Hire Car Faroe Islands Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover the Faroe Islands by hire car

A holiday to the Faroe Islands is a very special experience. North of Scotland, indeed still north of the Shetland Islands, halfway to Iceland lies this group of islands in the rough Atlantic.

This remote location has shaped a distinct Scandinavian language, Faringian. Almost all of the eighteen islands are inhabited year-round.

History and present of Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are part of Denmark, but have been largely independent since 1948 (own flag, own stamps, own capital Tórshavn, etc.).

Their parliament, the Løgting, is one of the oldest in the world. The name of the Faroe Islands possibly had the meaning sheep islands. Today, however, sheep farming is no longer dominant: about 50% of the sheep meat for traditional dishes now has to be imported.

The first settlers of the Faroe Islands were Irish monks, and later Norwegian Vikings declared themselves landowners. It is unclear whether they discovered the Faroe Islands purposefully or by chance on their way to Iceland. In any case, their testimonies can be found everywhere in rune stones or gravesites.

The weather in the Faroe Islands is very changeable and often rainy. Perhaps this explains the people’s affection for driving. Even as a tourist, a hire car is helpful, not only because of the weather, but also to have the flexibility to explore areas of your interest.

Free time activities in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are primarily scenic, with mountain hikers and birdwatchers (numerous puffins, for example) clearly getting their money’s worth.

Divers can explore many shipwrecks, dolphins, seals and whales delight animal lovers. Fjords, cliffs and sand dunes offer many a nature experience, even from a helicopter for the more adventurous.