Top Things to See and Do in the Faroe Islands
On a recent visit to the sub-arctic circle, I had the opportunity of a life. Recently named as the Number 1 Greatest Trip To Take In 2015 by National Geographic, the Faroe Islands have long been admired for their unspoiled natural beauty. This year especially will probably likely be epic because of the Faroe Islands, using a complete solar earthquake occurring on March 20th.
Love 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
I am certain of one thing, after spending a week at the Faroe Islands: I am going!
Culture
Town-Hopping
Faroe Islands Facts
Music
The very best thing about the Faroe Islands is organic wonders that are gorgeous and its dreamlike scenery. For People considering going into those North Atlantic islands, or have tickets here are the Top Things to See and Do in the Faroe Islands:
Did You Know?
Traditional Clothing
The Faroe Islands have been favored by mother Earth . Faroese folks share their home with several migratory birds.
Guillemots, puffins, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets and Storm Petrels are a couple species that come every year to strain. Puffins are predominantly summer visitors, which is the reason May 1 through September 1 is the ideal season for bird viewing.
Take a Look at our article: Faroe Islands: The Bird and Nature Lover’s Escape
There is perhaps no greater place to find several bird species at one spot than Mykines. Here really is the island of the archipelago with cliffs that are great for sea creatures. Spend a day hiking out of the village into the lighthouse (approximately 6 hours round-trip) for the best bird watching and ocean views. Don’t forget to pack a lunch for an epic poem al fresco picnic overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Though my feet hurt by the end of this and we spent an amazing day in Mykines , the photos of these puffins remind me how it was all worth it.
Another way to enjoy the islands’ bird existence is by ship tour of this Vestmanna bird cliffs around the island of Streymoy. You can hop a ship for a two-hour tour of their narrow noises and grottos in which seabirds nest.
The Faroe Islands are also ideal for hikes and long walks. Sprawling landscapes and the new air make it a feast for the eyes. Heaps of grazing sheep , verdant hills, and turf-roof homes make a distinctive and serene atmosphere. Aside from Mykines, good (and relatively easy) walking opportunities include a rise around Sørvágsvatn Lake on Vagar, a stroll round Saksun village on Streymoy, a tour of Tórshavn, along with the historic postal street hike to Gásadalur.
For ultimate relaxation and scenic walking paths, the village of Gjogv on Eysturoy is a must! Spend a night the most ideal home base from which to explore the picturesque village of the magnificent natural gorge along with turf-roof homes. The guesthouse has a restaurant and guestrooms, but the actual beauty lies right outside your doorstep. Gjogv is only an hour drive in Tórshavn, making it a great day excursion option even in the event you don’t spend the night.
The Faroes boast several waterfalls, of which many are visible from the primary street as you push. One of the most impressive palaces comprise Fossá in northern Streymoy along with the Gásadalur waterfall in Vágar. Another way to observe the Faroes is by sea. Have a schooner journey aboard the Norðlýsið to enjoy the diverse landscape from another perspective. The schooner cruise departs from refuge and lasts for three hours.
The truth is that you go there will be scenery. I strongly recommend driving wherever you like so that you can stop and take pictures. Every town in the Faroes has its own charm, but some our favorite stops include:
Kirkjubøur: The southernmost town in the island of Streymoy.
Has an 11th century house that is conventional, as well as the ruins of a 14th century church that it is possible to enter for a small charge. It is thought to be the oldest inhabited house on earth.
Gjogv: I understood it has already been mentioned, but Gjogv really is among the most idyllic places I’ve ever seen. Walk around the town and enjoy the natural harbor and the magnificent ocean views AKA the Gjogv Gorge. Having the guesthouse there is quite convenient if you’d like to stay the night.
Tjørnuvík: Here Really Is the southernmost village in the island of Streymoy.
Are a couple of homes here, and there isn’t much going on in the village, but the perspectives of the black sand beach is absolutely breath-taking and therefore do not forget your camera!
Saksun: This village on the shore of Streymoy was the ideal setting for a picnic lunch that we picked up in a supermarket on the road. Black sand lagoon and the turf roof homes give its own feel to Saksun. During low tide it is possible to drift across the lagoon. We headed around the peak of the town to acquire panoramic pictures of their homes discovered a spot to take in the view although we stumbled upon new bread along with salmon spread.
With ample supply of fish and an abundance of new lamb, visitors will delight in an endless variety of food. Faroese has gotten a lot of media attention and for good reason. The islands are home to many different unique herbs that can not be found anyplace else in the world. They also boast world-renown chefs who are turning Faroese dishes into cuisine that rivals the Michelin Star tasting menus of Europe. Langoustine, lamb salmon, along with Faroese cod are just some of the delicacies that are regional.
Here are a Couple of restaurants serving up Foods That Are Epic:
KOKS: found in the posh four-star Hotel Foroyar overlooking Tórshavn is that the innovative restaurant pioneered by Chef Poul Andrias Ziska. Utilizing goods that were local and sustainable, KOKS has altered Nordic cuisine. What you will experience is a mixture of historical and modern cooking techniques (smoking, smoking, curing, and smoking) in a commercial, minimalist setting. Seasonal ingredients and demonstration that is magnificent make KOKS a must-try! Don’t miss the opportunity to really have a multi-course tasting menu paired with wines. At $200 a individual, this epic dinner won’t come cheap, but it is worth it! Reservations are a must.
Aarstova: My wife is Greek, so I do not say this lightly: Aarstova gets the very best leg of lamb I’ve had in my life! It’s no surprise 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 literally falls off the bone once you cut into it. Place in a quaint turf-roof house in Tórshavn, Aarstova is reminiscent of a home. Roughly $100 a individual runs, but the hearty meal will have you yearning for more. Highlights include bisque that is langoustine along with the epic leg of lamb served with berries and veggies. Reservations are a must.
Østrøm: Steps in the Tórshavn Harbor is the multi-purpose space featuring a café, boutique, and art gallery. Østrøm is a casual spot to have an range of tasty Danish-style Smørbrød (open face sandwiches). Excellent spot for a fuss-free lunch and coffee break while sightseeing at Tórshavn.
Etika: The Sole sushi restaurant at the Faroe Islands is located in Tórshavn.
Brightly colored furniture, large menus, along with floor-to-ceiling windows make Etika the ideal setting for a meal. What you will find here is a mouthwatering choice of beef. In the event you would like raw, then the salmon roll is to-die-for, however, Etika has cooked choices: spring rolls, salmon skewers, fries, soups, along with gyoza. If you prefer to take-away and eat your sushi by the haven, Etika has a lot of take-away boxes that are pre-made.
Check out our Video: Where to Eat in Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Bakaríið Hjá Jórun (Jorun Bakery): Situated on the island of Borðoy at Klaksvík (second biggest town in the Faroes) is this unassuming café/ bakery. Jorun Bakery is a family-friendly place serving up breakfast coffee, sandwiches, pizza, fresh sandwiches, and candy. There is a dining room indoors, but you may to enjoy your Smørbrød and desserts al fresco. There are picnic tables outdoors overlooking the marina, set up. We loved the fish open face sandwiches and chocolate tarts.
Also Watch: 27 Gorgeous Instagram Images of the Faroe Islands
If you’re visiting the Faroe Islands in the summer, take advantage of the everyday music events happening, especially the ones such as St Olav’s Day parties at the close of July. Folk songs is currently making a comeback, and most artists are incorporating the sounds of the past creating sounds that are unique.
“The Faroese convention for unaccompanied singing started back into the Middle Ages using the series dance, still a notable part of the Faroese literary and musical life now, just as it had been then. The series dance ballads are rhythmic tales that have their origins in the music about legends and heroes.”
-FaroeIslands.com
For a romantic and unusual musical experience, reserve a ticket to attend a concerto grotto, or grotto concert. You’ll choose the Norðlýsið schooner from Tórshavn into a sea monster on the island of Nólsoy for an evening of entertainment in a auditorium. Grotto concerts occur from June.
The Faroe Islands can become quite chilly, so you should pack several layers of clothing for your trip , as everyone probably knows. If you can manage to leave some space in your luggage (and perhaps not mind dishing out quite a bit of money) you can be the proud owner of several beautiful Faroese knit items. Guðrun & Guðrun is the trend forward knitwear store that has the press raving ever since detective Sarah Lund wore a Guðrun & Guðrun layout about the hit Danish television series”The Killing.” These chunky sweaters aren’t only a fashion trend, they have a lengthy history in Faroese tradition. Designs have been based on fishermen’s sweaters, that have been supposed to keep sailors dry and warm even. A Faroese knit sweater that was good can set you back $300 — $400, but the quality is outstanding.
Authorities: Self-governing State of the Kingdom of Denmark (Maybe Not a member of the European Union)
Population: Approximately 49,000
Industries: Fishing and Tourism
Languages spoken: Faroese and English
Money: Faroese króna (Variant of the Danish krone)
Tipping: Tipping Isn’t customary at the Faroe Islands, However, it is becoming more Prevalent in Pubs, Bars, Cafes, and taxis
Getting this: By air or by sea. Atlantic Airways is the national airline with several flights into the Faroe Islands. The Faroese company Smyrill Line operates year-round with cruises from Iceland and Denmark.
And there you have it: a synopsis of the things to see and do in the Faroe Islands. The simple reality is that we did not even skim the surface of everything the Faroes must offer you. Unless you would rather loud, bustling cities this island bunch is really a destination that appeals to all kinds of travelers. You will find, although you won’t find any of that at the Faroes.
Let us know your about your favorite places and things to do in the Faroes! Leave us a comment below.
Special thanks to Go to Faroe Islands and XShot.