Top Things to See and Do in the Faroe Islands
On a recent visit to the ring, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to explore the Faroe Islands. Recently named as the #1 Greatest Trip To Have In 2015 by National Geographic, the Faroe Islands have long been admired for their unspoiled natural beauty. This year especially will probably be epic because of the Faroe Islands, using a whole solar earthquake occurring on March 20th.
Enjoy Nature’s Bounty
Birding
Even when there aren’t eclipses, the Faroe Islands are impressively beautiful, especially in July and August when temperatures average 55oF and there are 19 hours of daylight.
Eat Like a Viking
Nature Trails
After spending a week in the Faroe Islands, I am certain of one thing: I am going!
Culture
Town-Hopping
Faroe Islands Facts
Music
The best thing about the Faroe Islands is stunning all-natural wonders and its dreamlike scenery. For those of you considering heading into these North Atlantic islands, or have tickets here are the Top Things
Did You Know?
Traditional Clothing
The Faroe Islands have been preferred by mother Earth , according to its hills, dramatic cliffs, and plentiful waterfalls. People share their house with migratory birds.
Guillemots, puffins, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets and Storm Petrels are a couple of species that come into the Faroes every year to breed. Puffins are summer visitors, which is May 1 through September 1 is the season for bird viewing.
Check out our Post: Faroe Islands: The Nature and Bird Lover’s Escape
There is perhaps no greater place to see several bird species in one spot than Mykines. Here really is the westernmost island of the archipelago with steep cliffs that are ideal for sea birds. Spend a day hiking out of the village into the lighthouse (approximately 6 hours round-trip) for the best bird watching and ocean views. Remember to pack a lunch to get a epic al fresco picnic. We spent in Mykines and though my feet hurt by the end of it, the photographs of the puffins remind me it was all worth it.
A different way to enjoy the islands’ bird life would be by ship tour of the Vestmanna bird cliffs. You can jump a boat to get a two-hour tour of grottos and their sounds where seabirds nest.
The Faroe Islands are perfect for hikes and long walks. The new air and sprawling landscapes make it a feast for the eyes. Heaps of grazing sheep , lush hills, and turf-roof houses make a distinctive and serene atmosphere. Aside from Mykines, good (and relatively easy) walking opportunities include a hike around Sørvágsvatn Lake around Vagar, a stroll around Saksun village on Streymoy, a tour of Tórshavn, along with the historic postal street hike to Gásadalur.
For ultimate relaxation and scenic walking trails, the village of Gjogv on Eysturoy is essential! Spend a night at the Gjaargardur Guesthouse — the home base from which to explore the picturesque village of the stunning gorge that is natural along with homes. The guesthouse includes guestrooms and a restaurant, but the actual beauty lies directly outside your doorstep. Gjogv is an hour drive in Tórshavn, which makes it a day excursion option that is wonderful in case you don’t spend.
The Faroes boast numerous waterfalls, of which many are observable from the main street as you push. One of the most notable palaces comprise Fossá in northern Streymoy along with the Gásadalur waterfall in Vágar. A different way is by sea. Have a schooner trip aboard the Norðlýsið to enjoy the diverse landscape from a different viewpoint. The schooner cruise lasts for three hours and departs from Tórshavn refuge.
The truth is that anywhere you go in the Faroes there will be scenery. I highly recommend driving so that you can stop and take photographs wherever you prefer. Every town in the Faroes has its own allure, but some our favourite stops include:
Kirkjubøur: The southernmost City in the island of Streymoy.
Gets an 11th century conventional home, in addition to the ruins of a 14th century church that it is possible to enter for a little fee. It is believed to be the earliest wooden home on the planet.
Gjogv: I understood it has already been noted, but Gjogv really is among the most idyllic places I have ever seen. Walk around the town and take in the natural haven that is remarkable and the glorious sea views AKA the Gjogv Gorge. Possessing the guesthouse there is quite convenient in case you’d like to stay the evening.
Tjørnuvík: Here is the southernmost village in the island of Streymoy.
There are a couple of homes here, and there isn’t much happening in the village, therefore remember your camera, however the perspectives of the sand beach is!
Saksun: This village on the northwest coast of Streymoy was the perfect setting for a picnic dinner that we picked up at a supermarket along the road. The turf roof houses and black sand lagoon give its own other-worldy feel to Saksun. During low tide it’s possible to wander across the lagoon. We headed around the peak of the town to receive photos of their houses found a grassy spot to take in the view while we feasted on bread along with salmon spread.
With considerable supply of fish and plenty of new lamb, visitors will enjoy an endless collection of food that is delicious. Faroese is becoming a great deal of media attention lately, and for good reason. The islands are home to a variety of herbs that are original that can’t be found anyplace else in the world. They also boast world-renown chefs that are currently turning Faroese dishes to haute cuisine that rivals Europe’s Michelin Star tasting menus. Langoustine, lamb salmon, along with Faroese cod are just some of the regional delicacies.
Listed below are a Couple of noteworthy restaurants serving Foods That Are Epic up:
KOKS: Located in the chic four-star Hotel Foroyar overlooking Tórshavn is the revolutionary restaurant initiated by Chef Poul Andrias Ziska. Utilizing products that were local and sustainable, Nordic cuisine has been altered by KOKS. What you’ll experience is a mixture of ancient and modern cooking techniques (smoking, fermenting, curing, and smoking) in an industrial, chic setting. Ingredients and presentation make KOKS a must-try! Don’t pass up the opportunity. At $200 a person, this epic meal will not come cheap, however it is worth it! Reservations are essential.
Aarstova: My spouse is Greek, so that I don’t say this lightly: Aarstova makes the ideal leg of lamb I have had in my entire life! It’s no surprise it’s so fresh: sheep outnumber people here just two so there is plenty in supply. Aarstova has mastered the art of slow cooking its own lamb so that the meat falls off the bone once you cut to it. Place in a quaint home in Tórshavn, Aarstova is reminiscent of a home. About $100 a person runs, but the hearty meal is going to have you longing for more. Highlights include bisque that is langoustine along with the epic leg of lamb served with tomatoes and vegetables. Reservations are essential.
Østrøm: Measures in the Tórshavn Harbor is the multi-purpose space with a café, boutique, and art gallery. Østrøm is a casual spot to have an assortment of delicious Danish-style Smørbrød (open face sandwiches). Wonderful spot to get a fuss-free lunch and coffee break while sightseeing in Tórshavn.
Etika: The only sushi restaurant in the Faroe Islands is Situated in Tórshavn.
Large chalkboard menus brightly coloured furniture, along with floor-to-ceiling windows create Etika the setting for a casual supper. What you’ll find here is a choice of beef. Etika has cooked options: spring rolls, salmon skewers, fries, soups, along with gyoza, although then the salmon roll is to-die-for In the event you want raw. If you prefer to take-away and eat your sushi by the refuge, Etika has plenty of pre-made take-away boxes.
Have a Look at our Video: Where to Eat in Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Bakaríið Hjá Jórun (Jorun Bakery): Located on the island of Borðoy in Klaksvík (second largest town in the Faroes) is this unassuming café/ Notebook. Jorun Bakery is a place serving up breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, pasta, fresh breads, and sweets. There is a dining room inside, but you could also take-away to enjoy your Smørbrød and desserts al fresco. There are picnic tables outside overlooking the marina set up. We loved face sandwiches and chocolate tarts open.
Also see: 27 Stunning Instagram Images of the Faroe Islands
If you’re visiting the Faroe Islands in the summertime, take advantage of the everyday music events happening, especially the ones such as St Olav’s Day celebrations at the end of July. Faroese folk songs is currently now making a comeback, and modern artists are incorporating the sounds of the past into their songs, creating unique sounds.
“The Faroese convention for unaccompanied singing began back into the Middle Ages using the chain dance, still a dominant part of the Faroese literary and musical life today, just as it had been then. The chain dance ballads are rhythmic tales that have their roots in the music about heroes and legends.”
-FaroeIslands.com
For an intimate and unusual musical experience, reserve a ticket to attend a concerto grotto, or grotto concert. You will take the schooner out of Tórshavn to get a day of acoustic entertainment in a auditorium that is completely nature-made into a sea cave on the island of Nólsoy. Grotto concerts take place from early June through the end of August.
As you know, the Faroe Islands may become quite cold, so you should pack a couple layers of clothes for your journey. If you can manage to leave some space in your suitcase (and not mind dishing out quite a bit of cash ) you may be the proud owner of some beautiful Faroese knit items. Guðrun & Guðrun is the trend forward knitwear shop that has the press raving ever because detective Sarah Lund wore a Guðrun & Guðrun design about the hit Danish tv series”The Killing.” These sweaters aren’t just a fashion trend, they have a very long history in Faroese culture. Designs have been based on older fishermen’s sweaters, that were meant to maintain sailors dry and warm even during the worst chills at sea. The quality is exceptional, although A Faroese knit sweater that was fantastic may set you back $300 — $400.
Authorities: Self-governing nation of the Kingdom of Denmark (Maybe Not a Part of the European Union)
Population: Approximately 49,000
Industries: Fishing and Tourism
Languages spoken: Faroese and English
Currency: Faroese króna (version of the Danish krone)
Tipping: Tipping Isn’t customary in the Faroe Islands, but it is becoming more widespread in Pubs, cafes, bars, and Leftovers
Obtaining here: By air or by sea. Atlantic Airways is the national airline with flights into the Faroe Islands. The Faroese company Smyrill Line operates yearlong with spares from Denmark and Iceland.
And there you have it: a synopsis of the top things to see and do in the Faroe Islands. The truth is that we did not even skim the surface of everything the Faroes have to offer you. Unless you want bustling cities this island cluster is a destination that appeals to all kinds of travelers. You will not find some of that in the Faroes, however you will see a feeling of miracle you have not felt since you were a child.
Let’s all know your about your favourite places and things to do in the Faroes! Leave us a comment below.
Particular thanks to Go to Faroe Islands along with XShot.
