Getting around
By vehicle
Exploring the Faroe Islands’ beautiful landscapes by car, campervan or motorcycle is a popular way to get around. It’s easy, flexible and you can decide your own pace – just like a true Faroese.
Most islands are connected by an excellent infrastructure of roads, bridges and subsea tunnels, making it effortless to get around.
For example, you can take in the majestic view of Múlafossur waterfall in Gásadalur, explore the breathtaking lagoon in Saksun and hike out to the Kallurin lighthouse on Kalsoy all in one day – and even make it back in time for a lamb roast dinner in Tórshavn. (This is, of course, dependent on how many photos you plan on taking at each location – which is usually quite a lot!).
Please read before driving in the Faroe Islands
All major highways are paved, but some roads, especially to the smaller villages, are still gravel roads. Make sure to navigate these roads with care, as loose gravel can make driving difficult. Many roads and tunnels leading to villages can be very narrow, so please choose a safe speed according to the conditions. Note also that some roads are very narrow. To keep traffic flowing, these roads have lay-bys (widened sections formed to one side as to leave the road free for other to pass). These lay-bys are NOT to be used for parking.
The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, and 80 km/h on asphalt roads and gravel roads in rural areas. Road maps are a good help so make sure you bring one along before you start your journey. These can be picked up at regional information centres across the country or viewed online here.
Motorists are obliged by law to use headlights at all times, day and night. Passengers in the front and back seats of an automobile are required by law to use safety belts. Talking on a mobile phone and driving under the influence of alcohol are strongly prohibited.
Guide to driving in the Faroe Islands:
(Click image to expand)
Off-road driving
Off-road driving in the Faroe Islands is prohibited by law. Please respect the nature and stay on paved roads.
Parking
Parking in Klaksvík, Tórshavn, Runavík and at Vágar Airport is restricted. Parking discs must be displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the front windscreen, showing the time you parked your car. These display discs are available at no charge from banks and regional tourist centres across the country. Parking violations will incur a fine of DKK 200.
Filling stations
Filling stations are located on most islands. Distances between filing stations may vary so make sure you have enough fuel to reach the next one.
Sub-sea tunnels
There are two sub-sea tunnels in the Faroe Islands, both of which charge a toll payment of DKK 100,- (approximately €13) for a return trip.
One sub-sea tunnel (Vágatunnilin) connects the western island of Vágar (Airport) to the island of Streymoy (capital Tórshavn). The other sub-sea tunnel (Norðoyatunnilin) connects the northern island of Borðoy (Klaksvík) to the island of Eysturoy (Leirvík). You are only charged when driving from Vágar in Vágatunnilin, and driving from Klaksvík in Norðoyatunnilin.
There are no pay station at the tunnels. Drive through the tunnel without stopping and pay at one of these petrol stations:
Effo – Kollafjørður
Effo – Gundadalur
Effo – Klaksvík
Magn – Klaksvík
Magn – Gøtudalur
Effo – Leirvík
Magn – Miðvágur
Payment must be made within three days. If payment is not made, the bill will be sent by post to the owner of the car.
Visit tunnil.fo for more information.