Hiking safely in the Faroe Islands: rules and tips
How to hike safely in the Faroe Islands: what to do in fog, cliffs, landowner permission, sheep, birds in the breeding season and drone rules.
Hiking in the Faroe Islands is wonderful, but the mountains here have their own rules: fog that comes in suddenly, cliffs without railings and private land. These are the basic rules, according to Visit Faroe Islands.
Before you set off
- Check the forecast and do not start a hike in fog or at night.
- Tell your accommodation where you are going. For long hikes, fill in the Safe Travel sheet with your route and expected return time, and leave it under the car’s windscreen wiper or at your accommodation.
- Bring food, water, a map and layers with a waterproof outer layer. We go into detail in what to pack.
On the trail
- Follow the paths and the stone cairns (varðar) where there are any. Do not build, move or add stones to the cairns: they are there for finding your way.
- If the fog stops you seeing the next cairn, stop. Wait next to one and put on warm layers until it lifts.
- Stay away from the cliff edge. No photo is worth the risk.
- Do not dislodge stones that could fall on people walking below.
- Avoid nylon clothing on steep ground: it slides.
Private land
Almost all land is private and many trails cross sheep pastures. On the most visited ones there is a fee, and on some (such as Drangarnir) you can only go with a guide.
- From 2 November to 31 December is the hare hunting season: walking in the hills is not recommended. If you still want to, ask the landowner for permission; the information centres can give you the contact details.
- If you see people gathering sheep, hide straight away so they do not see you, and if necessary, lie down and keep still. You could ruin hours of work.
Birds and nature
- Keep your distance from nests. If the birds shriek, fly low or dive at you, you are too close.
- Do not touch the chicks. Puffin chicks that end up far from the sea can be gently guided towards the water.
- Pick up loose sheep’s wool: it gets tangled around birds’ legs.
- Do not pick plants or take stones, eggs or chicks.
- Speak quietly and take your rubbish with you.
- From 1 May to 1 September, boats must not come within 200 metres of the bird cliffs.
Drones
- Flying within 150 metres of villages and towns is forbidden.
- There are limits next to the main roads and within 5 km of Vágar airport.
- Birds can abandon their nests because of the noise: the best advice is to leave the drone at home.
Camping
Only at authorised campsites. Camping outside them is illegal and fined. We explain it in where to stay.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if fog comes in on the mountain?
If you cannot see the next stone cairn, stop, wait next to a cairn and put on warm layers until it lifts. Do not carry on blindly: it is the cause of many accidents.
Can you fly a drone in the Faroe Islands?
With restrictions: not within 150 metres of villages and towns, with limits next to the main roads and within 5 km of Vágar airport. As birds can abandon their nests, the advice is to leave it at home.
What is the emergency number?
112.