The Faroe Islands are all grassy mountains, small waterfront villages and roads that make you want to pull over at every turn. But where should you stay in the Faroe Islands to enjoy the scenery and make the practical side of your trip work too?
I’ve visited the islands several times, and I absolutely love this small country.
Here are my recommendations, from the obvious bases to smaller places that deserve more than a quick photo stop.
The Best Areas to Stay in the Faroe Islands
- Tórshavn - best for a first visit and a trip without a car
- Vágar - best for the sights in the west
- Klaksvík - best for Kalsoy and the northern islands
- Gjógv and northern Eysturoy - best for a stay surrounded by nature
- Vestmanna and northern Streymoy - best for holiday homes and trips between villages
- Sandoy - best for peace and a quieter island stay
Tórshavn would be my first choice, especially for a short trip. With a week and a car, I’d combine the capital with Vágar or Klaksvík. The other areas suit a trip where you’d like to be closer to nature and spend longer in one place.
1. Tórshavn - best for a first visit and a trip without a car
- Distance from the centre: The harbour and Tinganes are the central starting points; hotels on the hills are further out.
- Transport: Buses, taxis, ferries and tours. The easiest choice without a hire car.
- From Vágar Airport: Around an hour by car; longer by bus, depending on the service.
- Price range: The widest choice, but central hotels are often expensive.
- Safety: A quiet town; consider the hills and the journey back in the evening.
Tórshavn is my best all-round answer for a first visit to the Faroe Islands. You can head out for the day and return to restaurants, shops and a walk around the harbour. That’s useful on islands where a beautiful rural address can also mean cooking your own dinner.
I’d start by looking around the harbour, Tinganes and the streets just behind the centre. You can walk to most things from here. Without a car, that location is worth more than a small saving on a room halfway up a hill.
See hotels and places to stay in Tórshavn here
You can also choose a view over the town. That’s what I did at Hotel Føroyar, where the peace and the view towards Nólsoy were among the best parts of my stay. Getting to the restaurants does take more planning than it would from a central hotel, though.
Hoyvík and Argir are also worth considering for a good apartment with a kitchen and parking. Check the exact address: accommodation advertised as being in Tórshavn isn’t necessarily within walking distance of the harbour.
For three or four nights, I’d happily stay in Tórshavn throughout. On a longer trip with plenty of time planned for Kalsoy and the northern islands, adding a stay in Klaksvík makes more sense.
Places to Stay in Tórshavn
Hotel Hafnia - a central choice with the harbour and restaurants close by
Hafnia is the hotel I’d start with when a central location matters more than extensive grounds. You’ll be on Áarvegur near Tinganes and the harbour, making it easy to go out for dinner and return to your room without arranging transport.
Rooms have private bathrooms and tea and coffee facilities. Pay attention to the room category: there are also rooms in an annexe and on a basement level without a view. Choosing the cheapest room won’t necessarily give you the experience shown in the photos of the larger ones. I’d particularly consider Hafnia for a first visit without a car.
A guest on Booking.com, Christina, writes: “Excellent service at reception”
See photos, rooms and prices at Hotel Hafnia here
Hotel Føroyar - the hotel I chose for its views and peace
I stayed in a Deluxe room with a sea view and paid DKK 2,438 per night, roughly €325, including breakfast. That’s the price I paid on my own trip, so use it as an indication and check the rates for your dates.
The view over Tórshavn and towards Nólsoy was beautiful. The room did the job, but felt a little dated, and I wouldn’t describe my stay as pure luxury for the money. The location and the quiet were the biggest advantages for me.
There’s parking, and spa access costs extra unless your package includes it. I didn’t use the spa myself. Choose it if you have a car or don’t mind arranging transport to the centre, and check the view offered by your particular room category.
A guest on Booking.com, Josefine, writes: “The breakfast was lovely, and the view was beautiful.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Hotel Føroyar here
Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 - a small waterfront hotel for a quieter stay
Havgrím is my suggestion for a seaside stay that’s still close to Tórshavn. The hotel is on Yviri við Strond and feels more like a small house with a personal touch than a large hotel.
There’s a garden, terrace, bar and private parking. I’d pay particular attention to rooms explicitly sold with a sea view; a standard room won’t automatically have the view you see in the main photos. It’s a good option for a couples’ trip where breakfast and the setting are part of the enjoyment, along with a walk into the harbour.
A guest on Booking.com, Dorthe, writes: “Lovely small, intimate hotel with a superb location, views and personality.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 here
2. Vágar - best for the sights in the west
- Distance from the centre: Sørvágur is handy for the harbour; Miðvágur and Sandavágur are further east.
- Transport: A car gives you the most freedom. Boats to Mykines leave from Sørvágur.
- From Vágar Airport: From a few minutes to around half an hour, depending on the village.
- Price range: Both guesthouses and more expensive cabins with views; limited choice in the smallest villages.
- Safety: Quiet places; take care with wind and wet surfaces by the coast.
Vágar makes sense for a stay near Múlafossur, Trøllkonufingur and Lake Leitisvatn, also known as Sørvágsvatn. The airport is here too, so the island works well for your final nights before flying home.
Sørvágur would be my most practical choice. The harbour, shops and accommodation are close together, and this is where the boat to Mykines departs. Miðvágur and Sandavágur are good alternatives if you find a better holiday home or prefer to stay towards the eastern end of the island.
See places to stay in Sørvágur on Vágar here
For a stay where the view is a big part of the experience, consider Bøur and Gásadalur. Bøur looks towards Tindhólmur and the small islets. Gásadalur is beside Múlafossur, with mountains surrounding the village. I’d choose a cabin here and stock up on groceries before arriving.
I’ve visited Múlafossur and walked out to the Trøllkonufingur viewpoint myself. This is a part of the Faroes where short outings can be very rewarding, and two nights make it easier to pick the right day for them.
Don’t build the entire stay around one Mykines sailing, though. My own boat trip was cancelled two hours before departure because of the weather. Check the current timetable and service updates, and have other plans on Vágar. The island is less convenient as your only base if you also want several days in the north.
Places to Stay on Vágar
Guesthouse Hugo - a cosy guesthouse by the harbour in Sørvágur
Guesthouse Hugo is a good option for a small guesthouse close to the harbour. There’s a shared kitchen and lounge, so you can make breakfast and a simple dinner yourself. It’s practical when your schedule depends on a boat departure or the weather forecast.
Bathrooms are shared, so you need to be comfortable with that. In return, you get a more homely base than a standard airport hotel. Some rooms have sea views; choose accordingly if the view matters to your stay. I’d particularly consider it for a couple of nights on Vágar.
A guest on Booking.com, Jan, writes: “It has kept its old style. Quiet, peaceful and cosy.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Guesthouse Hugo here
The View - holiday homes in Bøur with kitchens and sea views
The View is an obvious place to consider if the scenery is what draws you to Bøur. The houses have their own kitchens, so you can bring your groceries and spend the evening around the dining table instead of driving elsewhere for a meal.
Facilities include an oven, dishwasher, private bathroom and parking. I’d particularly consider it for two couples or a family wanting shared living space and the option to split the cost of a whole house. Check the sleeping arrangements in your chosen property and stay more than one night to enjoy both the house and its surroundings.
A guest on Booking.com, Henrik, writes: “The cosiest cabin with the most beautiful view”
See photos, rooms and prices at The View here
Múlafossur Cottages - cabins in Gásadalur close to the waterfall
Here you’ll be in Gásadalur itself, surrounded by mountains and a short distance from Múlafossur. The cabins have kitchens, terraces and private bathrooms, making them a good place to slow down after a day out.
Different sizes are available, so they suit both couples and families needing several bedrooms. It’s the combination of the valley, the cabin and being able to cook for yourself that appeals to me. I’d buy groceries before arriving and leave some of the schedule open so you have time to enjoy Gásadalur itself.
A guest on Booking.com, Remo, writes: “Quiet, peaceful location, very close to the waterfall.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Múlafossur Cottages here
3. Klaksvík - best for Kalsoy and the northern islands
- Distance from the centre: Stay around the harbour and Biskupstorg for the most central location.
- Transport: Car, regional buses and the ferry to Kalsoy.
- From Vágar Airport: Allow around an hour and a half by car in normal conditions.
- Price range: Fewer hotels than Tórshavn; apartments can work well for several nights.
- Safety: A quiet town; plan mountain walks and hikes around the weather.
Klaksvík is the base I’d choose if Kalsoy, Viðareiði and the northern islands are a substantial part of the trip. You’ll be closer to the places you want to see, without starting every day with the drive from Tórshavn.
The town feels more like a place for everyday life than a romantic village. You do get shops, places to eat and enough accommodation options to make a longer stay straightforward. I’d prioritise the centre by the harbour, especially if you’d like to walk out in the evenings.
See hotels and apartments in Klaksvík here
The ferry to Kalsoy leaves from Klaksvík. Check both the sailing and your onward transport on the island before planning a visit to Trøllanes and the other villages. A room near the harbour is handy, but you still need connections that work.
Check the current Kalsoy ferry timetable with SSL.
Viðareiði, Hvannasund, Kunoy and Árnafjørður are alternatives for a holiday home and a quieter stay. They work best with a car and a willingness to cook for yourself. For a first visit, I’d usually choose Klaksvík and visit the villages from there.
Two or three nights are a good starting point. Klaksvík is less suitable for the whole holiday if most of your plans are around Vágar and Tórshavn.
Places to Stay in Klaksvík
KG Hotel - a modern hotel in a central waterfront location
KG Hotel is a good option for a central stay in Klaksvík with hotel facilities rather than a self-catering apartment. It’s on Biskupstorg and has a restaurant, café and rooms with private bathrooms.
I’d compare a standard double with a room that explicitly includes a sea view. The hotel also has a sauna and spa, but check what’s included in your rate. The same goes for breakfast. For a couple spending the days on the northern islands and returning to hotel comforts, it’s one of the most sensible places to start looking.
A guest on Booking.com, Per, writes: “Lovely location. Very friendly staff. Delicious food and breakfast”
See photos, rooms and prices at KG Hotel here
Brekkustova - an apartment with its own kitchen and parking
Brekkustova gives you your own apartment in Klaksvík with a kitchen, living space and parking. It’s a useful setup for making packed lunches and deciding for yourself when to have dinner.
I’d particularly consider it for a couple staying several nights or a small family whose needs match the sleeping arrangements. Check the bedroom and sofa bed in the booking so everyone knows where they’ll be sleeping. You’ll have more private space than in a hotel room, but you’ll also need to handle the practical side of the stay yourself.
A guest on Booking.com, Inger, writes: “A really cosy, central apartment.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Brekkustova here
4. Gjógv and northern Eysturoy - best for a stay surrounded by nature
- Distance from the centre: Gjógv is a small village; you’ll be close to the gorge and its distinctive houses.
- Transport: Having your own car makes both arrival and day trips much easier.
- From Vágar Airport: Allow around an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half by car.
- Price range: Few places to stay; the setting is a large part of the appeal.
- Safety: Peaceful, but wind, fog and mountain roads need care.
Gjógv is my choice for waking up in a small Faroese village with nature right outside the door. It’s known for the narrow gorge that acts as a natural harbour, and you don’t need a packed schedule to enjoy staying here.
It’s particularly good for a couple of nights. You can go for a walk, come back for a coffee and enjoy the village after many of the day visitors have left. Shops and places to eat are limited, though, so plan dinner in advance.
See places to stay in Gjógv here
Eiði and Funningur are good alternatives in northern Eysturoy, especially for a whole holiday home. Eiði works well for trips around the northern part of the island, while Funningur has a lovely position by the fjord. For an even slower pace, you could also look for somewhere specific in Elduvík or Oyndarfjørður.
I’d choose these places for the stay itself and the surroundings. For a practical address between the islands, Runavík, Leirvík and Gøta are more useful comparisons. They won’t all have the same small-village feel, but the location may work better for lots of day trips.
My advice is to choose Gjógv when you want to spend time in the village. Driving a long way elsewhere every morning takes away much of the reason to stay here.
Places to Stay in Gjógv
Gjáargarður Guesthouse Gjógv - a guesthouse with a restaurant in the village
Gjáargarður is where I’d start looking in Gjógv. You’ll be in the village, with a room and private bathroom, which keeps things simple for a nature-focused stay without arranging a whole holiday home.
The restaurant is a real advantage, but it opens seasonally, so check opening dates and whether you need to book a table. Room categories vary, including rooms in an annexe and options without a view. I’d prioritise the location and a suitable room over expecting luxury. A bed in Gjógv and the possibility of eating on site are what make this guesthouse appealing.
A guest on Booking.com, Eva, writes: “Fantastic location. Delicious food in the restaurant.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Gjáargarður Guesthouse Gjógv here
5. Vestmanna and northern Streymoy - best for holiday homes and trips between villages
- Distance from the centre: The harbour is Vestmanna’s natural centre; holiday homes are also available further out.
- Transport: A car is recommended, especially for visits to several villages.
- From Vágar Airport: Around 40 minutes to Vestmanna; longer to the northernmost villages.
- Price range: Plenty of self-contained properties; compare the cost for your whole group.
- Safety: Quiet surroundings; follow the weather and local conditions by the sea and mountains.
Vestmanna is a good option for a smaller town with a harbour and day trips around Streymoy by car. You can take a boat trip to the bird cliffs from here, and there’s more everyday life and convenience than in the very smallest villages.
I’d particularly look for a house or apartment by the water. You’ll have somewhere comfortable to spend a rainy day and a kitchen, which is useful when you’re staying several nights.
See holiday homes and places to stay in Vestmanna here
Leynar, Kvívík and Kollafjørður are alternatives when a central position on the main islands matters more than staying in Vestmanna itself. I’ve driven through Leynar and Kvívík and can certainly see the appeal of a peaceful base here.
Tjørnuvík, Haldórsvík and Saksun are better suited to a deliberate stay in a small village closer to nature. Tjørnuvík has its beautiful beach and views towards Risin and Kellingin, while Saksun sits by the lagoon. Accommodation is limited, and grocery shopping takes some planning.
Remember that Saksun and Tjørnuvík have separate road access. The walking route between them isn’t a road you can drive. I’d choose the exact property around the trips you want to make, rather than just how close the places appear on a map.
Places to Stay in Vestmanna
Pauli’s Boathouse - a waterfront property with two bedrooms
Pauli’s Boathouse is a good option for a couple or a small group wanting a whole property by the harbour. It has two bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher, and both a balcony and terrace.
The living space and waterside setting are the main attractions. I’d choose it for several nights, giving you time to cook and enjoy a fixed base to come back to. Check access and stairs if anyone in your group has limited mobility; the specific layout matters in a boathouse.
A guest on Booking.com, Morten, writes: “Beautiful location. A lovely view from the living room.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Pauli’s Boathouse here
6. Sandoy - best for peace and a quieter island stay
- Distance from the centre: Sandur has a beach and shops; Skálavík is a quiet village on the east coast.
- Transport: Drive through Sandoyartunnilin; the island has a road connection to Streymoy.
- From Vágar Airport: Allow around an hour and a half by car, depending on the address.
- Price range: A limited choice of guesthouses and holiday homes.
- Safety: Peaceful island life; take account of wind and sea conditions on the coast.
Sandoy is one of the places I think deserves more attention as a base in the Faroe Islands. The tunnel from Streymoy has made access much easier, yet it still feels like an island with a slower pace.
On my latest trip, we chose Sandur because the forecast looked better there. My local friend’s Faroese girlfriend suggested it, and we had a quiet beach walk with hardly anyone else around. It was a useful reminder to let the weather shape some of the itinerary.
See places to stay in Skálavík on Sandoy here
Sandur would be my choice for the beach and some of the island’s practical amenities. Skálavík suits a peaceful stay by the harbour, with trips to places such as Húsavík and Dalur.
I’d give Sandoy two nights and choose it because you want to experience the island itself. It’s less appealing as a cheap address for daily drives all the way to Klaksvík. Tunnel costs, driving and repeated journeys can quickly cancel out the benefit of cheaper accommodation.
Continuing to the small island of Skúvoy requires planning around the ferry and a specific place to stay. On a typical first trip, there’s plenty to enjoy by staying on Sandoy and taking your time in its villages.
Places to Stay on Sandoy
Mølin Guesthouse - a guesthouse by the harbour in Skálavík
Mølin is one of the first places I’d consider on Sandoy for a room rather than a whole house. It’s by the harbour in Skálavík and has a restaurant and café feel, a practical advantage in a small village.
Rooms have private bathrooms, and there’s also a family category. Confirm meals and opening hours when booking so you know what to expect during your stay. I’d choose it for a couple of quiet days on Sandoy, visiting Sandur and the smaller villages, rather than as a base for long day trips north.
A guest on Booking.com, Lars, writes: “The location by the harbour is perfect. Modern, clean rooms.”
See photos, rooms and prices at Mølin Guesthouse here
Should You Stay in One Place or Change Bases in the Faroe Islands?
On a short trip, I’d pick one base and let the weather decide the day’s outing. With a week or more, two or three bases can save driving. These are the starting points I’d use for planning:
- 3 nights: Stay in Tórshavn and take day trips.
- 5 nights: 3 in Tórshavn and 2 on Vágar.
- 7 nights: 3 in Tórshavn, 2 in Klaksvík and 2 on Vágar.
- 10 nights: 3 in Tórshavn, 3 on Suðuroy, 2 in Klaksvík and 2 on Vágar.
For a quieter trip, swap part of the stay for Gjógv, a holiday home on Streymoy or Sandoy. There’s no need to move around just to tick off all six areas; choose the ones that suit the holiday you want.
Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands Without a Car
My clear first choice is central Tórshavn. You can walk to shops and dinner and have the best starting point for buses and organised tours. Sørvágur and Klaksvík can work as additional bases if you plan your days around the connections.
A remote holiday home is trickier. Check how you’ll arrive, buy groceries and get home after a day out using SSL’s current bus and ferry timetables before booking. Having a bus stop nearby isn’t enough on its own.
Where Should You Not Stay in the Faroe Islands?
It’s mostly about avoiding a base that doesn’t suit your trip. I’d pay particular attention to three things:
- Don’t make the westernmost part of Vágar your only base if most of your plans are on the northern islands.
- Don’t spread a short holiday across several islands that require ferries, or make your flight home depend on a single sailing that day.
- Don’t choose a small village expecting a restaurant every evening before checking the actual dining options.
For a first trip, I’d start with Tórshavn and add Vágar or Klaksvík if time allows. For a quieter stay, Gjógv, Sandoy and a good holiday home on Streymoy are strong alternatives. I’d save Suðuroy for a trip where the island can have a couple of days to itself.
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