Perhaps you’ve never heard of the Faroe Islands, but you’ve likely come across photos or videos of this place. Many people visit this fairy-tale land because of a single photo or video!
Cliffs more breathtaking than those in Norway
Aurora more dazzling than in Finland 
Weather more unpredictable than in Iceland
Meadows prettier than in Switzerland
Villages more colorful than Cinque Terre
It’s a tranquil haven far from the hustle and bustle, a place to escape the city’s noise. In 2013, Lonely Planet listed it as one of the must-visit places in a lifetime. This is the Faroe Islands.
Where are the Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory under the Danish Crown, located between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic, halfway between Norway and Iceland. Compared to mainland Denmark, they are closer to Iceland, Norway, and the UK. The archipelago covers an area of about 1,400 square kilometers, slightly larger than Hong Kong, with a population of approximately 52,656 people (as of now), and a special resident population of over 80,000 sheep, outnumbering the human population. When traveling in the Faroe Islands, you’ll often see these creatures; they’re everywhere.
The islands consist of 18 islands, 17 of which are inhabited, with one uninhabited. The islands are connected by underwater tunnels, bridges, or ferries. Each island exudes a unique charm and mystery, making this overlooked travel destination a treasure trove of stunning fjords, cliffs, and waterfalls, as if you’ve stepped into a fairy-tale world.
Fairy-tale Attractions
Ancient fishing villages dot the islands, preserving a simple island lifestyle. The awe-inspiring geological features, enormous fjords, steep cliffs, and majestic waterfalls will captivate you with nature’s artistry and the allure of human history, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
Tórshavn
The capital, Tórshavn, is the largest city and the political, economic, and cultural hub of the Faroe Islands. Situated on the east coast of Streymoy Fjord, half of the islands’ population lives in the capital.
Despite its small size, it has everything you need, with a unique Nordic charm. The architecture blends Viking-era influences with modern touches, including colorful wooden houses, steeple churches, and cobblestone streets. Strolling through the city, you’ll feel its cozy and rustic atmosphere.
Gjógv
Known as one of the most beautiful villages in the Faroe Islands, this fairy-tale fishing village showcases the romanticism of the Faroese with its vibrant, colorful buildings.
Saksun
Rivaling Gjógv in beauty, Saksun is a village with only 14 inhabitants, famous for its turf-roofed stone houses, which are one of the unique sights of the Faroe Islands.
The village also has a museum, a 160-year-old church, and a sheep farm. A walk from the village to the nearby tidal lagoon offers unparalleled mountain views, making it even more serene and distant than Gjógv.
Sørvágsvatn (Leitisvatn) Lake
Also known as Leitisvatn, this lake on the cliffs is the only freshwater lake in the Faroe Islands. Its water connects with the sea, but with a 40-meter drop, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape.
Gasadalur Waterfall
Countless people travel great distances just to see the Gasadalur Waterfall, which is spectacular as water plunges into the air before splashing onto the basalt rock wall dozens of meters below.
The smallest village sits beside the waterfall, with no road access; fishermen must climb over mountains to reach the sea. Until 2004, when a tunnel was opened to the village, residents of Gasadalur had to walk over a 200-meter-high mountain to get home.
Kallur Lighthouse
Located on Kalsoy Island in the north of the Faroe Islands, climbing to the top allows you to overlook the entire archipelago, as if standing at the edge of the world.
It was also a filming location for the movie “No Time to Die,” where James Bond meets his end in the film’s conclusion.
Local residents have erected a tombstone for James Bond, which many 007 fans come to see.
The epitaph reads: “The Proper Function of Man is to Live, Not to Exist.”
Mykines Island
Home to 2 million seabirds, including the comical puffins, which at first glance might be mistaken for “flying penguins,” these are the Faroe Islands’ first inhabitants.
Mykines is the most popular bird-watching spot, a gathering place for puffins. From April to September each year, you can take a boat to get up close with these birds. In 2013, they were listed as an endangered species by the IUCN.
It’s also a filming location for the TV series “Game of Thrones.”
Lítla Dímun
Also known as Rantra-Dimun, it’s the smallest of the 18 main islands, covering less than one square kilometer and the only uninhabited one. However, it’s home to wild sheep and seabirds.
Clouds often cover this uninhabited island, making it look like a cake from a distance.
Drangarnir Gate
A landmark of the Faroe Islands, this is a pair of sea stacks with a cave in between, symbolizing the place.
It’s a sea stack landscape on private property, currently operated by the landowner. To visit Drangarnir, you must book a group tour on the website.
This is also one of the most challenging hikes in the Faroe Islands, taking 5 to 8 hours.
Cuisine of the Faroe Islands
Beyond its stunning natural landscapes, the Faroe Islands boast a rich cultural heritage, showcasing the unique lifestyle and traditional arts of its people. Trying the local cuisine is an experience not to be missed, with many distinctive restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional lamb dishes for a unique taste adventure.
Salmon
Foodies might have heard of the Faroe Islands’ salmon. The unique geography provides an ideal environment for salmon farming, and with the government’s “freshwater fish welfare” policy, which avoids the use of any antibiotics and emphasizes low-density farming, the quality of the salmon is exceptional!
Faroese Crown salmon is renowned worldwide for its delicious flavor and high quality. Its taste is due to its high fat content, making the meat rich and the texture smooth and delicate, with a natural, non-greasy flavor.
Salmon Fillets
These fillets are high in protein, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and contain important Omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in salmon can help fight heart disease, promote blood circulation, and enhance brain function. Simply thaw, marinate, or season the fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake, grill, or fry.
Skærpikjøt
This meat is dried sheep meat hung in sheds, undergoing a process of drying and fermentation. In the Faroe Islands, fermentation is done without the use of salt or smoke; the extreme climate mixes a lot of sea salt into the air, making the drying process perfect under these conditions as salt also penetrates the meat. The meat is hung in drying sheds designed for air circulation. Depending on the thickness of the meat, it will hang there for 6 to 9 months to become Skærpikjøt.
TIPS
Visa: Danish Schengen visa. The Faroe Islands are not part of the Schengen Area, so you need to apply for a Danish Schengen visa. (As of now, there are 27 Schengen member countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Malta, and Croatia)
Laguage: The official languages are Faroese and Danish.
Best Time to Travel: April to September, when it’s relatively not cold. June to August is the peak tourist season; hotels are scarce, so booking in advance is a must.
In this tranquil and pristine environment, get up close with nature and fully immerse yourself in its wonder.
Who would you like to visit this fairy-tale paradise with, to leave behind beautiful memories and profound experiences? Welcome to customize your trip with Wandering Bird~
