Wild, remote, perpetually wind-lashed and separated by less than 700 kilometres of choppy North Atlantic waters, it’s fair to say that Iceland and the Faroe Islands share much in common – both geographically and culturally. Though noticeably distinct from one another, their rugged, endlessly dramatic landscapes are the product of ancient volcanic eruptions and immense glacial forces. They’re steeped in Viking heritage, their languages derive from Old Norse, both have more sheep than people, and centuries-old fishing traditions remain integral to hardy, close-knit coastal communities whose way of life has long been underpinned by a deep connection to nature.
One area in which Iceland and the Faroes significantly differ, however, is bathing culture. Whereas natural hot springs, geothermal lagoons and public pools are ubiquitous throughout Iceland, and bathing forms a core part of the national identity, the same can’t be said of the Faroes. Similarly, while sauna culture has long been prevalent throughout the Nordics, it hasn’t quite taken hold to the same extent in the Faroe Islands – until recently, that is.
Over the past few years, the Faroese wellness scene has started to flourish, with fjord-side saunas and cold water bathing facilities popping up in several locations throughout the archipelago. Beyond the myriad health benefits they provide, these places have become thriving community hubs and spaces to socialise. In Leynar, a small village on Streymoy Island, Havdypp Day Spa earned a mention as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Go in Europe in 2025, while the newly-opened KG Hotel in Klaksvík features an impressive spa with a sauna, a steam bath and a heated pool.
Heated rooftop infinity pool at Ress Spa, Hotel Føroyar
At the forefront of the Faroe Islands’ growing wellness scene is Ress Spa at Hotel Føroyar, which became the archipelago’s first ever full-scale luxury spa when it launched in 2021. In 2025, it opened with brand new and expanded facilities, and this year, it was named on TIME’s prestigious World’s Greatest Places of 2026 list. Below, we take a deeper look inside Ress Spa, and why it deserves a place on any Faroe Islands itinerary.
In focus: Ress Spa at Hotel Føroyar
Carved into a grassy hillside overlooking Tórshavn, Ress Spa is an oasis of tranquility that merges seamlessly into the landscape. On arrival, you’re given a plush bathrobe, slippers and swimwear before making your way along a curved, wooden footpath that’s framed by rock walls and burrowed several feet into the Earth, leading from the main Hotel Føroyar building to a turf-roofed, two-tiered Spa House.
Step inside the black-tiled ground floor and you’ll find a couple of saunas, a cold plunge pool and a steam bath that produces mineral-infused rain showers and vapour clouds drawn from volcanic stones. There’s a heated pool, too, with floor-to-ceiling windows that further enhance the sense of immersion in nature while offering expansive views over the hillside, Tórshavn and the ocean beyond.
The Spa House is designed for guests to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, as the heated pool extends to an open-air section where the cool breeze provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, soothing water. There’s also a relaxation room with hanging chairs, as well as a small bar area with complimentary chilled water and a menu of alcoholic and soft drinks.
Venture upstairs for a soak in the outdoor, infinity-edge rooftop pool, with even better views overlooking the Faroese capital and the surrounding landscapes that slope gently down towards the sea. Another sauna completes the upper floor, so you can easily alternate between open-air bathing and indoor relaxation, whatever the Faroese weather has in store. A variety of massages, facials and skin treatments are also available at Ress Spa on request.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, unwind and rejuvenate after a day spent exploring the magnificent landscapes and postcard-perfect villages of the Faroe Islands. Hotel Føroyar is just a 15-20 minute walk or a five-minute taxi ride from downtown Tórshavn, and standard entry to the Ress Spa costs 595 DKK per person (as of October 2026).
