Who doesn’t love whisking off to the wilderness to explore the untamed beauty of Mother Nature?
And given that your getaway location is not a tourist hotspot with hoards of people everywhere and high costs, it’s just a cherry on the top, innit? Explore all about the Faroe Islands in Denmark here!
The Faroe Islands in Denmark are a less popular tourist destination with no opulent resorts or beaches, and summertime temperatures never rise above 15 degrees Celsius.
However, you will undoubtedly want to travel to the Faroe Islands since there is everything for every kind of traveller to see.
Perhaps the closest you’ll get to believing you’re poised on the very brink of the world is by trekking up to the highest point of the hillsides on the islands and gazing out to the untamed North Atlantic tumbling below you.
The Faroe Islands in Denmark are an independent archipelago with a distinct history and culture, although they’re administered and associated with the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Faroe Islands have a lot to offer, including majestic waterfalls, a fascinating Viking history, and some of the prettiest villages you’ve ever seen. Put them on your list of places to visit, they are worth it!
While tourists are beginning to discover the archipelago’s rocky peaks, hiking paths, waterfalls, and rugged coasts, music enthusiasts may already be familiar with the area from its five annual live music festivals.
Additionally, there are plenty of sites for social media influencers to keep them taking pictures.
The Faroe Islands in Denmark are small, but they’re simply amazing. When you explore these isolated islands, you can go kayaking through deep, dark fjords, trekking up sleek, sloping mountains or diving sea cliffs, and marvelling at “floating” rivers and stunning waterfalls.
There is gorgeous scenery all around you and you simply have to take a quick drive, stroll, or turn your head towards the windows to find it.
A Marvel Awaiting to be Explored
The Faroe Islands in Denmark are a group of 18 volcanic islands that are a component of the Kingdom of Denmark and are nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Iceland and Norway.
Its settlements and towns are home to whitewashed medieval churches and turf-roofed cabins, while its surroundings are defined by rocky beaches, high mountains, and deep fjords.
The Faroe Islands are a photographer’s paradise with their dramatic landscapes and Middle-earth vibes, but there’s a lot more to this archipelago than just breathtaking mountains thanks to their unique blend of traditional and modern culture.
Nothing compares to breathing in pure sea air after climbing to the summit of a mountain. It makes an unforgettable touch to the soul. A vacation to the Faroes may be an actual intake of fresh air if you’re hoping to get away from the bustle of city life.
Magnificent waterfalls are an iconic element of the Faroese landscape, from witnessing the water crash from the black basalt rock at Fossá cascade to witnessing the magnificent Múlafossur fall plunge down a massive sea cliff.
A benefit of the consistently rainy weather is that you’ll find a ton of makeshift waterfalls that pop up during a downpour.
In the Faroes, wonderful things come in tiny packages, and you’ll be amazed at how such a vibrant artistic and musical scene can exist in such a remote location.
Many of festival-goers travel from all over Europe each summer to attend music festivals such as G!, the Summer Festival, and Summartónar, where they watch performances by both national and foreign performers. Even more motivation to schedule a summertime getaway!
Top 7 Things You Must Do
Okay yeah, you travelled to the Faroes after a great deal of planning for months, but what to do now that you are here? Read on to know!
1. Meander Through the Island
Mykines, the largest and westernmost land in the Faroes islands, serves as a nesting habitat for a variety of migrating seabirds, including the goofy and adorable Puffin.
Throughout the summer, the westernmost part of the island becomes a swarm of colour and sound due to the abundance of seabird nests and puffin burrows.
You will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of the island on the trek to the beacon at the point of the island, which is an absolute must. The hike is 3–4 hours, though very mountainous.
Along the way, you’ll pass across puffin breeding burrows, so be sure to stay on the route in all circumstances. Take some time to visit the nearby village, which currently has about eight full-time residents after formerly housing 180 people.
The Mykines, also referred to as “puffin paradise,” are a popular tourist destination! One of the greatest locations to watch puffins and activities in the Faroe Arpilego is the tiny island on the western coast!
The little charming puffins found here are a species of seabird that spends the summertime months burrowing and nesting on Mykines Island.
The greatest time to see puffins in the Faroe Islands in Denmark is from the beginning of May through the end of August, if seeing them is one of your top travel goals.
Catch an island ferry from Størvágur to Mykines; it departs twice daily, depending on the weather.
2. Explore Sorvagsvatn Lake
Everyone’s wish list for the Faroe Islands in Denmark includes doing this, which is perhaps one of the best things to do there. The biggest lake in these islands Sørvágsvatn, is distinguished by the optical illusion it produces. In actuality, the lake has more depth than the ocean, but from some perspectives, it looks that way!
There are two ways to travel to Sørvágsvatn: by car, which takes around 40 minutes from Torshavn, the capital city, or by the local bus number 150.
To have the greatest view and witness the optical figment, I suggest hiking up to the waterfalls of Bøsdalafossur.
The hike is rated as easy to intermediate and takes about two hours to accomplish. Before arriving at the waterfall, the trek leaves from the town of Sørvágur and passes through some breathtaking scenery.
You can witness the optical illusion and enjoy a stunning view of the lakes once you arrive near the waterfall!
3. Try to Surf in Tjørnuvík
Tjørnuvík is considered to be one of the oldest villages in the Faroe Islands, according to Viking burials discovered in the valley’s eastern section. A slumbering town on the northernmost point of Streymoy Island, with the sight of the renowned Witch cliffs in the distance, faces the wide expanse of the ocean.
The Witch Rocks, who are significant figures in local tradition, are said to have attempted to take the Faroe Arpilego to Iceland. Beyond the scenery, Tjørnuvík is renowned as one of the best places in the Faroes to surf.
Only skilled surfers should venture out into the North Atlantic Ocean, as it may be both thrilling and incredibly dangerous.
Here in Tjørnuvík, a local crew of skilled surfers provides organized surf tours. The town of Saksun and the town of Tjørnuvík are connected by a well-liked hiking trail. The entire trek is 6.5 km long and 500 meters above sea level.
4. Have a Picnic by Múlafossur
The little town of Gásadalur is tucked away in a remote valley. It was completely cut off from the outside world until 2004. One of the most magnificent waterfalls on this continent is now easily accessible due to a well-constructed tunnel.
Tourists to Gásadalur have a profound sense of being out of breath as the waterfall plummets 60 meters (200 feet) straight down from the rock face into the ocean. Múlafossur Waterfall is located on Vagar Island.
Enjoy the secluded valley where the exquisite nature shower is situated on this highly recommended day trip with an expert guide from the area. Taking in the scenery of Gásadalur is a life-changing mind-boggling event for sure!
The village itself has a really Faroese vibe to it, with little houses wrapped up in grass. Hiking or helicopter were the only ways to get to the town until 2004 when a passageway was constructed to connect it to Søvágur.
The magnificent Mulafossur Waterfall cascades into the ocean on calmer days, plunging over a 100-foot ledge. When it’s windy, the water whirls around and part of it shoots skyward rather than downward.
Travel east from Vagur airport via the passageway and the town of Bøur to reach Gásadalur and Múlafossur waterfalls. After that, it’s a quick stroll to the vantage point at Múlafossur Falls.
5. Lose Yourself in the Beauty of Fossa
Among the top attractions in this region is the breathtaking Fàssa waterfall. Situated on the tiny island of Eysturoy, Fòssa Falls is the biggest cascade in the Faroe Islands in Denmark.
The waterfall, which is roughly 100 meters tall, is most impressive to view right after an episode of intense rain when the flow of water is at its fastest.
You have two options for getting to the waterfall: driving (from Torshavn takes approximately 30 minutes) or taking the bus (the bus route requires approximately an hour to get there).
To get a better look, there is a hiking track leading you to the waterfall, but be safe and wear sports shoes!
Although not immediately visible, the trailhead for the hike that leads to the cascades is located at the base of the road, close to the parking area. It’s not hard, but there is a steep slope where you have to trek up rocks, so only people who are at ease with cliffs and have decent hiking shoes should attempt this.
6. Tour Kalsoy
One of the most distinctive and stunning locations in the region is Kalsoy, which is absolutely worth exploring! The island of Kalsoy is situated north of Torshavn, the country’s capital.
From the village of Klaksvik, it takes thirty minutes to get there by ferry. Because of its limited capacity and high demand, I would advise travelling at least sixty minutes beforehand to guarantee a spot on the ship.
Kalsoy is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, verdant slopes, and quaint towns. Also, arguably the most beautiful hiking paths in the Faroes can be found there as well!
The journey to Mikladalur village, which passes through breathtaking countryside before arriving at the abandoned town, is one of the most well-liked hikes. You should be able to finish the hike in three to four hours.
7. Discover Trælanípa
Travellers from all around the world are drawn to the floating lake. They visit this breathtaking site to take in one of the greatest marvels of nature. This is a rather unusual place to explore, untamed, dangerous, but simply mesmerizing.
You can visit the top locations on the island, notably the well-known Traelanípa viewpoint, with this supervised tour, so book these beforehand.
On the island of Vagar, Traelanípa, sometimes referred to as the Slave Cliff, is located close to the Faroe Islands’ lone Atlantic airways. It will take you one hour to trek to Trælanípa.
It is a simple hike as the path has very little elevation gain. Shortly before you arrive at your destination, you will come to a slight slope. Hence, I will again emphasize the importance of carrying good hiking shoes.
You also must visit the central library to learn more about Faroese literature, a must-do for sure!
Are these Island Autonomous?
Denmark maintains external jurisdiction over the self-governing state of the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands in Denmark are the only ones with the authority to govern themselves, legislate, and administer in a variety of fields.
The preservation and administration of terrestrial and marine resources, environmental preservation, subsurface management of resources, trade, taxes, labour relations, transportation, energy, social security, education, culture, and academic endeavours are a few examples of these.
Faroese sovereignty in international relations is granted by a treaty involving the Denmark and Faroes, that has been adopted into law. The Faroe Islands in Denmark have opted to stay out of the European Union, despite Denmark being a member state.
The free trading agreement governs trade relations between the Faroe Islands in Denmark and the EU. The first-generation agreement, which focused on the liberalization of goods tariffs went into effect in 1997.
The European Union, which is followed by China, Norway, Russia, and the UK is by far the Faroe Islands’ biggest partner in commerce.
The Faroe Islands in Denmark fall under the jurisdiction of the European Union’s Arctic Policies, which intend to improve employment, sustainable growth, and education for Arctic residents in the future.
With several educational and research institutes, as well as free basic and secondary education for everybody, the Faroe Islands boast a highly educated populace.
In their early years, a large number of Faroese pursued education and employment in a variety of fields elsewhere before relocating to their native country.
In today’s globalized world, the Faroese people have also long maintained and nourished a broad global perspective, owing to the adaptability and mobility that characterize many island nations.
As a result, the Faroe Islands actively engage in a variety of global fisheries management treaties and organizations in addition to negotiating their own economic and aquaculture deals with the European Union and other nations.
It’s also a little-known fact that pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands is referred to as “grindadrap” in Faroese culture. Based on old beliefs, the Faroese consider this tradition to be fundamental to their distinctive culture and an ecologically sound way of gathering food.
According to the locals, the killing of whales and dolphins is not really commercialized. Because pilot whales have lengthy, natural lives below the water, shooting and consuming them is seen as more natural and viable than industrial farming because they are like “free-range” meat.
Kind of like eating chicken or turkey, many would say. Let us know what you think in the comments!
Also Known By and Interesting Name
How would you feel if the place you live in is dominated by species other than humans? Because that’s what it is like in the Faroe Islands in Denmark.
Since the islands are involved in sheep raising, it is not shocking that the title of the islands, translated from one of the languages, means “sheep islands.”
The majestic, stormy Faroes, towering 200 miles farther north than Scotland from the North Atlantic, have historically been home to just a handful of farmers who make ends meet by farming an enormous number of sheep and durable crops on the few large patches of grasslands on the islands.
From the time when Irish monks first settled here to now, sheep still outweigh the 55,000 people who live on the islands.
Faroes, which translates to “sheep islands” in the Faroese language of Scandinavia, is the moniker of the archipelago given to them since they have proven so essential to life there.
Is a Trip to the Faroes Worth it?
Despite being midway betwixt Iceland and Scotland, the Faroe Islands in Denmark are still distinctly their own nation and have their own Faroese parliament and prime minister.
Though not yet autonomous, this Danish component nation has experienced an unexpected surge in travel over the last ten years as travellers seek fresh experiences and ways to get away from the more densely populated Iceland.
This amazing 18-island cluster is known for its towering coastal cliffs, vibrant seabird colonies, and an abundance of sheep. It is a little country with less than 50,000 people living in it, yet it has a lot of attractions, from amazing road trips and trekking to unreal exquisite dining experiences.
It’s practical to compare the scenery to a European version of Hawaii, with equally spectacular and breathtaking views; but, don’t come to this region of Northern Europe hoping to get a tan.
The Faroe Islands in Denmark still use grindadrap, despite annual protests against it. It is believed to have originated when the islands were originally populated. Every year, some 800 pilot whales are tragically killed during this dolphin drive, which is intended to hunt and kill the whales.
This accounts for fewer than 1% of the whales in the nation’s waterways, but every summer it sparks intense controversy due to its especially brutal nature and the claim that islands no longer require subsistence hunting.
In Torshavn, whale meat can be found on a number of menus, but it is always properly marked.
We also talked about Mykines above in the places to visit section, which are possibly the Faroe Islands’ finest treasures, although not hidden. The stunning island is home to enormous colonies of Atlantic puffins and northern gannets, many of which nest near the pathways that crisscross the cliff faces.
A prominent trek finishes at a historic lighthouse perched on a rock, marking the westernmost point of the nation.
There’s a rigorous limit on summertime numbers of visitors to preserve the beauty of Mykines and give the birds some space, so make sure to book well in advance to make sure it’s on your booked schedule.
Are these Islands Expensive?
Two things are certain to anyone who has visited the Faroe Islands: first, it is an incredible, breathtakingly beautiful country located in the unspoiled North Atlantic Ocean. Having said that, visitors will also be aware of the Faroe Islands’ high cost.
The Faroe Islands’ national currency is the króna. Although if you don’t have it, the Danish krone has been authorized to be accepted, the króna is bound to it.
But in the Faroe Islands in Denmark, cards are utilized everywhere, including on the boats. So, if you absolutely wanted to, you could survive completely on cash.
Hence, situated far out in the North, a trip to the isolated Faroe Islands in Denmark seems everything but inexpensive, so you may need to save a bit to plan a trip here. The islands may not be an economically affordable travel location, but there are methods to minimize expenses.
Reducing a last-minute rendezvous can result in significant financial savings. This holds true for nearly everything, including travel, lodging, guided excursions, and flights. Make your reservation as soon as possible.
Even though the idea of vacationing at an Airbnb is now appealing to you, hold on. A fantastic alternative is to go backpacking in the Faroe Islands. Camping allows you to simply stay within a restricted budget.
The natural environment is constantly changing when you travel to the land of uncertainty. Don’t bring that crappy pop-up tent from your neighbour, please. If you like the idea of staying outdoors, the climate in the site of camping is more manageable in the summer.
So, the bottom line is, book in advance!
Ideal Time to Visit for Enjoying to the Fullest
Summertime is perhaps the finest season for touring the Faroe Islands. The hottest and most pleasant weather is predicted for June through early September.
Because Faroes are tiny and the summer months are costly and crowded in Europe, you should make reservations in advance if you plan to come during this season. In addition, it’s the ideal season to hike in the most prominent locations.
Don’t let the Faroe Islands trick or tempt you if you’re looking for nice, warm temperatures in the summer. Even in the height of July, locals often found themselves pulling on their rain jackets and down jackets because it’s cold weather all year round!
Additionally, you’ll have the chance to visit a few of the more isolated islands, which aren’t often reachable in the winter. Even if it never seems particularly busy, keep in mind that summertime is peak travel season, so lodging may be more difficult to come by.
The best time for visiting and the most affordable time to visit do not coincide. Although prices in the Faroes rarely drop that low, winter is the best time to find the best deals.
EndNote
Anyone who likes untamed nature, a distinct but reminiscent culture, and stunning scenery that will inspire you to have faith in fairies and fantasy tales should definitely visit this 18-island Arpilego.
You expect stormy, windy, and damp conditions when you’re in an isolated archipelago in the midst of the North Atlantic. The Faroes have 300 days of rain on average a year, so you need always be ready with raincoats.
The surprising thing is, that most adventurers prefer the atmosphere to be gloomy and dark because it adds to the mystery of the scenery.
When the view is this incredible, do we really need to say more? You won’t put down your camera because there is simply so much splendour. Amazingly, there are a ton of incredible activities to do in such a desolate place.
The Faroe Islands will astound you at every step, with experiences ranging from breathtaking treks that seem to end at the edge of the earth to kayaking across the icy North Atlantic waterways and Norwegian sea, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants serving locally grown products, and seeing endangered puffins.
The Faroes Islands in Denmark are still somewhat of a hidden vacation gem, but that won’t last for long. Take this opportunity to discover this remote location’s pristine beauty now!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 3 days enough in the Faroe Islands?
You can see a lot of amazing places in three days of touring the Faroe Islands, but we recommend at least 4 nights and 5 days to get to know the real Faroe Islands.
2. Is it worth going to the Faroe Islands in Denmark?
The Faroe Islands are truly exceptional places, with golden mountain slopes in wintertime and vibrantly coloured grass-covered plains in the height of summer in July. The archipelago offers breathtaking scenery all year round, and given that it is less crowded is even better!
3. What is the best time of year to visit the Faroe Islands in Denmark?
In terms of weather, the Faroese summer months of June through September offer the finest circumstances due to their warm and clear weather, but this is highly probable.
Also, if you are embarking on an adventure to tour the world, add the Cinque Terre, a must-explore Italian marvel to your must-visit list. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments!
