Faroe Islands in numbers:
- 18 islands
- 50 thousand people
- 70 thousand sheep
- 110 different species of birds
- 1 uninhabited island – Lítla Dímun
- Located in the North Atlantic Ocean approximately 430 km south-east of Iceland, 600 km west of Norway and 300 km north-west from Scotland
- 1 hr 10 minutes flight away from Edinburgh
- The total area is 1,399 sq.km, about 74 times smaller than Iceland
- The overall length of the archipelago north-south is 113 km, and 75 km east-west
- The islands’ highest point “Slættaratindur” is 880 metres
- The total coast line is 1,289 km
- At no time are you more than 5 km from the ocean
- 2 sub-sea tunnels, both of which charge a toll payment of DKK 100,- (return)
- The average temperature in the warmest months is 13°C and during the winter the average temperature is 3°C
During the last few years, Faroe Islands have been promoted as “must see” destination, a “hidden treasure” and they truly are. Spectacular is the word I’ve been using to describe them since my return. Mountains, sheep, villages and every picture you take is postcard perfect.
My journey to the islands included fabulous sceneries, challenging adventures, history and culture, musical performances and meeting the locals in the central part of the Faroe Islands – Vágar, Streymoy, Eysturoy and the Northern Islands.
Flight lands in Vágar airport from where we head to the village Gøta on Eysturoy, where we have a short tour of the old part of the village with its black-tarred church and the superbly restored farmhouse Blásastova that together with three other fisherman’s cottages and boathouses, were an ancient Chief’s settlement in the early 1800s.
The next day we explore the northern islands and we start with a high-speed boat tour to Kalsoy. The western coast of the island is dominated by dramatically steep cliffs, while idyllic green valleys are on the eastern slopes protecting the four tiny villages. We head towards the village Mikladalur which is known for its fascinating folk-tale and statue of the seal women, and further north to Kallurin.
Back on land we enjoy lunch at a local café before taking a stroll through Klaksvík – a town of history and a rich and diverse cultural life.
In the evening we enjoy a living room concert presented by the concept “Hoyma”. We are invited in the house of Sædis Eilifsdóttir who’s daughter is Eivør, the one of the most well-known Faroes singers. She’s having an interview on Jules Holland’s show in London that night and we are entertained by a traditional Faroes singer and her sister.
In the morning we continue our sightseeing to the scenic villages of Kunoy and Viðoy before heading towards the capital Tórshavn.
Upon arrival in Torshavn, we take a stroll through the old charming part of town and have a dinner at the popular fish tapas house “Barbara”, which is situated in one of the small houses in the old part of town.
The next morning we are picked up and transferred via the old mountain road from Tórshavn to Vágar for a scenic hike. The hike starts in Miðvágur along the lake Sørvágsvatn which is the biggest lake in the Faroe Islands.
First we hike to Trælanípan (The Slave’s Peak), a 142 m high sea cliff, where the old, lazy and weak slaves were thrown off the old days.
This place is known as “The lake above the ocean” which is an optical illusion.
Afterwards we hike down to the waterfall Bøsdalafossur, a 32 m high waterfall with a great view.
Lakeside sail us back to Vatnsoyrar. Lakeside is a peculiar boat made of a greenhouse and a caravan. The seats onboard are from Atlantic Airways. After the hike, lunch is served and we get ready for our next adventure – rappelling 31 meters down into a gorge called Ravnagjógv (The Ravens Gorge). Guys gearing us up are working in mountain rescue and that puts our minds at rest. We hike up the mountain slope and now the most challenging part is to lean over the cliff and start walking down. Once feet reach the rock, it is much more relaxing and enjoyable. When down, local beer chilled in the mountain water is presented and it is a great moment to enjoy it!
On the last day we have a horseback riding tour scheduled. The tour starts at the horse stables at the outskirts of Tórshavn and we ride through the valley Havnardalur to Velbastað. The mountains offer a great experience where you get close to nature. The tour is suitable for both experienced as well as inexperienced riders. After the ride, nice Faroese homecooked lunch is served at the farmers Anna and Óli’s home.
