An Epic Road Trip Over and Under the Atlantic Ocean in Faroe Islands road trip
With tourism expected to reach unprecedented levels in the Faroe Islands this year, travelers are encouraged to explore the archipelago’s scenic routes and recently opened sub-sea tunnels. This guide takes you through an epic road trip experience across the Faroe Islands, highlighting the breathtaking beauty and unique travel opportunities available in this Nordic paradise.
Discovering the Faroe Islands road trip
The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is a stunning archipelago in the North Atlantic renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique travel experiences. Minutes away from Sørvágur village on Vágar Island, the road winds towards a cliff overlooking the ocean, marked by a distinctive sign featuring a bright-yellow flower on a green background. This flower, a marsh marigold from the buttercup family, is the national flower of the Faroe Islands. Known as “sóljuleiðir” in Faroese, it symbolizes the rugged beauty of the archipelago, which is often devoid of trees due to strong winds, leaving the marsh marigold to color the landscape.
The Buttercup Routes
The yellow flower signposts invite travelers to venture off the main highways and onto the lesser-known, picturesque roads of the Faroe Islands. Dubbed the “Buttercup Routes,” these scenic drives are designed to offer a slower, more immersive travel experience. The Buttercup Routes blend the charm of “Driving Miss Daisy” with the dramatic landscapes reminiscent of “Lord of the Rings” Faroe Islands.
A map created by Landsverk, the Faroe Islands’ Ministry of Transport, outlines 13 Buttercup Routes across the 18 islands. These routes aim to reduce traffic congestion from the increasing number of tourists—currently around 100,000 annually, double the islands’ population—while guiding travelers to the serene and untouched parts of the archipelago.
Exploring the Routes in Faroe Islands road trip
I spent five days driving eight of the Buttercup Routes of Faroe Islands , discovering that the scenic paths of Faroe Islands often provided the most rewarding experiences. The first route, Gásadalsleið, led me through a dark mountain tunnel to the breathtaking Múlafossur waterfall in Gásadalur village. From the cliff overlooking the falls, I could see the channel leading to Mykines, the westernmost island, shrouded in fog and exuding wild beauty.
Despite its short length, Gásadalsleið encapsulates the essence of the Faroe Islands with its sea vistas, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and roads clinging to cliffsides. Each of the 13 routes, ranging from 3.8km to 19.5km, reveals unique destinations like ocean-drop waterfalls, hanging lakes, and tranquil valleys where sheep outnumber people.
One notable route, Saksunarleið, takes you to the village of Saksun on Streymoy Island, stopping at a turf-roofed church and an inlet where the water ebbs between sheer cliffs. Another route on Eysturoy Island offers a switchback drive above Funningsfjørður, a fjord surrounded by summits, before descending to Gjógv village. From there, you can enjoy a sublime view of Kalsoy Island, with its dragon-scale ridges rising from the sea, creating a fantastical landscape.
New Sub-Sea Tunnels in Faroe Islands road trip
The art of the road trip in the Faroe Islands has been elevated with the introduction of new sub-sea tunnels. In December 2023, the 10.8km Sandoyartunnilin opened, connecting Streymoy and Sandoy islands, previously separated by a 30-minute ferry ride. This brings the total number of sub-sea tunnels in the Faroe Islands to four, enhancing access to the Buttercup Routes and providing an even more satisfying road trip experience.
A Journey Through Sandoyartunnilin
The Sandoyartunnilin, more than 150m below the seabed, is no ordinary tunnel. It features a folkloric art installation in neon colors along the bedrock walls. Created by Faroese artist Edward Fuglø, the illuminated pictographs depict knights, shepherds, fishermen, seals, cattle, and birds, representing the rich cultural heritage of the Faroe Islands. Accompanied by an ethereal soundtrack by composer Sunleif Rasmussen, the tunnel transforms the journey into an unexpected, ceremonial experience.
Community Impact in Faroe Islands road trip
Helga Hilmarsdóttir, a resident of Sandoy, shared how the new tunnel has revitalized her village. “The tunnel has given everyone new purpose and is helping create new life in villages like ours. People don’t want to spend all their lives milking cows or herding sheep anymore,” she said. Hilmarsdóttir’s family plans to open new tourist accommodations, offering visitors a chance to connect with Faroese traditions through the “heimablídni” concept, an informal supper club experience.
Eysturoyartunnilin: An Artistic Underwater Experience
The Eysturoyartunnilin, which opened in December 2020, connects Streymoy to Eysturoy via an 11.24km three-branch subsea tunnel. Home to the only roundabout under the Atlantic Ocean, the tunnel features an art installation by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson. The steel figures holding hands in the roundabout symbolize unity and are designed to attract tourists as a unique landmark.
Embracing Change
The Faroe Islands are evolving, balancing modern development with the preservation of their unique identity. The new tunnels and Buttercup Routes invite travelers to explore the islands’ hidden gems while supporting local communities and traditions.
Conclusion: The Open Road Awaits
My journey ended with a final drive from Tórshavn on the Buttercup Route Oyggjarvegur, which climbs into the mountains above the capital. The panoramic views, particularly from Norðadalsskar towards Koltur Island, were breathtaking. The untouched beauty and solitude of the Faroe Islands, combined with their welcoming community and rich cultural heritage, make it a must-visit destination for any road trip enthusiast.
The Buttercup Routes and sub-sea tunnels of the Faroe Islands offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, celebrating the world’s most remarkable highways and byways. This journey is a reminder that some of the greatest travel adventures happen via wheels, exploring the open road.
