Faroe Islands

The Epitome of Astounding Landscape and Incredible Wildlife.

Set midway between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands is a self-governed, remote, and beguiling archipelago of 18 massive volcanic basalt rocks thrusting skyward.

The Faroe Islands is home to sublime cliff lines, and impenetrable, dramatic mountains with small, charming villages comprising colorful turf-topped houses tucked up neatly beside the sea. The isolated location of the Islands literally functions as a magnet for birds migrating over the North Atlantic Ocean. Enormous colonies of puffins, fulmars, guillemots, and storm petrels on its rugged terrain and precipitous cliffs along an exotic, rolling coastline. Apart from the birds, sheep occupy most of the landscape — there are 80,000 woolly grazers here, outnumbering the 50,000 human residents.

This vastly unspoiled, lush, and relatively undiscovered destination is a paradise for hikers, mountain climbers, outdoor adventure seekers, and nature buffs.

Here are five things that you should know before visiting this spectacular group of islands

How to reach the Faroe Islands?

Although the Faroe Archipelago is one of the most outlying locations in the world, it is more accessible than most people think. The islands are only a short flight from mainland Europe and a ferry ride away from Iceland and Denmark. Furthermore, there are non-stop flights from various destinations like Bergen in Norway, Reykjavik in Iceland, Copenhagen in Denmark, Edinburgh in Scotland, and Paris in France. In addition, many airlines operate seasonal flights if you want to travel from places like Malta, Barcelona, the Gran Canary Islands, Mallorca, and Crete.

Upon reaching the islands, renting a car or a bike is the best way to wander about and explore the country. Several companies render car rental and rent-a-bike services.

When is the best time to visit?

Despite being in the northern latitude range, the Faroe Islands have mild seasons. Although the islands are generally windy, cloudy, and cool throughout the year, the climate is oceanic. Disparities in altitude, topography, ocean currents, and wind significantly impact the weather, making it unpredictable and highly changeable. With all the variations, the islands, even though they are close by, literally experience all four seasons in one day — bringing rain in one area, snow in the next, and gleaming sun in another.

Undoubtedly the best time to visit the archipelago is during the long days of summer, giving you extra time to indulge outdoors. With an average temperature of 13°C, the summers are relatively cool. While the spring and autumn show around 8 ° C, the winters are mild, with about 3°C on average.

The country’s tourism department state that the islands are at their best between May and the end of July, and several travelers swear by it. During this season, the weather is at its most stable, and the evenings are light, allowing you to take in all the enticing natural beauty of the region — from the waterfalls glisten against the patchwork of whites and blues of the northern sky to wildflowers growing amid the deep-green tussock grass of the valley slopes.

What to do on the Islands?

It is a perfect destination for outdoorsmen.

With raw and rugged landscapes, and glorious and unrivaled nature, once you get off the beaten path on foot, look around you, take a few steps, take a deep breath, and listen — the mountains and valleys will open up for you in most remarkable and unexpected ways.

From sailing swiftly through the strong currents of the navy-blue ocean to epic hikes to the edge of the world (seemingly), cliff jumping to rappelling the towering sea stacks and seawalls, exquisite birdwatching to riding the small, hardy, and good-natured Faroese horses, Faroe Islands are the perfect playground for adventure sports of all sorts!

One of the greatest outdoor pleasures you cannot miss is driving through roads and bridges, meandering along the lush green valleys and rocky terrains of these gorgeous islands and the undersea tunnels connecting the islands.

Are Faroe Islands Safe and Family-Friendly?

With about 50,000 friendly inhabitants, the Faroe Islands is one of the safest places on the planet. the Faroe Islands are an excellent choice of destination for families. Far-stretching scenic panoramas, easy hikes, ferry rides between the islands, warm indoor swimming pools, and expanding outdoor play areas make these islands a fun, soothing, and adventurous for a family vacation.

Top 6 destinations in the Faroe Islands

Each of the 18 islands embraces you with unique, spellbinding sights to behold and cherish — Here are some of the exciting sites for sightseeing in the archipelago.

Gjogv

This charming village on the northeast tip of the Eysturoy island has splendid hiking and walking trails that proffer some of the spectacular views of the North Atlantic and the surrounding islands.

Mykines

This secluded village of the Vagar islands has rolling hills and dramatic cliffs with incredible views of the ocean to the west, and the other islands on the east are home to abundant birdlife.

Saksun

This iconic village near the capital Tórshavn is one of the most isolated settlements in the Faroe Islands. The turf-roofed houses, the beautiful old church, and the sandy lagoon set amidst the lush field and soaring peaks, and the calmness of this incredibly majestic landscape rejuvenates your mind and soul.

Gásadalur

This village on the west side of Vágar is home to the most beautiful waterfall Múlafossur. The village sits on the edge of Mykinesfjørður, overlooking the Atlantic, flanked by verdant fields and tall mountains to all sides.

Slættaratindur

It is the highest mountain located in the northern part of Eysturoy, between the villages of Eiði, Gjógv, and Funningur. Standing at 880 meters, the view from the top is breathtakingly marvelous. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Vatnajökull in Iceland, which is 550km away.

Vestmannabjørgini

Vestmannabjørgini, aka Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, is a land of rich birdlife. A boat trip through the deep caverns, narrow straits, and 700 -meter towering cliffs is an otherworldly experience.

Apart from the above, vacationers have tagged several other gorgeous sights as unfathomable natural beauty and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.

Faroe Islands’ unmissable and magnificent natural setting made its way to every traveler’s wanderlust list. Nature, as a whole, is revered here, and its unprecedented scenery offers the freshest of air and a sense of peace amidst liberation.