Wild, unpredictable and raggedly beautiful, the 18-island archipelago of the Faroe Islands is like no other land. Where sheer jagged cliffs rise above the shores and colourful roofed houses dot the islands, providing the most beautiful backdrop to the raw landscape, Faroe Islands welcome you with 70, 000 sheep and 50,000 people.
In the barren lands where people and sheep welcome you with open hearts, Faroe Islands offer some of the most epic “to-do” lists. From hikes that take you to the edge of the world, to eating locally sourced Michelin star food, Faroe Islands will leave you in awe at every turn. The word “Faroe” is translated from Norse to English and means “Sheep”. So, welcome to the “Sheep Islands”.
Here I am, once again making your trip to the Faroe Islands as easy as possible. This is all you need to know before you plan your visit.
Are the Faroe Islands a Country?
Faroe Islands are a part of the Kingdom of Denmark but are not a member of the EU, even if Denmark is. The small islands that collectively make the Faroe Islands are self-governing while still falling under the Kingdom of Denmark’s external sovereignty. Hence the answer to this question is both a yes and no! Rocky and volcanic, these islands are a bit far away from Denmark and are actually much closer to Norway, Iceland, and Scotland. They speak Faroese which is the Norse language.
How to Get to the Faroe Islands?
To get to the Faroe Islands you would have to either fly to Copenhagen, Denmark or Reykjavík, Iceland. From here you will find a direct flight to the islands. This will also be the cheapest possible option.
Price: 250 € (Rs 20,000)
What are the Visa Regulations for the Faroe Islands?
Indian passport holders require a visa to enter the Faroe Islands. Do not confuse this with the Schengen Visa. The Faroe Islands require you to hold a special visa to enter.
Since you will have to land in the EU before embarking on your journey to the Faroe you would also need to hold a Schengen visa.
Price: 80 € (Rs 6,000)
How to Get Around in the Faroe Islands?
Public Transport:
A few buses run from the Vagar airport to the nearby touristic destinations, but they are limited.
Car Rental:
The best way to get around the islands is by car. Car rental will give you the freedom to explore the island at your pace and that is indeed the best way to enjoy your trip. The roads are well-made and easy enough to ride on. But the islands are major cliffs so if you are not comfortable with steep winding roads, maybe travel with someone who is.
Price: 70-100 Euros/Day (Rs 6500-8000/Day)
With that in mind, I’ve listed a few key driving tips to make sure you’re safe and aware on these foreign roads:
1) Enjoy the views, but keep your eyes on the road. Unexpected obstacles can and do pop up unexpectedly!
2) The distances are not long but you do need to plan for unexpected weather events.
3) Mind the sheep, they are everywhere on the islands but honestly, this is the best kind of traffic jam.
4) Drive slowly through tunnels, especially the single-lane ones
5) Always have your headlights on (even during the day); it’s required by law
6) Tunnels charge a toll payment of DKK 100 (about 11) for return trips, and you can pay at one of the petrol stations (if not included in your car hire)
7)The speed limit is 80km/h on main roads and 50km/h within urban areas
8)Some of the roads are very narrow, so take it easy when going around corners.
When Should You Visit the Faroe Islands?
The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is in the summer i.e., from June to August. I visited the islands late in September and it was already pushing with the weather.
Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands?
Air BnB
As hotels can get a bit expensive, I recommend you look for Air BnB's as per your itinerary.
Here is the list of Air BnB's that we stayed at.
2) Streymoy for Day 2 and Day 3
Tip: when looking for a hotel or an Air BnB remember to check the location in comparison to your itinerary. Make sure your last visit of the day and your booking are on the same island. The islands are tiny but due to the fjords getting around takes time.
Camping
Camping is the cheapest option for staying on the islands but comes with risks. With inclement weather and gale-force winds being regular visitors around here, you'll need to be adequately prepared. wild camping is illegal in the Faroes.
Here is a 4 Day Itinerary for the Faroe Islands.
Here is a list of all the things that you should see while on your visit to the Faroe Islands. As long as you plan your day efficiently, a lot can be done.
DAY 1
Vagar
There’s only one airport in the Faroe Islands, on the island of Vágar, and hence, this is where it makes sense to start your trip.
And incidentally, it’s one of the most varied and beautiful of all the islands, with two of the Faroes’ most iconic sights easily within reach.
Lake Sørvágsvatn
So, for our first day, we started with the hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn. When you think of Faroe, this is the picture that pops up. A relatively easy hike that rewards you with breath-taking backdrops and if you get lucky witness one of the most spectacular views in the Faroes: a gorgeously placid lake where, through a trick of perspective, the height difference between you and the lake basin makes it appear as if the lake itself it is teetering on the edge of the cliff!
Bøsdalafossu Waterfalls
If you walk a bit further on the trail, you will witness the Bøsdalafossu, a waterfall that trickles from Lake Sørvágsvatn into the Atlantic Ocean below.
Price for the hike: 26€ (Rs 2,100)
Gásadalur & Múlafossur Waterfall
Next, you can drive to the most visited tourist spot of the Faroe Islands. The village of Gásadalur is a fairyland village with turf-roofed houses and colourful walls.
Trøllkonufingur
The troll finger viewpoint is extraordinary. You can drive your car all the way until the last Km of the hike. The view of the troll’s finger that shoots out of the wild Atlantic Ocean is a must. The rough winds from the open view and the calmness of this place are why it turned out to be one of my favourites.
For the first day, these 3 things are good enough. On your way, you will come across many tiny villages that will make you want to stop. So always factor these stops in.
DAY 2
MYKINES
If you are visiting the islands during the summer (June to August) then a trip to the Mykines is a must. This remote western island is home to some of the archipelago’s most striking landscapes, but its biggest tourist attraction is the puffins.
From May through August, there are two daily ferries departing from Sørvágur at 10:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m, returning from Mykines at 11:05 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. Tickets are 60 DKK (€8/Rs 650) each way and should be purchased in advance as crossings regularly fill up. In addition, there is a 100 DKK (13 €/Rs 1,050) fee if you want to explore beyond the village.
If you are not visiting during the summer months then I’d suggest heading to the northern isle of Kalsoy instead.
DAY 3
STREYMOY AND EYSTUROY
After spending two days hiking, spend the day behind the wheel meandering from one beautiful village to the next.
Start your drive and stop at the following points.
Týggjará Waterfall
This cascading waterfall sitting on the edge of the cliff is worthy of a stop. During a rainy day get ready to be splashed by the cold, refreshing water.
Vestmanna
Next stop at the famous Vestmanna for a cup of coffee. From this port, there are ferry tours that take you around the islands. The ferries run during the summer every day and in the later months depending on the weather
Saksun
The drive to Saksun will make you want to move to the Faroe Islands. With the giant green cliffs surrounding you, the wind that whistles melodies and the smell of fresh green grass, the drive around the islands is worth it. When you arrive at Saksun, you will be welcomed by the beautiful waterfalls that surround you and the huts that teleport you to another world.
Saksun has two viewpoints.
1) This is from over the cliff, watching the fjords.
2) This is from the bottom, near the black sand beach.
I recommend you do both as these two are worlds apart. Viewpoint 1 reminds me of a fairly land, whereas the latter reminded me volcanic beaches of Iceland.
Tjørnuvík
Next up is another village nestled in the bosom of the fjords. The coloured houses are just the perfect pop of colour that was needed in an overall green dramatic backdrop.
DAY 4
STREYMOY AND EYSTUROY
Fossá
The first stop for the day is the Fossá waterfall. This two-tier waterfall and the largest on the islands. Besides its impressive formation, Fossá Waterfall is known for its dark basalt wall which is an amazing contrast to the white water. You can get really close to the waterfall which is always an awe-inspiring experience.
Fossá waterfall is especially impressive during rainy days. When standing in front of the constant flow of water, you will feel the spray on your face.
Gjogv
Continue onwards to Gjogv, taking it slowly along the spectacular mountain pass that swings around Slættaratindur and stopping at the viewpoints to explore a little further on foot.
At the village, it’s time to don those hiking boots. Stop and marvel at the marina around the gorge and then don your hiking boots to clamber up the grassy path toward the cliffs above the village.
Gjogv is also a rare place in Faroe where you will find coffee outside the capital, so make sure to enjoy a cup of the warm elixir after the hike.
Torshavn
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming Faroese capital. Stroll around the harbour surrounded by colourful boats and chat with the fishermen selling their catch of the day. Wander and get lost amongst the grass-roofed houses and make the most of your last day.
If you have a couple of extra days, I recommend you add Kunoy, Viðareiði, Suðuroy, and Nolsoy.
I hope you have the entire ammunition required for your next Faroese trip. Faroe still remains one of the gems of the world that hasn’t been touched by mass tourism, so make sure you keep it the way you find it. Clean!
Let me know if you have any questions.
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