It is a different destination, filled with wonders of nature. Tucked between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean, politically belonging to Denmark it is fast becoming a favorite Nordic destination. Those that crave adventures will love the steep cliffs, hiking trails, waterfalls and rocky coastlines, and the music lovers already know the festival acne of the islands.
Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands, settled behind a busy harbor on the east coast of Streymoy Island. Its natural beauty is enhanced by eighteenth century churches , a handful of museums, a tiny Old Town, and rows of bright painted houses. You can reach your destination easily from Copenhagen and fly directly to the islands from there.
Thanks to new infrastructure like sub-sea tunnels connecting islands and paved roads cutting through mountains, getting to all of the country’s best attractions is relatively easy to get to.
An interesting feature is the program in which tourists can have dinner in local homes, eating traditional food and hearing stories about their particular village The Faroese are “heimablidni”, which means “home hospitality”.
The most iconic landscape in the country is the Shire-like village of Saksun on the northwestern coast of Streymoy. The hamlet and its mid-nineteenth-century church sit in a natural amphitheater above a lagoon, with views of mountains stretching in every direction.
If you take Kalsoy, a long island with verdant hills and vertical cliffs, is just one of many hiking options in the Faroes. Getting to the Kallur Lighthouse which sits on a northern promontory is a spectacular view on a clear day.
The turf roofed houses are something of a symbol of the islands appearing everywhere. They are Instagram material.
One of the most popular excursions are boat trips to the Vestmanna bird cliffs-rock walls that rise nearly 2000 feet above the Atlantic waters of Streymoy Island. Thousands of birds nest here during the summer.
A true incentive for music lovers takes place during the summer when the Festival that lasts three consecutive days takes place by the seaside village Geta on Eysturoy with a lineup of electronics, folk, and pop performances.
And of course there are the surprisingly mild winters, with temperaturas rarely dropping below freezing. Just be sure to get a perk during the season’s narrow five-hour window of daylight, which occurs from November to January.
And from September to March you can admire the Northern Lights in all its splendor.
