Welcome to Trip Trek Tales, today’s article will be for those who love the archipelagos. We are taking you to the Faroe Islands. Read this article about the Faroe Islands, you will get some great insights in it.
Nestled in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands offer a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique adventures. This Danish archipelago, with its 18 volcanic islands, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, quaint villages, and dramatic vistas. If you’re planning a trip to this remote destination, prepare to be enchanted by a mix of breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the top things to do in the Faroe Islands.
8 Best Tourist Attractions in the Faroe Islands
1. Embrace the Majestic Múlafossur Waterfall
Múlafossur Waterfall is probably the most beautiful of all places to visit in the Faroe Islands and a must for tourists who love nature. This gorgeous waterfall is situated in the small town of Gásadalur on the island of Vágar, spilling over a ledge of rocks to the Atlantic below. The mighty forces of water in the falls plummeting into the waters beyond with an inviting fragrance of mist making the atmosphere beautiful, are rather astounding.
The best viewpoint can be accessed by leaving your vehicle at the appropriate car park and walking along the steps leading to the edge of the cliff. It is not only a jaw-dropping sight of Mother Nature at its finest, but also in summer, you will be able to see puffins breeding in the grassy waffle-shaped cliffs. However, go to the local shop: Uanni if you fancy a souvenir, as there are Faroese wool sweaters and other handicrafts.
Travel Tip: Múlafossur Waterfall is open throughout the year but the season can change all the time. It would be wise to check the weather conditions before venturing out the erratic nature.
2. Savor the Flavors of Tórshavn
Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands is also one such place where one gets a chance to taste some heavenly food. From Fish and chips to fine dining fare, the city has abundant options when it comes to food. In case you want to treat yourself to the most pleasant economical option with a high time level, visit Roks where fascinating combinations of sea urchin roe and snow crab are created and inspiration is gained from the finest last shreds of ripe nature. Roks has continued to promote the cuisine of the Faroes without blinking an eye although the mòntone movement has relocated to Greenland and is no longer the top earner in the city’s gastronomic landscape.
If you want a simpler meal, you could try fish and chips in the local restaurants or just visit any of the many cafes and places to eat in the city. When night comes, Tórshavn is full of activity, with nice bars and establishments where one can walk about and enjoy their evening.
Travel tip: If you are into food, you may want to try and get yourself on a guided food tour so that you can be shown the best restaurants in Tórshavn and its food history.
3. Relax at Tjørnuvík’s Black-Sand Beach
If you are a beach person who would prefer to spend time on a beach, then Tjørnuvik, a small village located on the Nordic island of Streymoy island, is the right spot. The black sandy beach of the village has remarkable sights of the sea stacks known as Risin og Kellingin (the Giant and the Witch) windmilling straight up from the sea.
Apart from its beautiful beach, Tjørnuvik is also the starting point for many pursuits in nature. You can trek the trails going through the hills surrounding the village or simply head to the local surf shack and take some lessons. In winter, – thanks to the village’s location – you get to experience polar night, in 24-hour darkness with only 3 hours of twilight.
Travel Tip: Warm layers and rainwear should be added to your packing list, as the weather, especially at the coast in the Faroe Islands, changes very fast.
4. Hike to Trelanípan and Marvel at Lake Leitisvatn
Also referred to as Lake Sorvagsvatn, Lake Leitisvatn is a prominent natural icon in the Faroe Islands. Artistically described as ‘the lake that is above sea level, despite being some 60 meters above it,’ it’s a beautiful body of water that appeals to photographers and nature enthusiasts. The hike to Trelanípan or Slave Cliff rewards gracious views of the lakes and the entire fortress.
The hike was not so difficult as the trail was mostly flat with an incline around old peat fields. As you make your way to Trelanípan, treat yourself to a view of exposed sea stacks and vertical cliffs. To make your visit richer, you can partake in a local tour that comprises local myths, legends, and perhaps even the Viking history of the place.
Travel Tip: Keep in mind to wear proper hiking shoes and check local conditions as well. The ground can get very slippery, especially if it is raining.
5. Explore the Charming Village of Gjógv
Gjógv, a quaint seaside village on the Eysturoy island, is most famous for its beautiful canyon and for being a typical Faroese village. The name itself “Gjógv” which means gorge in the Faroese language pertains to the gorge itself which forms a shelter for boats. The journey to Gjógv takes you through green grass rolling over the flocks of sheep and out into the heart of the rugged hills and offers you views of the landscape from all angles.
Walk around the town, go inside the white, new, and turf-roofed houses, and relax in peace. There are also great cliff walks that Gjógv has to offer and these have excellent panoramic views across the islands and ocean. It is a nice walk of 4 km (2.5 miles) to the neighboring village of Funningur although further this standard walk is illustrated by a typical Faroe scenery which is worthy to be observed closely.
Travel Tip: Do carry a few snacks and a camera for the hike and don’t forget to visit the bench dedicated to the visit of Crown Princess Mary of Denmark in the Year 2005.
6. Witness the Dramatic Dranganir Sea Arch
The Dranganir Sea Arch, off the coast of Bøur, is a geophysical beauty of the highest order – it has very attractive cliffs along the seashore. The arch belongs to one of the islands with a triangular area surrounded by sea stacks, which can be viewed from the beach or reached by offshore trips. The cliffs nearby are filled will different species of seabirds and the untamed ocean forms a scene of a battleground.
In fact, can you imagine how adventurous and memorable it would be to have a boat ride around and near the adjoining Tindhólmur Island as well as the sea arch? This excursion not only allows viewing the sea arch head-on but even gives one a chance to see the coastal birds in their natural habitat as well as the coastline itself.
Travel Tips: Try to schedule this boat trip early during your trip so that you have a backup plan in case the weather does not cooperate.
7. Discover the Enigmatic Kalsoy
Situated at the northeast of the Faroe Islands is Kalsoy which is both spectacular in terms of its geography as well as in terms of its significance in the James Bond film No Time to Die. The island can be reached by car ferry from Klaksvik and has adequate facilities for various outdoor exercise and attractive sights.
Kalsoy does not only delight its visitors with picturesque scenery and entertains them with hiking, but it also allows them to visit places that are related to movie productions. Arguably the most remarkable is the trek to Kallurin Lighthouse where one can behold the spot in the movie where Daniel Craig’s James Bond was shot. The trail is indeed rugged and rough, all adding the thrill factor to the hike, especially for those who are both movie buffs and nature lovers. A tombstone honoring the 007’s character is truly a sight to behold and something extra.
Travel Tip: Beware that the weather on Kalsoy can be changeable so bring necessary clothes and check the ferry’s sailing time beforehand.
8. Venture Off the Beaten Path to Sandoy
This is Sandoy, the southernmost point in the island archipelago that has begun to attract foreign tourists ever since the building of the new undersea tunnel. This island is an opportunity to visit the Falling Islands not often frequented and to learn about local life.
Visit those tiny settlements, eat local food, and do not forget to look for the quirky southernmost yarnbombing rock that Sandoy is proud of. For the bird watchers, a short boat ride to the island of Skúvoy will be worthwhile as many Great Skuas are nesting on these islands.
Travel Tip: Take your time to discover Sandoy in order to enjoy its silence and incomparable atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
It is in the Faroe Islands where you will find the remotest beauty as well as the most ambitious culture. Faroe Islands are peppered with waterfalls, gourmet treats, extreme hikes, and pretty much everything that every traveler would ever want. Deal with the aspects of the weather that you cannot control, but rather appreciate the attractions of the islands and the hospitality of the people who reside there.
So pack your bags and with your appetite for the other side of the world, be assured that you are in one of the corners of the world that cannot be more enchanting. The Faroe Islands are ready for you and hold a promise to share secrets.
