Vágar Island, Faroe Islands Travel Guide

Discover Vágar Island, the gateway to the Faroe Islands, where dramatic landscapes and serene lakes meet picturesque villages and rich culture.

Vágar Island, one of the most enchanting locations in the Faroe Islands, offers a blend of dramatic landscapes, serene lakes, and picturesque villages. Known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures, Vágar is a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. The island is home to the renowned Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, which appears to float above the ocean due to an optical illusion. Visitors can hike around the lake and enjoy breathtaking views of the cliffs and the sea. Another must-see is the iconic Múlafossur Waterfall in the village of Gásadalur, where water cascades directly into the ocean, creating a mesmerizing sight. Besides its natural wonders, Vágar Island also provides a glimpse into Faroese culture and history. The village of Bøur, with its traditional grass-roofed houses and stunning views of the Tindhólmur islet, offers a charming experience. The island's airport, located near the village of Sørvágur, makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of the Faroe Islands.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Vágar Island.

Pack waterproof clothing as weather conditions can change rapidly.
Visit Sørvágsvatn during the late afternoon for the best photo opportunities.
Consider renting a car to explore the island at your own pace.
Check the local ferry schedules if planning to visit nearby islands.
Respect local wildlife and do not disturb nesting birds.
Try local Faroese dishes at village cafes for an authentic experience.

Explore Vágar Island: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Vágar Island

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Vestmanna Tourist Centre

Explore the dramatic Vestmanna sea cliffs and Faroese history at this vibrant tourist hub. Boat tours, dining, and cultural experiences await!

4.2

Vestmanna

Explore Vestmanna, a hidden gem in the Faroe Islands, famous for its stunning bird cliffs and rich culture, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Best landmarks in Vágar Island

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Kirkjubømúrurin

Explore the enchanting village of Kirkjubøur, where ancient history meets stunning landscapes in the heart of the Faroe Islands.

4.5

Múlafossur Waterfall

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Múlafossur Waterfall, where nature's splendor meets the rugged cliffs of the Faroe Islands.

4.8

Gjógv Natural Harbour

Explore Gjógv Natural Harbour, a breathtaking destination in the Faroe Islands known for its stunning landscapes and rich local culture.

4.8

Vágar Airport

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Faroe Islands via Vágar Airport, your gateway to adventure and culture in this Nordic paradise.

4.3

Best restaurants in Vágar Island

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Katrina Christiansen

Discover the authentic taste of Scandinavian cuisine at Katrina Christiansen in Tórshavn - where tradition meets modernity.

4.3

Angus Steakhouse

Experience culinary excellence at Angus Steakhouse in Tórshavn, where local flavors meet premium steaks for an unforgettable dining adventure.

4.1

Áarstova

Experience authentic Faroese cuisine at Áarstova in Tórshavn – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

4.5

Barbara Fish House

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Barbara Fish House in Tórshavn, where fresh local ingredients meet innovative culinary techniques.

4.3

Best bars in Vágar Island

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Irish Pub Torshavn

Immerse yourself in the rich blend of Irish and Faroese culture at Irish Pub Torshavn, where hearty food and friendly faces await.

4.1

Sirkus Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at Sirkus Bar in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands – the perfect spot for a memorable evening.

4.3

Mikkeller Tórshavn

Discover the essence of craft beer in Tórshavn at Mikkeller – a quirky bar serving unique brews and light bites in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6

Café Zorva

Discover the flavors of the Faroe Islands at Café Zorva, a charming brasserie in Sørvágur, offering fresh, local cuisine and stunning views.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Vágar Island

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Irish Pub Torshavn

Discover the heart of Irish culture at Irish Pub Torshavn, where traditional dishes and live music create a vibrant atmosphere in the Faroe Islands.

4.1

Sirkus Bar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Tórshavn at Sirkus Bar, where great music and delicious cocktails await.

4.3

Glitnir

Discover the lively nightlife of Tórshavn at Glitnir, a popular bar with an extensive drink menu and a vibrant atmosphere for all.

4.3

Blábar

Discover Blábar, a lively bar in Tórshavn, offering a mix of local culture and vibrant nightlife with signature drinks and live music.

4.5

Best shops in Vágar Island

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Bónus

Explore the vibrant offerings of Bónus in Sandavágur, your go-to grocery store for local and international flavors in the Faroe Islands.

4.4

FK Super Market

Explore local flavors and culinary treasures at FK Super Market in Miðvágur, your gateway to Faroese cuisine and culture.

4.2

PE Sørvágur

Discover the flavors of the Faroe Islands at PE Sørvágur, a charming grocery store in the picturesque village of Sørvágur.

4.1

Á handil

Explore the unique offerings of Á handil, the charming supermarket in Vestmanna, where local flavors and quality meet for an unforgettable shopping experience.

4.5

Explore Vágar Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Vágar Island, mapped for you.

Vágar Island Essentials

Vágar Island is home to the only airport in the Faroe Islands, Vágar Airport (FAE), which connects the archipelago to various European cities. Direct flights are available from Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Reykjavik, and other locations. Once you land, you can easily reach your accommodation by taxi, car rental, or the local bus service. The island is also connected to the rest of the Faroe Islands by a sub-sea tunnel, making it accessible by car from the capital, Tórshavn, and other islands.
Public transportation on Vágar Island is reliable with a network of buses operated by Strandfaraskip Landsins. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Car rentals provide the most flexibility for exploring the island at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are also an option for the more adventurous, given the island's scenic routes and trails.
The official currency of the Faroe Islands is the Faroese króna (DKK), which is pegged to the Danish krone. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages and remote areas. ATMs are available in the main towns.
Vágar Island is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being vigilant in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists on the island.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Vágar Island has a local police station and medical facilities, including a small hospital in the nearby town of Sørvágur. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the main towns for over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress in layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. If visiting churches, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Faroese people are generally friendly and open. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like skerpikjøt (dried mutton) and ræst (fermented fish). Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.
To experience Vágar Island like a local, consider visiting the village of Gásadalur and its famous waterfall, Múlafossur. Engage with locals, who are often willing to share stories and tips about the island. Attending a local festival or community event can provide deeper insights into Faroese culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike some of the island’s stunning trails, such as the route to Trælanípan and the Sørvágsvatn lake.

When is the best time to visit Vágar Island?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Vágar Island

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Vágar Island. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalló
  [hah-loh]
- GoodbyeFarvæl
  [far-vayl]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNei
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeVit vænta
  [veet vown-tah]
- Thank youTakk fyri
  [tahk fur-ee]
- Excuse me/SorryFyrirgef mær
  [feer-eer-gef my-ur]
- How are you?Hvussu gongur tú?
  [khvoos-soh gohn-gur too]
- Fine. And you?Gott. Og tú?
  [got ohg too]
- Do you speak English?Talar tú enskt?
  [tah-lahr too en-skt]
- I don't understandEg skilji ikki
  [ay shil-yee ee-kee]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil síggja menuin, vænta
  [ay veel see-gyah me-noo-in vown-tah]
- I don't eat meatEg eta ikki kjøt
  [ay eh-tah ee-kee chot]
- Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gjalda, vænta
  [ay veel gyahl-dah vown-tah]
- Help!Hjálp!
  [hyowlp]
- Go away!Far burtur!
  [far boor-toor]
- Call the Police!Ringið til Løgregluna!
  [reen-yith teel lur-eg-rew-loo-nah]
- Call a doctor!Ringið einum lækna!
  [reen-yith ay-num lyek-nah]
- I'm lostEg er týstur
  [ay air teest-ur]
- I'm illEg er sjúkur
  [ay air syoo-kur]
- I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...
  [ay veel keh-pah]
- I'm just lookingEg er bert at síggja
  [ay air be-rt at see-gyah]
- How much is it?Hvussu nógv kostar tað?
  [khvoos-soo no-gv koh-stahr tah]
- That's too expensiveTað er ov dyrt
  [tah air ohv deert]
- Can you lower the price?Kann tú lækka prísin?
  [kahn too ley-kah pree-sin]
- What time is it?Hvat er klokkan?
  [khwat air klohk-ahn]
- It's one o'clockTað er eitt
  [tah air ayt]
- Half past (10)Hálv tíggju
  [khowl-v tee-gyu]
- MorningMorgun
  [mohr-goon]
- AfternoonEttermiðdagur
  [et-ehr-mee-thah-goor]
- EveningKvøld
  [kvuhld]
- YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gair]
- TodayÍ dag
  [ee dah]
- TomorrowÍ morgin
  [ee mohr-gin]
- 1Eitt
  [ayt]
- 2Tvø
  [tvooh]
- 3Trý
  [tree]
- 4Fýra
  [fear-ah]
- 5Fimm
  [feem]
- 6Seks
  [seks]
- 7Sjey
  [shay]
- 8Átta
  [ow-tah]
- 9Ni
  [nee]
- 10Tíggju
  [tee-gyu]
- Where's a/the...?Hvar er ein...
  [khwahr air ayn]
- What's the address?Hvat er adressan?
  [khwat air ah-dress-ahn]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kann tú vísa mær (á korti)?
  [kahn too vee-sah my-ur (ow kohr-tee)]
- When's the next (bus)?Hvussu snøgt kemur næsta (buss)?
  [khvoos-soo snut keh-moor nai-stah boos]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein billet (til ....)
  [ayn bee-let teel]

History of Vágar Island

The history of Vágar Island dates back to the Viking Age, around the 9th century. Norse settlers were among the first to establish a community here. Archaeological findings, including ancient graves and tools, bear testament to the island's early inhabitants. These settlers brought with them their rich Norse culture, which influenced the island's development and traditions.
The village of Sandavágur is home to one of Vágar's most significant historical sites: the medieval church of Sandavágur. Built in the 13th century, the church is renowned for its distinctive architecture and its role as a central place of worship for the island's inhabitants. It also houses a rune stone from the Viking Age, discovered in 1917, which provides valuable insights into the early history of the Faroe Islands.
In the early 1600s, Vágar Island became the site of a significant conflict known as the Battle of Vágar. This battle was part of the larger struggle between the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway and Scottish pirates. The island's strategic location made it a target for piracy, and the battle marked a turning point in the Faroe Islands' efforts to resist external threats and maintain control over their waters.
During World War II, Vágar Island played a crucial role when British forces established an airfield in 1942. This airfield, now known as Vágar Airport, was pivotal for the Allies in maintaining control over the North Atlantic. The presence of the airfield brought significant changes to the island, including the construction of infrastructure and the influx of military personnel. Today, Vágar Airport remains the main gateway to the Faroe Islands, symbolizing the island's strategic importance during the war.
In recent decades, Vágar Island has seen substantial growth in tourism. The island's natural beauty, including the famous Múlafossur waterfall and the picturesque village of Gásadalur, attracts visitors from around the world. Efforts to preserve the island's cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism have been central to its development. The island's historical sites, combined with its stunning landscapes, offer a unique blend of history and natural splendor.