I may be terrified of heights, but the chance to enjoy a helicopter ride over the stunning Faroe Islands was an opportunity I just couldn’t turn down! Helicopters may usually be the preserve of the rich and famous, but in the Faroes, an archipelago of 18 islands in the remote Atlantic, helicopters are a way of life.
Read on for how to book a helicopter ride in the Faroe Islands:
Want to really treat yourself? Check out James Bond Executive Helicopter Tour at the end of this post.
Faroe Islands Helicopter
Helicopter routes on the Faroe Islands were originally established as a link for inhabitants of the smaller, more remote islands to make it easier for them to get to the busier islands. Some are only connected to others via ferry, which can mean a simple trip into town for shopping can take hours. By comparison, the helicopter ride all the way from Klaksvík to Tórshavn only takes 12 minutes.
What Will You See During a Faroe Islands Helicopter Ride?
The Faroe Islands have one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. Viewing these remarkable islands from above is the best way to take it all in – absolutely breathtaking. If you fly over Vágar you’ll see the magnificent optical illusion lake Sørvágsvatn. In the north you’ll see remote mountains and in the south you’ll be treated to stunning coastline and cliffs.
How Much Does it Cost?
As it’s mainly intended to promote connectivity on the islands, the helicopter service is subsidised by the government. This makes it incredibly cheap as far as helicopter rides go. I paid DKK 215 (GBP £25) for mine – bargain!
Routes
The helicopters fly from most of the bigger towns on the Faroe Islands such as Tórshavn and Klaksvík. But also service many of the more remote areas too such as Mykines (the island with the puffins) and Svínoy. You can find a route grid here.
It is not usually possible to book a round trip (unless you book the special Experience Vágar From Above service). So, you’ll need to plan how you’ll get to/from your departure/landing points. The bus service in the Faroe Islands is very good, with warm comfy buses – see timetables here).
The “Tórshavn Layover”
There are some routes (such as Klaksvík – Vágar) where you’ll need to get off the helicopter at Tórshavn for a “layover” and get back on later. Meanwhile the helicopter flies off to some of the more remote islands. DO NOT be tempted to just stay on board for a longer trip. If any of the journey legs are fully booked you’ll risk having to get off and be stranded on a remote island for the night. If in doubt, ask the staff to clarify your route for you when you check in at the beginning your flight. (It’s difficult to ask the pilots because of the noise).
How to book a Faroe Islands Helicopter
Book your helicopter ride on the Atlantic Airways website. Click the flag in the top right corner to change to language to English).
Definitely book in advance. There are only 12 bookable seats on each leg. Flights cannot be booked any earlier than 7 days before departure.
Check the timetable in advance as the routes are not available every day of the week.
Know Before You Go
Definitely make sure you know where the correct helipad is before your departure time. Tórshavn can be confusing as Google Maps also shows the helipad at the hospital on the other side of town.
If you’ve booked the helicopter to Mykines with the ferry back you MUST check the weather for the ferry back before you fly to Mykines. You don’t want to end up getting stranded if the ferry is cancelled.
The helicopters operate all year round, but always keep an eye on the weather forecast. Conditions in the Faroe Islands can change suddenly. Your flight may be cancelled if Atlantic Airways do not think it’s safe to fly.
What’s more, the passenger helicopters also double up as rescue helicopters. This means your trip could get cancelled if there’s an emergency on the islands.
Find further information about the helicopters and booking on Atlantic Airways website.
James Bond Executive Helicopter Tour
If you fancy really treating yourself, Guide to Faroe Islands offer a James Bond Executive Helicopter Tour. This is a tad more pricey than the option above, but definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During this tour you’ll see the filming location where James Bond gets killed in the movie No Time To Die. Not only will you fly over stunning locations but you also get to land at the Kallur Lighthouse. From here a local guide will take you for an adventurous hike to the isolated village Trøllanes. This location was used as the villains lair in No Time To Die. Further information can be found on the Guide to Faroe Islands website.
Read my other posts about the Faroe Islands here.
Totally understand having a fear of heights. While I haven’t done a helicopter ride, I have been able to go up into tall building such as the Eiffel Tour. Guess a helicopter ride might need to be my next step to overcoming my fear.
That’s probably the cheapest helicopter ride that I’ve heard of! It looks like you get some incredible views during the ride too.
What an incredible helicopter ride for such a reasonable price! I definitely appreciate the detail concerning the booking, for it is always best to know everything is advance to avoid confusion or getting stranded anywhere!
I’ve always wanted to visit the Faroe Islands and didn’t realize helicopters are a regular mode of transport between the islands. For the price it is hard to pass up for the views! Thanks for the great tips and info which I’ll definitely use later!
Wow, taking a helicopter ride looks like the best way to see the Faroe Islands! What a bargain too! I’ve never been on a helicopter before, but the views look spectacular. I’d love to give it a go one day! Thanks for the great guide!
This is so fabulous. I love seeing cities/islands from the air, it is such a great perspective. I can’t believe how inexpensive this tour was!! Definitely saving for future reference.
Omg looks so much fun! Can’t believe how cheap it is!