The Faroe Islands might look like a destination reserved strictly for hardcore mountaineers and moody landscape photographers, but beneath the towering sea cliffs and unpredictable weather lies a surprisingly magical destination for families. When you are planning a trip, finding practical things to do in faroe islands with kids—especially toddlers—requires a bit of strategic thinking. You are trading typical playgrounds for sprawling green fields, and theme parks for real-life turf-roofed houses that look straight out of a storybook.
Traveling here with a two-year-old taught us that the key to Faroese travel is managing your expectations and embracing the slow pace. You will not be scaling vertical peaks with a baby carrier, but you will be watching your toddler giggle at grazing sheep, throwing stones into crystal-clear fjords, and experiencing nature in its most raw, unfiltered form. If you are ready to bundle up and embrace the wind, here is exactly how to navigate this North Atlantic archipelago with young children in tow.
The Most Accessible Things to Do in Faroe Islands with Kids
When traveling with a toddler or preschooler, your best friends are low-effort, high-reward destinations. Fortunately, the Faroe Islands excel at delivering world-class scenery right out of your rental car window.
Múlafossur Waterfall (Gásadalur)
If you only have time for one iconic view, make it this one. Múlafossur Waterfall (Gásadalur) is arguably the most famous sight in the country, and the best part is that it requires almost zero hiking. You park your car in the small lot in Gásadalur village, walk about five minutes down a relatively flat, well-maintained gravel path, and you are immediately greeted by the sight of a massive waterfall plunging directly into the churning ocean.
- Practical Info: Open 24/7 and completely free. The path is stroller-friendly if you have rugged wheels, but a baby carrier is easier. Keep a very tight grip on your toddlers here; the viewing platform is safe, but the wind gusts can be incredibly strong and sudden. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes here.
Saksun and Dúvugarðar Farm
Visiting Saksun feels like stepping into a Viking fairytale. Set in a dramatic natural amphitheater at the end of a long, winding road, this tiny village is famous for its grass-roofed cottages. The Saksun - Dúvugarðar Farm operates as a living history museum where kids can safely wander among historic stone walls and peek into traditional Faroese life.
- Practical Info: The museum entry is around 30 DKK (approx. $4.50 USD). It is generally open daily in the summer from 14:00 to 17:00, but check local listings as hours fluctuate. The grassy areas are perfect for toddlers to burn off energy, but watch their footing near the tidal lagoon. If you walk down to the lagoon, be strictly aware of the tide schedule, as water rushes in quickly.
Nólsoy Village and Ferry Ride
For a brilliant half-day trip that requires very little energy, take the Nólsoy Ferry (Tórshavn–Nólsoy). It is a highly affordable, calm 25-minute boat ride that departs right from the capital. Once you arrive, you will step into Nólsoy Village, a charming, car-free settlement where toddlers can safely toddle down the narrow alleys without you worrying about traffic.
- Practical Info: Ferry tickets cost about 40 DKK ($6 USD) round trip for adults, and kids under 7 ride free. The village is incredibly stroller-friendly. Grab a coffee at the local café, let the kids look at the colorful fishing boats, and enjoy a low-stress morning.
Epic Family-Friendly Transport and Tours
The Faroe Islands are connected by an impressive network of sub-sea tunnels, ferries, and even subsidized helicopters. Turning your transportation into an activity is the ultimate parenting travel hack.
Vestmanna Bird Cliffs Boat Tour
If you want to get out on the water, the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs Boat Tour (Vestmanna Bjargatúrar) is the safest and most family-friendly option. Unlike some of the rougher open-ocean crossings, this tour navigates through deep, protected grottos and towering sea cliffs. The boats are larger and more stable, making them suitable for toddlers and pregnant mothers who might be prone to seasickness.
- Practical Info: Tours run from April to October and cost around 350 DKK ($50 USD) for adults, with half-price tickets for older kids and free entry for toddlers. Dress them in their warmest waterproof gear, as it gets very chilly on the water. The tour lasts about 2 hours.
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Atlantic Airways Helicopter Shuttle
This is the holy grail of budget family travel in the Faroes. The Atlantic Airways Helicopter Shuttle (Inter-island helicopter flights) is a public transport service heavily subsidized by the government for locals. Tourists can book one-way tickets to experience a thrilling flight over dramatic cliffs for a fraction of the cost of a private tour.
- Practical Info: Flights start around 150 to 300 DKK ($20 to $45 USD) depending on the route. Crucial tip: You can only book exactly seven days in advance, and tickets sell out in minutes. You can only fly one way (to prevent tourists from treating it as a joyride), so you must plan a ferry or bus route back. Toddlers sit on your lap with provided ear protection.
Kalsoy Ferry and The Seal Woman
Take the scenic 20-minute Kalsoy Ferry (Klaksvík–Syðradalur) to the island of Kalsoy. While the island is famous for extreme hikes, families can instead drive through the island's fascinating, dark, single-lane tunnels (an adventure in itself) to the village of Mikladalur. Here, you will find Kópakonan (The Seal Woman Statue). The staircase down to the 2.5-meter bronze statue is steep but well-paved and manageable with a toddler holding your hand. The folklore story of the seal woman is wonderfully spooky to share with older kids.
Mild Hikes and Open Spaces for Little Legs
Hiking with a toddler means prioritizing safety, wide-open spaces, and minimal cliff edges.
Bøsdalafossur Hike (Sørvágsvatn)
This is the hike to the famous "lake above the ocean" optical illusion. The Bøsdalafossur Hike (Sørvágsvatn) is mostly flat, making it one of the most accessible major hikes in the country. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour each way. The path is muddy and rocky, so a rugged baby carrier is required—do not attempt this with a stroller.
- Practical Info: There is a hiking fee of 200 DKK ($29 USD) per adult collected at the trailhead, which includes access to bathrooms and a small cafe. Keep young kids close at the end of the trail near the waterfall, as there are sudden drop-offs.
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For completely stress-free exploration, head to the village of Kirkjubøur to explore the Magnus Cathedral Ruins (Magnuskatedralen). These 14th-century roofless ruins are free to enter and sit on a lovely, flat grassy area where toddlers can run around the ancient stones safely.
If you have a child who loves sports, drive up to the Eiði Football Pitch. Located on a spectacular scenic route, this former soccer field sits right against the crashing ocean waves. It is now used as a campsite, but the surrounding area offers massive, flat, fenced-in spaces where kids can kick a ball around in one of the most surreal landscapes on earth.
What to Skip: Not Worth the Stress with Kids
The Faroe Islands are rugged and wild. Many of the most famous Instagram spots are genuinely dangerous for young children, or simply not worth the logistical nightmare. For more detailed insights on what to avoid, check out the full Faroe Islands city guide.
- Kallur Lighthouse (Kalsoy): Do not bring young children here. The hike involves traversing an incredibly narrow, muddy grass ridge with sheer, vertical drops into the ocean on both sides. There are no guardrails.
- Mykines Island Puffin Hike: This breaks many parents' hearts, but the journey to Mykines is brutal with a toddler. The ferry crossing is notoriously rough (expect seasickness), and the hike to the lighthouse is steep, muddy, and exhausting. If you want to see puffins, look for the Puffin Viewing Areas (Mykines) near the village without doing the hike, or better yet, book a boat tour that stays on the water.
- Slættaratindur Summit and Dunnesdrangar: Both of these are high-stakes, grueling trails with unstable ground, loose scree, and zero safety infrastructure. Save these for a solo trip.
- Koltur Island (Koltur): Too isolated, requiring expensive and unreliable transfers. Stick to Nólsoy or Kalsoy for easier island-hopping.
- Beinisvørð Viewpoint: A 400-meter vertical drop with no safety railings. Keep the kids in the car if you drive past.
- Føroya Bjór (Faroese Beer Brewery) and the Irish Pub (Tórshavn): While parents might need a drink after a long hike, the brewery is a working industrial site unsuited for kids, and the pub is a loud nightlife venue.
Age-Specific Tips That Actually Help
Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
Your main challenge here is the weather and the terrain. Toddlers want to walk, but Faroese ground is rarely flat or dry. Invest in a high-quality, comfortable hiking carrier, and practice using it at home before your trip. Dress them in a waterproof puddle suit (like the ones made by muddy-buddy) and waterproof boots. Let them splash in the streams at Saksun or chase the friendly ducks in the center of Tórshavn. Bring more snacks than you think you need, as convenience stores are sparse once you leave the capital.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
At this age, the magic of the landscape really takes hold. Lean into the folklore. Tell them stories about trolls turning to stone (which explains the dramatic rock formations) and the Seal Woman. Preschoolers will love the ferry rides and looking for sheep on the sides of the roads. Keep hikes very short—under an hour—and always have a warm, dry change of clothes in the rental car, as they will fall into a bog or a puddle.
School-Age (Ages 6-10)
This is a fantastic age for the Faroe Islands. They are sturdy enough to handle moderate hikes like the path around Sørvágsvatn, and they will get a huge thrill out of the helicopter shuttle. Give them a cheap digital camera or an old smartphone; the landscape is so dramatic that they will love practicing their photography. This is also a great age to introduce them to Faroese cuisine, like the incredible local salmon.
Tweens and Teens (Ages 11-14)
Older kids who might normally be glued to their screens will be forced to unplug here. To keep them engaged, book some high-octane adventures. The Hestur Island Cave Tour is a thrilling, high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) adventure that blasts into massive sea caves. Similarly, the Drangarnir Boat Tour gets them up close to the iconic sea stacks. They are old enough to handle the wind and the waves, and these tours feel like an action movie.
Pro Tips from Parents for Faroese Travel
- Make Tórshavn Your Base Camp: While hopping between remote cabins looks great on social media, packing up a toddler every two days is exhausting. The islands are small enough that you can base yourself in the capital, Tórshavn, and do day trips. You will have access to pharmacies, playgrounds, and grocery stores (look for the Bónus supermarkets with the giant pink pig logo to stock up on diapers and snacks).
- Dining Out is Tricky: Restaurants in the Faroe Islands are exceptionally expensive and rarely cater specifically to kids. Book reservations in advance. For a treat that parents will love and kids will tolerate, book a table at Etika Sushi. It is the only Japanese restaurant in the country, serving world-class, ultra-fresh local Faroese salmon.
- Master the Layers: The Faroese saying is, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." You will experience bright sun, sideways rain, and biting wind all in one afternoon. Dress your kids in a merino wool base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a wind/waterproof outer shell. Skip the heavy winter puffer coats; they just get wet and heavy.
- Understand the Tunnels: Driving is the best way to get around, but be prepared for sub-sea tunnels. Some of the older tunnels (especially in the northern islands) are single-lane and pitch black, requiring you to pull into small lay-bys to let oncoming traffic pass. It can be nerve-wracking for the driver, but kids usually find it thrilling. Also, toll fees for the sub-sea tunnels are typically registered automatically via cameras and billed to your rental car company.
Traveling to a remote archipelago with young children is never going to be the most relaxing beach vacation you have ever taken. It requires planning, a lot of waterproof gear, and a healthy dose of flexibility. But when you are standing on a cliffside watching your toddler point in awe at a cascading waterfall, or laughing together as a rogue gust of wind messes up everyone's hair, you will realize it is entirely worth the effort. Finding the right things to do in faroe islands with kids turns a potentially daunting trip into a deeply bonding, unforgettable family adventure.