The Faroe Islands are one of those rare little-known destinations that deserve to be known with many things to see and amazing hikes to do.
The Faroe Islands are made up of 18 volcanic islands and have a total population of around 50,000.
With its multi-coloured homes, exquisitely shaped lush wooden churches, and wildlands, the Faroe Islands is a scenic paradise. For adventurers lovers, there are the archipelago's steep cliffs, hiking trails, waterfalls, and rocky coastlines, and more than enough sites. For music lovers, the region is recognized for its festival scene, that hosts five music festivals each year.
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago located between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, in the middle between Norway and Iceland (politically part of Denmark). If you love breathtaking landscapes and to run away from the crowds, this is the right place for you. A wild and rough destination with steep landscapes to fall in love with nature.
Here are some of the most beautiful places in the Faroe Islands
Vagar Island - Geirangerfjord
Vagar Island is one of the 18 islands in the archipelago. In the small village of Gasadalur, you will see the famous worthy waterfall that flows into the sea. Mulafossur Waterfall is falling over the rocky cliffs of Vagar Island to the ocean below, with the green hills of Gásadalur village as a backdrop.
Going towards Torshavn, you will go along the lake of Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake in the Faroe Islands. An impressive and famous landmark from where you will have the impression that the lake is floating on a cliff above the sea. Optical illusions in real life.
Streymoy Island
Streymoy is the largest island which is also the most populated with a lot to discover.
The first village to visit is Tjørnuvík, in the north of the island. You can see the Fossá waterfall ( Fossurin or "Fossá" in Faroese language means "river with waterfalls”) an impressive roadside waterfall that flows over several levels.
Another place you can’t miss is Saksun a small village on the northwestern coast were only 8 people live! The old was built in 1600-1700 and the mid-nineteenth-century church sits in a natural amphitheatre above a lagoon, with views of mountains stretching in every direction.
Near Torshavn, there is another beautiful village with traditional houses that have green roofs: Kirkjubøur.
The cosy capital, Tórshavn is the largest city on the Faroe Islands. Settled behind a busy harbour on the east coast of Streymoy Island, you will be impressed by the eighteenth-century churches, a handful of museums, a tiny Old Town, Turf-roofed houses and rows of brightly painted houses. The perfect postcard landscape.
One of the most popular excursions you could do is a boat trip to the Vestmanna bird cliffs, rock walls that rise nearly 2,000 feet above the Atlantic. The impressive sight of moss-speckled sea stacks, dark grottoes, and thousands of birds are simply breathtaking.
For a truly spectacular view, go to the weather station of Sornfelli installed in a mountain top plateau ( 725m ). But beware of vertigo…
Eysturoy Island
There are some charming villages on this island such as Eiði, a village of 600 inhabitants … with 2 soccer fields, one of which is by the sea. There is also Gjógv which means “gorge, ravine” and from there, you can take the zigzagging road to Funningur that gradually reveals the village.
The natural beauty of this island is unbelievable with striking views typical of volcanic islands, like windswept mountains, crashing waves, and jagged coastlines. And if you would like to see the Northern Lights in all their glory, think of spending some time in Gjógv.
Vidoy Island
Viðareiði or Vidareidi, on the island of Viðoy, is 1,5 hours from Torshavn. There is a magnificent church dating from 1892. You can also go hiking and if you like climbing, there is a breathtaking view from the top of Villingadalsfjall hike (841 meters).
Kalsoy Island
It is a slender island with verdant hills and vertical cliffs with some epic hiking opportunities. The best way to enjoy the island is to hike to Kallur Lighthouse, which sits on a northern promontory and grants panoramic views of five other islands on clear days.
The best times to visit
The Faroe Islands are one of the beautiful islands that enjoy the greenery, and there are rugged, windy areas.
It is best to visit the Faroe Islands between June and September, as the weather is appropriate to welcome visitors without extreme humidity. If you love getting to know local and cultural attractions and events, perhaps the best time to visit the islands is at the end of July, to celebrate the Ólavsøka Festival with a lot of splendour and joy. In winters, when the islands and villages do get graced with a dusting of snow, they somehow look even more magical than they do during the green summer months.
And last… the cutest part of a trip to the Faroe Islands
You can find wind-blown hills filled with lambs to be pure magic. If you like puffins, the most laughably adorable bird on the planet, there's no place better than petite Mykines.
Only 14 people live on the westernmost Faroe Island, its rugged terrain and precipitous cliffs draw thousands of breeding puffins during the summer months. The Faroe Islands are really special and have gorgeous places to explore with beautiful natural sights.
To know more and discover the islands you can visit the OFICIAL WEBSITE of the Faroe Islands.