The Faroe Islands and Greenland are two autonomous territories of the Kingdom of Denmark, and they are located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Greenland is the world’s largest island, with a vast surface area of 2.166 million square kilometers and a small population of 56,000, making it the least densely populated region in the world.

On the contrary, the Faroe Islands’ area is only 1,393 square kilometers, and the North Atlantic Islands have a total of 49,000 people living on 17 out of the 18 islands of the Archipelago. Moreover, those islands are located halfway between Scotland and Iceland in the Northeast Atlantic. For so long, the Faroes have been a subject of interest for millions of people worldwide due to their rich history and intriguing uniqueness.

Related: How To Set An (Affordable) Budget And Itinerary For The Faroe Islands

What To Know Before Visiting The Faroe Islands, Including The Secrets Of Its Cute Puffins

More than 110,000 tourists flock to the Faroe Islands every year to witness the majesty of the North Atlantic Archipelago. With more than 18 volcanic islands connected by two underwater tunnels, seven ferry lines, and three bridges, people can expect a comfortable trip with an advanced and developed transportation system. The Faroe Islands consist of sweeping green valleys, magnificent sea cliffs, magical narrow fjords, and pointed peaks, making for a perfect unforgettable hiking trip.

Moreover, the inhabitants of the islands are diverse, friendly, and welcoming. The reason for that is that more than 77 nationalities are living in the Faroes. A landmark of the islands is the Mullafossur Waterfall located in Gasadalur, which is seen in photos flowing calmly into the Atlantic. However, this waterfall is not always calm, and the wind frequently makes it blow into the sky. People must wait for the weather to change to snap a good photo of the Mullafossur. The Faroes are also known for their cute rare puffins, where almost 500,000 bird pairs live there. However, visitors don’t always have the chance to see puffins on the islands. For instance, the birds are almost in hiding in March, while they are more present in June. During summer, people go to Mykines, a prime territory, to see puffins. Skyvoy and Streymoy at Vestmanna are also suitable for puffin sightings.

  • Cost: Hiking near a Puffin colony costs DKK 100 per person.

Related: 10 Jaw-Dropping Sights You Can Only See In The Faroe Islands

Where To Stay On The Faroe Islands

It is advisable to plan a trip ahead of visiting the Faroe Islands because they are known to be expensive. Yet, with proper planning, one can manage their budget and enjoy their trip without breaking the bank.

The most costly feature of the islands is the accommodation prices. Thus, a lot of people opt for the camping option, which is the cheapest. However, with temperamental weather on the Faroe Islands, camping carries its risks.

Moreover, wild camping on the islands is illegal, and one can only use official camping sites. Additionally, those willing to pay more and avoid the risk of heavy rain, strong wing, and storms that may come while camping can rent a room in a budget hotel for a relatively acceptable price. Airbnb is also another option with good value that people can opt for.

Cost: a private room booked through Airbnb costs an average of DKK 395 per night, while an entire apartment will cost DKK 835 per night.

For maximum freedom and flexibility of traveling, people tend to hire a car on the Faroe Islands. This option costs around DKK 350 for one day and DKK 700 per day for rentals exceeding one week. A wise choice would be to rent a Campervan that covers accommodation and a car for each day, saving a tremendous amount of money for visitors.

  • Cost: A Campervan costs an average of DKK 750 per day for a trip of one week in peak seasons and will serve as accommodation and car at the same time.

Food On The Faroes And The Saksun House

People on a budget purchase their food from supermarkets on the Faroe Islands because eating out in restaurants is expensive. One thing to know about alcoholic drinks on the island is that people can’t buy spirits over 2.8% ABV from grocery stores. Visitors will have to travel to one of the only six Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins found on the islands to get their drinks.

  • Cost: Meals at restaurants cost between DKK 130 and DKK 260

Most of the Faroe Islands are designated as grazing lands, and they also are privately owned. Thus, it is crucial not to trespass on those lands because owners feel annoyed by the poor behavior of some tourists on the islands.

The famous house of Saksun is an example that proves that people must respect the locals in the Faroe Islands. That house has become popular on Instagram, but its owner, a local farmer, has got into severe arguments with trespassers who insisted on jumping over the house’s fences and trampling through the fields only to snap photos.

Next: What Travelers Should Be Prepared For When Visiting The Remote Country Of Greenland