Driving in the Faroe Islands is an experience in itself, and nowhere else in the world (that we’ve visited) can you drive past so many waterfalls, cliffs, and herds of sheep during your morning commute.
Putting together a list of the most scenic roads in the Faroe Islands might seem difficult as almost every single thing on these islands is so photogenic but here are a few drives that stand out in particular.
1. Sørvágur to Gasadalur (45)
If the first stop on your one-week itinerary is the little village of Gasadalur and the iconic Molafossur waterfall then as you drive along the side of the Sørvágsfjødur on Route 45 then you’ll be given the most incredible view of Tindhólmur and the famous Drangarnir archway.
This is one of the newer roads in the Faroe Islands, with the tunnel only being opened in 2004. Before the tunnel was built, Gasadalur was one of the most secluded villages in the Faroes as visitors would have to hike over the mountain to reach this tiny cluster of houses.
The best time to drive along this coastal road is during the sunset to watch the sky burn turn orange and illuminate the island of Mykines and the sharp tips of Tindhólmur.
2. Buttercup Route to Norðradalur off 10 to Tórshavn
When driving to Tórshavn along Route 10 there’ll be a small road on your right that takes you down towards the tiny village of Norðradalur.
We arrived early in the morning to watch the sunrise but the fog was so thick we could barely see the road ahead. The mysterious winding road lead us down towards the coast where we passed plenty of inquisitive sheep and a wide gorge carving its way down to the water.
3. Route 594 to Tjørnuvík, via Fossá
When you’re heading to Fossa, one of the biggest waterfalls in the Faroe Islands, then this is the road you’ll be taking. Although the drive is fairly uneventful until you reach the waterfalls itself, the rest of the journey is completely different.
As you get closer to Tjørnuvík, the road becomes narrow enough and the drops to the side definitely steep enough to make it more than an exciting drive.
Luckily however, there are regular passing places that double up as good spots to get out and take a photo or two without blocking up the narrow one lane road up towards the small town of Tjørnuvík.
Fossá waterfall made it onto our list of the 8 most unforgettable places to visit in the Faroe Islands. Click here to see what else was on there!
4. Norddepil to Viðareiði (70)
Viðareiðiis the northernmost town in the Faroe Islands and despite its location, has a population of 346. The road to get here is right on the edge of island, giving you amazing views towards the north-eastern cliffs of Borðoy.
5. The only road on Kalsoy
The Island of Kalsoy has only one road so getting around is easy without a map. When you get off the ferry, turn right and you’ll find yourself driving through crazy one-way tunnels that feel so narrow you’ll want to fold in the wing mirrors.
After the 3rd one-way tunnel you will slowly wind down towards the little village of Trollanes, which marks the start of the hike to the Kallur Lighthouse. Here, the road is often full of curious sheep wanting to take a closer look at your car. They’re used to the sounds of cars driving past so its one of the best chances you’ll have to seeing a Faroese sheep up close!
6. Streymnes to Saksun (53)
There is only one road between Saksun and Streymnes but it’s definitely a memorable one. The thin strip of asphalt slowly leads you away from the coast and through the middle of a valley where the sides lead up towards endlessly green mountains.
As you’re driving through the valley, the weather can be unpredictable and what started as a clear day for us quickly turned into being surrounded by fog. Before long, the fog began to lift again and we could finally see how amazing the road looked!
There is only one road between Saksun and Streymnes but it’s definitely a memorable one. The thin strip of asphalt slowly leads you away from the coast and through the middle of a valley where the sides lead up towards endlessly green mountains.
As you’re driving through the valley, the weather can be unpredictable and what started as a clear day for us quickly turned into being surrounded by fog. Before long, the fog began to lift again and we could finally see how amazing the road looked!
Are you planning a trip to the Faroe Islands? Click here to read about and see some photos from our adventure, and be sure to read some of our tips for off-season travel in the Faroe Islands.
