv.
Bøur, located on Vágar Island, is particularly well known for its traditional houses and spectacular views towards Tindhólmur and the surrounding coastline.
The village offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the peaceful atmosphere of a small Faroese coastal community.
Traditional Faroese architecture is more than just a beautiful sight. It represents generations of local craftsmanship, practical building traditions, and a strong connection to the islands' natural environment.
When visiting villages with historic houses, remember that many buildings are private homes.
Respect residents' privacy, remain on public paths, and ask permission before entering private areas.
Exploring these beautiful communities is one of the highlights of discovering local life in the Faroe Islands.
Life in the small villages of the Faroe Islands is closely connected to the surrounding ocean, mountains, and countryside.
For generations, fishing, farming, and sheep raising have played important roles in Faroese communities.
Today, many villages continue to preserve traditional ways of life while adapting to modern living.
Visitors travelling through the islands will often notice sheep grazing on green hillsides, fishing boats in small harbours, and traditional wooden houses overlooking the sea.
The peaceful atmosphere of these villages is part of what makes them so special.
Unlike larger tourist destinations, many Faroese villages offer a quieter experience where visitors can appreciate the landscape and observe everyday community life.
The capital, Tórshavn, also provides opportunities to discover Faroese history and architecture.
The historic Tinganes district is famous for its traditional wooden buildings with grass-covered roofs and narrow streets.
Although Tórshavn is the largest town in the Faroe Islands, its historic areas preserve many architectural features found in smaller villages.
Local culture is also reflected in Faroese food, language, music, and community traditions.
When visiting small villages, take time to appreciate the surroundings and remember that these places are home to local residents.
Respecting private property, keeping noise to a minimum, and supporting local businesses when possible help preserve the character of these communities.
One of the best ways to discover the small villages in the Faroe Islands is by taking a scenic road trip.
The islands are connected by roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferry services, allowing visitors to explore many beautiful destinations during their holiday.
Some of the most memorable villages are located along coastal roads where mountains rise directly above the Atlantic Ocean.
Bøur and Gásadalur on Vágar Island are excellent examples of traditional Faroese villages surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Bøur offers beautiful views towards Tindhólmur, while Gásadalur is famous for the nearby Múlafossur Waterfall.
On Eysturoy, the villages of Gjógv and Funningur provide opportunities to discover dramatic mountain landscapes and peaceful coastal surroundings.
Gjógv is particularly well known for its natural rock gorge and colourful houses.
Funningur is surrounded by steep mountains and a beautiful fjord, making it a wonderful stop for photography and sightseeing.
For visitors travelling to the northern islands, Viðareiði offers spectacular ocean views, traditional houses, and a beautiful white church.
Renting a car in the Faroe Islands makes it easier to visit several of these destinations while enjoying the scenic drives between them.
With your own vehicle, you can stop at viewpoints, explore villages, and adjust your plans according to the weather.
When travelling through small communities, always drive slowly, respect local parking restrictions, and avoid blocking roads or private entrances.
A flexible Faroe Islands road trip allows you to discover both popular attractions and quieter villages away from the busiest tourist routes.
Ready to explore the beautiful small villages in the Faroe Islands?
From traditional grass-roof houses and peaceful coastal communities to dramatic mountain scenery and historic churches, the Faroe Islands offer unforgettable experiences for travellers interested in nature, culture, and local life.
Having your own rental car gives you the freedom to discover these charming villages at your own pace.
A2B Car Rent is a locally owned car rental company based in Sørvágur, near Vágar Airport, making it a convenient choice for visitors beginning their Faroe Islands adventure.
With no security deposit, unlimited mileage, and free cancellation when cancelling at least 72 hours before your scheduled pickup, you can explore the islands with greater flexibility.
Start planning your Faroe Islands road trip and book your rental car with A2B Car Rent today.
The first big thing to know about renting a car here is that there is a relative scarcity of rental cars (around 1,400 rental cars only across all the islands!), which means that prices will get steep, especially during the peak of summer holidays. If you’re planning your visit to the Faroe Islands sometime within the year, do your best to always book in advance. Winter is a good time to snatch up deals—and if you’re smart about which car rental company you choose, you can do so without any worry about cancellation fees.
Google “car rentals in Faroe Islands” and you'll likely find listings for the big car rental companies (Sixt, Kayak, etc). But that’s not all there is. With some locals being too aware of how high car rental prices put off some travelers from visiting their homeland, they’ve set up shop to offer more affordable prices (i.e. our mission in a nutshell!). But it’s not just a matter of pricing. With a local, small team you can expect much more personal support and all the attention that small businesses are known for: ensuring you’re satisfied and sharing with you recommendations.
If you haven’t been lucky enough to nab a car rental winter deal, this is a must-do. Because for many car rental companies (especially the big ones), apart from the rental price of your vehicle, other costs can include cancellation fees and security deposits. The latter can be especially annoying when they charge your credit card immediately for a high deposit, before releasing it with the cost of your bank’s currency exchange fee. Our favorite alternative? Go with a car rental company that doesn’t charge you for cancellations & security deposits.
Thought the rocky Faroe Islands would require 4-wheel drives? Not all. Off-road driving is actually banned from the islands, and thanks to a fantastic road network, just a standard car type would do you well for your adventures (even in winter!)
If you haven’t been lucky enough to nab a car rental winter deal, this is a must-do. Because for many car rental companies (especially the big ones), apart from the rental price of your vehicle, other costs can include cancellation fees and security deposits. The latter can be especially annoying when they charge your credit card immediately for a high deposit, before releasing it with the cost of your bank’s currency exchange fee. Our favorite alternative? Go with a car rental company that doesn’t charge you for cancellations & security deposits.
One of the unique things you’ll quickly find out about the Faroe Islands is its many tunnels connecting you all across the archipelago. There are around 20 of them—and they can go either under the seabed itself (sub-sea tunnels) or right through a mighty mountain.
Whether it’s because of the sparsity of the population or the immensity of space around, the Faroe Islands have no parking fees whatsoever…with one exception. If you’re planning to park at the airport, you can expect to pay a fee there—otherwise, park as long as you want, free of charge.
Perhaps a little disappointing to the 4-wheeler adventurers: the Faroe Islands doesn’t permit any off-road driving (officially: it’s prohibited by law). This is to protect the pristine nature all around, much of which is actually private property. So do enjoy your road trips—but on the ample roads, bridges, and tunnels.
Quintessentially Faroese, when you’re driving around here you’ll very soon be greeted with our most common habitant: wooly sheep. You’ll see them across fields and by roadsides, but just be mindful that some can galavant across the roads (often when in a panic). So when sheep are around, do slow down.
For a quick runthrough of local driving rules: if you’re in town areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph)—otherwise, it’s 80 km/h (50 mph). You drive on the right-hand side. It’s illegal to hold a mobile device (or drink alcohol) while driving. And while the legal driving age in the Faroe Islands is 18, most car rental companies will require you to be at least 20-21 years of age.
We’re keeping this part short—only because we’ll be breaking things down for you fully in a separate
blog. But the quick sum of it is: if you’re looking to rent a car for your adventures in the Faroe
Islands, you can either rent from the regular big companies or opt for a local car rental company.
Why we’re biased for the latter? Because, well, that’s what we do—but in our A2B Car Rent way. We make
reservations a breeze, never tie up your money in security deposits, don’t charge cancellation fees
(unless you cancel 72 hours before your pick-up time), and make sure your money goes the furthest for
you.
Our mission has always been to provide the best value car rentals that you can rely on for quality and
friendly, local service.
