Want a destination that’s off most travelers’ radars and guarantees outdoor recreation? Get to know the Faroe Islands. With something for everyone, from hiking to cliff jumping to birdwatching, these 18 islands deep in the North Atlantic Ocean feels worlds away from the everyday. Embrace the multicolored cottages and tiny villages – now linked by road-tunnels – and meet the friendly and proud Faroese residents. They’re eager to introduce you to their plunging waterfalls, vast headlands and – perhaps surprisingly – their vibrant music culture. Come find your adventure in the Faroe Islands, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
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If You Hike … Trek Villingardalsfjall
Considered by many to be one of the Faroe Islands’ most beautiful hikes, the Villingardalsfjall route starts near the adorable village of Vidareidi. The first section of the trail is set beside a 4-foot-tall rock wall, depositing you in grasslands before the trail becomes rockier. Follow the blue plastic tubes sticking out of the ground. Once you reach the top, the view is sublime, from Malinsfjall to Kunoyarnakkur. The hike is 3.7 miles roundtrip.
Bonus hike: We recommend hiking around Mulafossur Waterfall for dramatic coastal and island views. There are several choices for hikes, including a short walk from the parking area, or a longer hike to a scenic lake and beyond.
Considered by many to be one of the Faroe Islands’ most beautiful hikes, the Villingardalsfjall route starts near the adorable village of Vidareidi. The first section of the trail is set beside a 4-foot-tall rock wall, depositing you in grasslands before the trail becomes rockier. Follow the blue plastic tubes sticking out of the ground. Once you reach the top, the view is sublime, from Malinsfjall to Kunoyarnakkur. The hike is 3.7 miles roundtrip.
Bonus hike: We recommend hiking around Mulafossur Waterfall for dramatic coastal and island views. There are several choices for hikes, including a short walk from the parking area, or a longer hike to a scenic lake and beyond.
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If You Bird … Visit Mykines
Millions of bird pairs flock here each summer for breeding, or as a rest stop during their migration. Look for seagulls, oystercatchers, Arctic terns, gannets, kittiwakes and puffins. The black sea cliffs appear white from the massive groups of birds gathering there. Watch them soar and dive as they hunt for fish. As of 2012, a total of 305 bird species have been recorded in the Faroe Islands, with 50 species breeding there regularly and another 60 as regular visitors. Summer is the best season for birding in the Faroe Islands.
Millions of bird pairs flock here each summer for breeding, or as a rest stop during their migration. Look for seagulls, oystercatchers, Arctic terns, gannets, kittiwakes and puffins. The black sea cliffs appear white from the massive groups of birds gathering there. Watch them soar and dive as they hunt for fish. As of 2012, a total of 305 bird species have been recorded in the Faroe Islands, with 50 species breeding there regularly and another 60 as regular visitors. Summer is the best season for birding in the Faroe Islands.
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If you Cycle … Go Anywhere!
The Faroe Islands offer an excellent infrastructure with low-volume traffic, making it a great destination for cycling. Saddle up and discover the Faroe Islands’ roads, mountains and valleys on two wheels. The best way to experience the entire landscape is to sign up for a guided or self-guided biking tour. Really, the entire archipelago is available for biking, so do a little research on online cycling forums to see which routes people have enjoyed. Guided tours offer the chance for delightful overnights in local villages.
The Faroe Islands offer an excellent infrastructure with low-volume traffic, making it a great destination for cycling. Saddle up and discover the Faroe Islands’ roads, mountains and valleys on two wheels. The best way to experience the entire landscape is to sign up for a guided or self-guided biking tour. Really, the entire archipelago is available for biking, so do a little research on online cycling forums to see which routes people have enjoyed. Guided tours offer the chance for delightful overnights in local villages.
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Dive … Try Oravik
Diving is increasing in popularity in the Faroe Islands, and for good reason. The crystal-clear waters of the 18 islands are underwater treasure chests of kelp forests, drop-off, botanic seaweed gardens and grottos teeming with marine life. Visibility is best in the winter months. Consider diving in Oravik, one of the oldest villages on the island of Suðuroy. You’ll dive from the concrete jetty, where the seabed is covered in seaweed. Snorkeling is also quite popular in this spot. Another excellent dive spot is Hoynik Hamlet Harbour, near Hvítanesvegin. You’ll see spawning fish, crabs, snails, prawns, mussels and cuttlefish in large numbers.
Diving is increasing in popularity in the Faroe Islands, and for good reason. The crystal-clear waters of the 18 islands are underwater treasure chests of kelp forests, drop-off, botanic seaweed gardens and grottos teeming with marine life. Visibility is best in the winter months. Consider diving in Oravik, one of the oldest villages on the island of Suðuroy. You’ll dive from the concrete jetty, where the seabed is covered in seaweed. Snorkeling is also quite popular in this spot. Another excellent dive spot is Hoynik Hamlet Harbour, near Hvítanesvegin. You’ll see spawning fish, crabs, snails, prawns, mussels and cuttlefish in large numbers.
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If You Fish … Try the North Atlantic Waters
From cod to catfish, shark to squid, the remote North Atlantic waters of the Faroe Islands are teeming with fish. Join in the centuries-old angling tradition and head out by boat to catch your own. The ocean is never farther than 3 miles away from where you are in the Faroes, making fishing an easily accessible activity. Plus, you can fish no matter the weather, thanks to the variety of good fishing areas, including sheltered fishing grounds away from strong winds. Try your hand at both deep-sea fishing and fly fishing while you’re here. The best time for deep-sea angling is April to September.
From cod to catfish, shark to squid, the remote North Atlantic waters of the Faroe Islands are teeming with fish. Join in the centuries-old angling tradition and head out by boat to catch your own. The ocean is never farther than 3 miles away from where you are in the Faroes, making fishing an easily accessible activity. Plus, you can fish no matter the weather, thanks to the variety of good fishing areas, including sheltered fishing grounds away from strong winds. Try your hand at both deep-sea fishing and fly fishing while you’re here. The best time for deep-sea angling is April to September.
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If You Sail … Captain a Traditional Faroese Boat
It almost goes without saying that the Faroe Islands are a favorite of sailors. You’re never far from the ocean and its pull is undeniable. Join a chartered sail or venture out on a historic schooner. Go speedboating for an exhilarating experience. We suggest, however, that you don’t miss the chance to rent a traditional Faroese boat and explore the fjords on your own. The boatbuilding technique that resulted in these crafts originated in Viking culture, more than a thousand years ago. Want to fish while you’re on the water? Book a guided fishing tour in one of the traditional boats – it includes a meal using your fresh catch!
It almost goes without saying that the Faroe Islands are a favorite of sailors. You’re never far from the ocean and its pull is undeniable. Join a chartered sail or venture out on a historic schooner. Go speedboating for an exhilarating experience. We suggest, however, that you don’t miss the chance to rent a traditional Faroese boat and explore the fjords on your own. The boatbuilding technique that resulted in these crafts originated in Viking culture, more than a thousand years ago. Want to fish while you’re on the water? Book a guided fishing tour in one of the traditional boats – it includes a meal using your fresh catch!
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If You Surf … Try Sandoy and Suðuroy
The best surfing conditions are generally found on the islands of Sandoy and Suðuroy, so if you don’t want to drive to find the best waves, rent a room in these areas. It is strongly suggested that you head out with a surf guide, particularly until you’re more familiar with the weather conditions on the islands and the guidelines.
The best surfing conditions are generally found on the islands of Sandoy and Suðuroy, so if you don’t want to drive to find the best waves, rent a room in these areas. It is strongly suggested that you head out with a surf guide, particularly until you’re more familiar with the weather conditions on the islands and the guidelines.
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If You Ride … Saddle Up on a Faroese Horse
It is believed that the Faorese horse has been trotting about the windswept islands for over a thousand years – and they’re not found anywhere else in the world. Nowadays, there are just 74 Faroese horses left in the islands, 125 short of how many horses are needed for their race to be considered safe. The best place to ride is Faroe Horse, where you’ll ride bare-back with expert guides around the mountain of Lambafelli near Torshavn (if you’re an experienced rider, your guide can teach you few extra tricks for riding a Faroese pony and take you farther off the beaten path). If you’re not set on riding a Faroese, try Berg Hestar (Icelandic horses) and Davidsen Hestar (Icelandic and mixed-race horses).
It is believed that the Faorese horse has been trotting about the windswept islands for over a thousand years – and they’re not found anywhere else in the world. Nowadays, there are just 74 Faroese horses left in the islands, 125 short of how many horses are needed for their race to be considered safe. The best place to ride is Faroe Horse, where you’ll ride bare-back with expert guides around the mountain of Lambafelli near Torshavn (if you’re an experienced rider, your guide can teach you few extra tricks for riding a Faroese pony and take you farther off the beaten path). If you’re not set on riding a Faroese, try Berg Hestar (Icelandic horses) and Davidsen Hestar (Icelandic and mixed-race horses).
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If You’re Adventurous … the Sky’s the Limit
If you seek a good adrenaline rush, the Faroe Islands will deliver with plenty of chances for ocean kayaking, cliff jumping, abseiling, speedboating and rappelling. You name it … it’s likely here in the islands.
If you seek a good adrenaline rush, the Faroe Islands will deliver with plenty of chances for ocean kayaking, cliff jumping, abseiling, speedboating and rappelling. You name it … it’s likely here in the islands.