The Faroe Islands can be a magical family destination, especially when you plan each day around your children. Roads are narrow, the weather can change quickly, and tunnels or ferries can add time to short journeys.
Renting a car gives you more control over stops, meals, naps, and sudden changes in weather. At the same time, exploring the Faroe Islands with kids is easier when your base is close to the places you most want to visit. Our guide explains where to stay, how to travel, and how to plan relaxed family days across the islands.
Your base affects how much driving you do each day. A good location also keeps shops, meals, indoor activities, and family services within practical reach.
Tórshavn is the capital and one of the easiest bases for families. You have shops, restaurants, hotels, playgrounds, baby supplies, and useful services close together. The road network also gives you easy access to Streymoy, Eysturoy, and Vágar through tunnels. When you visit the Faroe Islands with kids, this central location can reduce the need for frequent hotel changes.
Tórshavn also has the National Museum, the Faroese Aquarium, swimming pools, and the Nordic House for indoor time. A ferry runs from Tórshavn to Nólsoy in about 30 minutes.
Vágar is useful when you want a short first or last drive. Sørvágur and Sandavágur are close to Vágar Airport, so you can reach your accommodation quickly. You are also near Gásadalur, Múlafossur Waterfall, Lake Sørvágsvatn, and the Trælanípan area.
If you are planning a family trip to the Faroe Islands, Vágar can give you more time around the western sights. The Mykines ferry leaves from Sørvágur and takes about 45 minutes. You should check the weather, hiking rules, and ferry changes before travelling. Sørvágur has some shops and places to eat. Vágar has fewer indoor choices than Tórshavn, but it's ideal for shorter stays.
Eysturoy works well when you want quieter villages without giving up useful road links. Places such as Gjógv, Eiði, and Runavík offer mountain scenery close to your accommodation. You can reach Tórshavn through the Eysturoy subsea tunnel, which includes the well-known underwater roundabout.
You can also drive north towards Klaksvík through the Norðoy subsea tunnel. Staying here can cut down on daily driving when northern and eastern areas are high on your plans. Fuglafjørður is also within easy reach. Families may also enjoy the quieter pace around smaller villages. Guesthouses and hotels are available around Eysturoy.
Klaksvík is a practical northern base on Borðoy. The town has shops, accommodation, places to eat, and a family-friendly swimming pool. Roads and tunnels connect you with nearby northern islands, including Viðoy and Kunoy.
The ferry to Kalsoy leaves from Klaksvík and takes about 20 minutes. Cars can travel on the ferry, but you should arrive early if you're travelling by car. From Kalsoy, you can continue towards villages and the Kallur area. Viðareiði is another useful northern drive from Klaksvík. Klaksvík can reduce the need for repeated long drives if your main plans are in the north.
Transport matters more when children need breaks, food, naps, or quick changes of plan. Cars, buses, ferries, and organised tours can all form part of your trip.
A rental car gives you direct control over your day. You can stop for food, find a safe viewpoint, or return early when children get tired. Driving around the Faroe Islands with kids also makes it easier to carry rainwear, warm layers, pushchairs, and snacks.
Most islands in the main road network are linked by bridges, causeways, or subsea tunnels. Four subsea tunnels currently connect key parts of the islands, and each has its own toll rules. If the weather changes around one area, you can often switch your route before starting a longer drive. Watch for sheep on rural roads.
If your family plans include several tunnel crossings, booking a car with Final Rental lets you add unlimited use of the Vágar and Norðoyar tunnels at the time of booking. Ferry travel is also permitted, which gives you more options when your route reaches islands beyond the main road network.
Think about every passenger, child seat, pushchair, and large bag before choosing your car type. A compact car is useful on narrow roads, but luggage space can disappear quickly. A family car, estate car, or SUV can give you more boot space and easier rear-seat access.
Very large cars can be harder to place on narrow village roads and one-lane sections. If you need three child seats, confirm the rear-seat space before booking. Choose a size you already feel confident driving. If you normally drive an automatic, booking one can also remove the pressure of changing gears on steep roads.
Children need the correct restraint for their age, size, and height. Faroese road safety rules require children to use the correct child restraints. Seat belts are also required throughout the car. Reserve child seats before your trip, as availability can vary and extra fees may apply.
Most international visitors arrive at Vágar Airport. Picking up your car there means you can drive straight to your first base, which can also avoid an extra transfer before your road trip begins.
Some travellers prefer taking a taxi or transfer to Tórshavn and picking up a car later. That can work when your first day stays within the capital. However, you should compare transfer times, luggage, and your children’s energy levels before making a decision.
If you rent a car in the Faroe Islands, check the exact pick-up instructions before arrival. Your booking may also require documents and payment before the rental starts. Check the car rental company's out-of-hours instructions if your flight arrives late.
Several islands still need ferry service or small passenger boats. Ferry planning matters when you explore the Faroe Islands with kids because weather and seasonal timetables can change your day.
Check the latest timetable before every ferry day. Wind and sea conditions can change departures, especially on smaller routes. A short boat trip can be exciting for children, while a longer crossing needs extra snacks and entertainment.
The weather can look very different from one island to another, even on the same day. Keep a backup plan ready for days that include hiking, ferries, or longer outdoor stops. If roads in Vágar are wet, you could visit the National Museum, Faroese Aquarium, or Nordic House in Tórshavn. You might also choose a shorter coastal drive or move an outdoor stop to another day.
Pack waterproof coats and warm layers even when the morning starts clear. Check road conditions before mountain drives and stay on permitted roads, as off-road driving is prohibited.
Travelling through the Faroe Islands with kids is easier when you can adjust your plans around the weather, ferry schedules, and your children’s energy. Children may remember a quiet village, a ferry crossing, or sheep beside the road more than a long list of stops.
Book your car rental in the Faroe Islands with Final Rentals to have more freedom while exploring the Faroe Islands. You can choose from compact cars, family cars, and SUVs, depending on availability. Unlimited mileage is included, along with winter tyres, so you can plan longer family drives without watching the distance. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
You can watch puffins, visit Gásadalur, walk around Tjørnuvík, and take family-friendly boat trips to Nólsoy or Kalsoy. Tórshavn also has the Faroese Aquarium and museums for wet days. Other things to do in the Faroe Islands with kids include visiting villages, exploring Viking history, and swimming indoors. Mykines is a great option for older children when the weather and hiking conditions are appropriate.
Renting a car is usually the easiest option for families because you can stop whenever your children need a break. You can carry pushchairs, child seats, snacks, and extra clothing without having to move everything between buses. Public transport in the Faroe Islands can still help on some routes, but ferries and buses follow fixed timetables.
Tórshavn is a practical base because restaurants, shops, playgrounds, and indoor attractions are close by. You can also take day trips without changing accommodation. Vágar is well-suited to shorter stays, especially if you want to stay near the airport. For a longer holiday, splitting your stay between different parts of the islands can reduce the need for repeated driving. The best base depends on the places you want to visit
