How to Book a Helicopter Ride in the Faroe Islands

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:

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.

Read my other posts about the Faroe Islands here.