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If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the Faroe Islands’ stunning fjords, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages at your own pace, renting a campervan may be the perfect way to experience this rugged archipelago. Bartal Kamban, founder of CamperVans.fo, was inspired to start his rental service after falling in love with the islands’ natural beauty and culture. He also recognized the challenges visitors face due to limited public transport and expensive or fully booked accommodations.
By combining both travel and lodging, campervans offer an affordable and flexible way to explore the Faroe Islands, free from rigid schedules and check-in times, allowing for a deeper connection with the landscape and daily life of the islands. We spoke with Bartal about why campervan travel stands out as such a rewarding way to experience the Faroes, and what practical things travelers should keep in mind before setting off, from local rules to making the most of the ever-changing weather.
Overall experience and timing
Q: How would you describe the experience of visiting the Faroe Islands?
Visiting the Faroe Islands at least once in your life should be on everyone’s bucket list. The islands are breathtakingly beautiful—remote, relatively untouched, and unlike anything most people have experienced before. If your readers know Iceland and its vast, dramatic landscapes, they can think of the Faroe Islands as a smaller, more intimate sibling: equally striking, but with a quieter, more spiritual feel and scenery that feels both close and powerful at the same time.
Q: Why is exploring the Faroe Islands by campervan a good idea?
Exploring the Faroe Islands by campervan is one of the best ways to experience this place. I can think of many reasons, but here are the three strongest ones. First, it’s simply a more authentic way to travel. You’re outside your usual routines, closer to nature, and the memories feel richer because of it. Second, it’s practical if you want to make the most of your days. You wake up, brew some coffee, have a light breakfast, and you’re ready to go in 20 minutes. You naturally spend more time outdoors exploring. And third, it’s a more budget-friendly way to visit. The Faroe Islands aren’t a cheap destination, so combining your accommodation and transportation into one makes your budget stretch further.
Q: When is the best time of year to visit the Faroe Islands?
From a camping perspective, and especially considering the weather, the best time to visit the Faroe Islands is between May and September. Daylight is abundant during these months, which is ideal for anyone who wants to fit in as much adventure as possible. Spring is wonderful as the landscape turns green again and seabirds return to nest. Summer brings the best weather, good vibes, and plenty of cultural events. Autumn is cooler but still mild, with fewer visitors and some of the best food of the year. Outside this period—in late autumn, winter, and early spring—the weather becomes far more unpredictable. Camping is still possible, but it is best suited for experienced and adventurous travelers.
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Practicality and overall driving conditions
Q: How practical is it to travel around the Faroe Islands by campervan?
Traveling around the Faroe Islands by campervan is more practical than many people expect. The road network is well-maintained, the distances are short, and you can reach even remote villages with ease. The overall road infrastructure on the islands is excellent, with a system of tunnels and subsea tunnels connecting the islands — including one with a roundabout at the bottom!
Q: What typical road conditions and driving challenges should I expect in the Faroe Islands (for example, narrow roads, changing weather, free roaming sheep)?
Drivers should still be prepared for a few uniquely Faroese challenges. When driving to some of the smaller villages, the roads are often narrow and winding, so slower, attentive driving is important. The weather can change quickly as well, shifting from sun to fog or rain within minutes. And of course, there are the sheep. They roam freely and frequently wander into the road, so staying alert and watching your speed is good custom.
Q: How safe and practical is it to drive a campervan in Faroese weather (strong wind, rain, fog), and do I need winter tires, snow chains, or a 4×4 in certain seasons?
When it comes to weather conditions, campervans handle the Faroe Islands quite well. Wind, rain, and fog are common here, but our campervans are fully up to standard, so there are no issues on that front. Winter tires are used during the colder months, but a 4×4 is rarely necessary unless you’re traveling in deep winter. All our vehicles are equipped appropriately for the season, so guests don’t need to worry about choosing the right setup.
Q: How long does it usually take to drive across the main islands?
Because the islands are compact, driving distances are short. You can cross the main island of Streymoy in under an hour and reach most major destinations in one to two hours. This makes it easy to base yourself anywhere and still explore most of the archipelago without long travel days. If you’re only staying for a few days, then I recommend sticking to the road-connected islands. If you have five days or more, you should definitely explore some of the islands connected by ferry.
Q: What are the main driving rules and regulations in the Faroe Islands (for example, driving side, speed limits, and headlight use)?
The driving rules in the Faroe Islands are straightforward. You drive on the right, and headlights must be on at all times — even during daylight. The speed limit is 80 km/h outside villages and 50 km/h within villages unless otherwise stated. The overall driving culture is calm and respectful — no honking or swearing at each other.
Q: What rules and special considerations apply when driving through tunnels in the Faroe Islands, especially sub-sea tunnels?
Tunnels are a big part of getting around here, and there are two types: mountain tunnels and sub-sea tunnels. In the older single-lane mountain tunnels, one direction has priority, and the other must use pull-outs to let oncoming traffic pass. Signs outside the tunnel clearly indicate who has the right of way. Driving through some of these is part of the experience! The modern sub-sea tunnels, which connect islands beneath the ocean, are wide, well-lit, and very easy to drive through. These do have a fee attached to them.
The breathtaking Gasadalur Waterfall cascading into serenity
Routes, itinerary planning, and must-see places
Q: What campervan routes are recommended in the Faroe Islands, and how should one plan their itinerary to get the most out of the trip?
Planning a great itinerary for the Faroe Islands depends a bit on how many days you have and whether you prefer iconic highlights or quiet, remote adventures. The most important rule is to stay flexible. The Faroe Islands’ weather changes quickly, and a rigid, hour-by-hour schedule usually causes more stress than joy. Think of your itinerary as a set of options rather than fixed commitments. Use the weather as your guide:
• Sunny & calm days: Long hikes and outdoor viewpoints (Trælanípan, Mykines, Kallur Lighthouse, etc.).
• Windy days: Lower-altitude or sheltered activities, village visits, scenic drives.
• Rainy days: Culture and food—Tórshavn cafés, museums, exhibitions, or cosy slow travel in your campervan.
Create a plan for each region, but choose which day to explore it based on the conditions. And remember: drive slowly, walk slowly, eat slowly, and speak slowly. Faroe Islanders don’t rush—and neither should you. Slowing down allows the real magic of the Faroes to unfold.
Q: What are the best campervan routes and must-see scenic drives for exploring the Faroe Islands?
If you are on a tight 3-4-day trip, try to focus on the essentials. The main islands of Streymoy, Vágar, and Eysturoy are all accessible without ferries.
Suggested loop:
- Vágar Island
o Gásadalur & Múlafossur Waterfall
o Trælanípan / Slave Cliff hike (moderate; ~2–3 hours) - Streymoy & Eysturoy
o Saksun – tidal lagoon and unique nature
o Tjørnuvík – black-sand beach with the Risin & Kellingin sea stacks
o Gjógv – natural sea gorge and charming village
(These three villages are perfect to “box off” in one day.) - Optional Weather-Dependent Excursions
o Vestmanna Bird Cliffs boat tour
o Tórshavn cultural afternoon
o Kirkjubøur for historical heritage
If you have more time on your hands (5–7 days), branch out to the less-visited islands, where a campervan really shines.
Sandoy
A relaxed, open landscape with rolling hills and wide beaches—ideal for peaceful drives and photography. Villages are small, authentic, and quiet.
Suðuroy
Far too often overlooked, but spectacular: towering cliffs, dramatic hikes, colourful villages, and coastal roads with almost no traffic. This is one of the best islands for slow, immersive campervan travel.
Northern Islands (“Norðoyggjar”)
Steeper, more dramatic mountains and deep fjords. Highlights include:
• Kalsoy (Kallur Lighthouse hike)
• Viðareiði – the northernmost village, framed by cliffs
• Klaksvík – the cultural centre of the North
Kalsoy requires a ferry and is extremely popular in summer, so plan around ferry times.
Q: Can I take a campervan on interisland ferries, do I need to reserve in advance, and what extra costs or size limits should I expect?
Campervans can travel on ferries with no problem, but for some of the more popular ferry routes (Kalsoy and Suðuroy), it’s best to reserve a few days in advance if possible. During booking you will be asked for vehicle length and vehicle height, which we will be happy to assist our customers with. Ferries are efficient but can be affected by the weather. Ticket prices are quite fair.
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Parking, camping rules, and restrictions
Q: What are the main parking and camping regulations for campervans in the Faroe Islands?
There are actually very few rules that apply specifically to campervans in the Faroe Islands. The most important one is that you may only camp overnight in designated camping areas, and staying outside these locations can lead to fines. Across the islands you’ll find around 20 official campsites, most of which provide basic facilities such as toilets and showers. A full list is available at www.camping.fo.
Q: Where are the designated camping or overnight parking areas for campervans in the Faroe Islands?
Parking on public spaces is free throughout the Faroe Islands, but you do need to pay attention to any posted time limits to avoid a ticket. Look for the blue parking signs that indicate how long you’re allowed to stay and make sure to set the parking disc in your front window to the time you arrived. Generally, finding a parking spot is easy, and as long as you use common sense and avoid blocking entrances or private areas, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.
Q: What restrictions apply to where one can drive and park a campervan (for example, certain gravel roads, remote areas, off-road bans, or town centre limits)?
The same straightforward approach applies when driving. Off-road driving is completely forbidden, so you must remain on paved roads or the officially marked gravel routes, which are usually in very good condition and suitable for campervans. A few mountain roads or older tunnels can feel narrow or exposed, particularly in windy weather, so it’s wise to adjust your speed and driving style accordingly.
Keep the headlights on (day and night). Also keep in mind that sheep roam freely across the landscape, including the roads, so take your time and drive slowly—encounters like these are simply part of travelling in the Faroes.
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Campsites and facilities
Q: Where can official campervan campsites be found in the Faroe Islands, is advance booking required, and what facilities (eg, electric hookups, toilets, showers, kitchens, waste disposal) do they usually provide?
Official campsites for campervans are spread across most of the islands, and you can find a full, updated overview on the national camping website, which is also the easiest place to check availability and practical details. In general, you do not need to book campsites far in advance, and many travellers simply arrive on the day, but during the busiest summer weeks it can be helpful to plan ahead.
The campsites are decently well equipped and usually provide facilities like toilets, showers, common rooms or kitchens, and access to electricity. Several of them also offer areas for wastewater or grey-water disposal, which is useful when travelling by campervan. Most campsites allow you to pay either on arrival or through simple online methods depending on the individual site, and the process is usually very straightforward.
Vibrant green cliffs overlooking the vast ocean at Kallur Lighthouse, Kalsoy Island
Rental basics: booking, age, licence, and transmission
Q: How can one arrange a campervan rental for traveling around the Faroe Islands?
CamperVans.fo is the only fully dedicated campervan rental operator in the Faroe Islands, and we pride ourselves on running a simple but professional setup with quick, efficient, and informal customer communication as they navigate the islands in our campervans. The only requirement for booking is that the person is at least 20 years old and holds a valid driver’s license – a home country license is perfectly fine.
At the moment, we don’t have any arrangements with international agents, so all bookings are made directly by individual customers on our website.
Q: How far in advance should I book a campervan to secure availability, especially during the high season from June to August?
The high season from June to August begins to fill up in spring. To be certain of securing a specific vehicle at a specific time, early spring is a good time to book. Later in spring and early summer you may start running into fully booked periods. We do everything we can to work with our customers to find an available slot, but sometimes the calendar is simply too full during high season.
Sheep grazing on the lush green fields of Vagar Island
Rental logistics: pickup, drop off, mileage, and fuel
Q: How do pickup and drop off for campervan rentals work in the Faroe Islands (including airport options, opening hours, mileage limits, and out of hours or self-check-in if my flight is delayed)?
We use a self-service pickup and drop-off system at Vágar Airport, which is the standard location for all rentals. The process is simple with clear instructions provided by email ahead of arrival. The setup is designed to be flexible so you can get your campervan even if your flight is delayed. All rentals come with unlimited mileage.
Q: What is the typical fuel policy for campervan rentals (for example, full-to-full), which fuel type do they use (diesel or gasoline), and what daily fuel costs should be expected?
The fuel policy is full-to-full, meaning you receive the van with a full tank and return it the same way. The campervans run on diesel. I would say an average customer to visit the islands for seven days typically consumes two full tanks at a cost of approximately US$200 in total.
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Campervan onboard amenities and systems
Q: What standard amenities are included in a typical campervan in the Faroe Islands?
Depends on the campervan rented. All vans include bedding, a kitchenette with cooking equipment and utensils, a fridge, and a sink, so you can prepare meals wherever you stop. Power for the standard/basic campervans is provided through a standard 12V system with additional USB outlets.
Q: How do the water and waste systems in a campervan work, and where can they be refilled or emptied in the Faroe Islands?
Each campervan has a fresh-water container for drinking and washing. Only the XL Premium vehicles have toilets on board. Customers can refill fresh water and empty grey water at campsites around the islands, which all have basic service areas for this purpose.
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Preparing for the trip: supplies, clothing, and comfort
Q: How should one prepare for a campervan trip in the Faroe Islands in terms of supplies, planning, and safety?
Preparing for a campervan trip in the Faroe Islands is mostly about being practical and ready for quick weather changes. It’s a good idea to stock up on groceries, snacks, and drinking water before leaving the larger towns, simply because remote villages may have limited shopping options. Fuel stations and supermarkets are spread around the islands, but Tórshavn and Klaksvík offer the biggest selections, so many travellers do their main shopping there. Campsites provide essential services such as fresh-water refills, rubbish disposal, and waste handling, making it easy to stay organised without carrying large amounts of supplies. When heading into more remote areas or going on longer hikes, it’s sensible to bring extra water and some food, so you’re not relying on finding shops along the way.
Q: How should one plan for comfort on a campervan trip?
Comfort on a campervan trip comes down to staying warm, dry, and organised. The Faroe Islands are known for rapid weather changes, so you should pack clothing that can be layered easily. We recommend a breathable base layer, an insulating mid-layer such as wool or fleece, and a windproof and waterproof shell. This makes it easy to adapt whether you encounter sun, rain, or thick coastal fog, sometimes all within the same afternoon. Footwear should be sturdy, comfortable, and ideally waterproof, as many trails can be muddy or wet. Bringing warm pyjamas or extra layers for sleeping can also make nights more comfortable, especially if you’ve been out in damp weather. Keep a dry bag or spare set of clothes in the van in case you need to dry wet gear overnight.
Torshavn, the charming capital of the Faroe Islands
Navigation, connectivity, and maps
Q: How reliable is mobile data coverage in the Faroe Islands, and can offline maps be used effectively for navigation during a campervan trip?
Mobile data coverage in the Faroe Islands is generally very reliable, even when traveling between smaller villages or across the mountain roads, so you can expect to stay connected for most of your campervan trip. There are occasional spots with weaker reception, especially in deep valleys or remote coastal areas, but these usually pass quickly as you continue driving. I don’t really think off-line maps is necessary but if you have that opportunity then go for it.
Statue of Kopakonan on Kalsoy Island, showcasing the island’s cultural heritage
Safety, emergencies, and roadside assistance
Q: What emergency procedures should a traveler know about when touring the Faroe Islands in a campervan, and what precautions should they take when driving in varying weather conditions?
Weather can change quickly, and roads may be narrow, winding, or exposed — so adjust your driving to the conditions, keep a modest speed, and always turn your headlights on (day or night). If there is an emergency, dial 112. If there is an accident, call the local police at 351448 and get in touch with CamperVans.fo at 508275. Consider purchasing the premium self-risk insurance add-on to reduce your personal liability to zero.
Q: What common problems or disruptions do campervan travelers encounter in the Faroe Islands, and how does the breakdown or roadside assistance process usually work?
If there is an issue with the vehicle, report the situation to CamperVans.fo. Our priority is to get you back on the road as soon as possible. If that isn’t possible, we make every effort to find another available vehicle, or we will work with you to secure suitable accommodation or refund the rental fee for the affected period. Flat tires, battery issues, heater malfunctions, cooling box problems, and similar issues can occur; again, contact us and we will do our best to fix the problem or find an alternative solution.
Sometimes the Faroe Islands experience high wind and heavy rain, which might feel uncomfortable if you are not used to driving campervans. The solution is simply to drive slowly or find a safe place to shelter until the worst weather passes.
Extras and addons
Q: What extra options are typically available with campervan rentals, and how can they be requested when booking?
We have a dedicated subpage on this, please find it here. The add-ons are clearly highlighted and explained as the customer goes through the booking process.
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Final Notes for Your Campervan Trip
Q: What additional information should one know before planning a campervan trip to the Faroe Islands?
If you’ve made it this far, you already have the most important information for planning a campervan trip to the Faroe Islands. There’s no need to overthink it. With a good campervan, a loose plan, and a willingness to explore, the Faroe Islands will take care of the rest.