Written by Bradt Travel Guides
From the sophisticated capital of Tórshavn to the mysterious isle of Mykines, the Faroe Islands offer natural splendour in abundance. It is still one of the few places in Europe where life moves at an enviably sedate pace and where the forces of nature and vagaries of the climate mean everything to the people who live here. Whether you explore this North Atlantic archipelago by ferry, road or helicopter, you’ll find a trip to the Faroes is a marvellously rewarding experience.
Soaring sea cliffs
A tour to the Vestmanna bird cliffs is a must-do © Eydfinnur, Shutterstock
The Faroes are famous for their sea cliffs teeming with birdlife – an audio-visual delight of gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins in their hundreds of thousands. A boat tour to the spectacular bird cliffs at Vestmanna is something every visitor should embark on, and those with a little more time should venture to Enniberg in northern Viðoy and Beinisvørð in southern Suðuroy, with their record-setting heights.
Magical Mykines
Mykines is definitely worth the challenging journey © VisitFaroeIslands
The most remote and enigmatic of the Faroe Islands, Mykines can be cut off by bad weather for days, but the tussocky valleys and rich birdlife are worth the challenge. Its craggy cliffs and hills rise precipitously out of the sea in a wall of lush green, turquoise and steely grey, the winds hurrying the clouds across the sky, changing the island’s aspect as frequently as the light. It really is something special.
Thor’s harbour
Tórshavn is named after Thor, the Norse god of war © VisitFaroeIslands
Named after the Norse god of war, the beguiling Faroese capital of is dotted with brightly coloured wooden houses and bursting with local charm. It might be one of the smallest capitals in the world, but it’s packed with great bars, harbourside restaurants and fascinating museums and should be (literally) the first port of call on any Faroese itinerary.
Picturesque villages
A visit to the turf-roofed church of Funningur is a highlight of any trip © VisitFaroeIslands
Alongside the puffin, the iconic image of the Faroes is the turf-roofed house, of which there are plenty to explore in the dozens of tiny hamlets that dot the islands. Set in landscape of vast wilderness and domineering mountains, they provide an insight into life in a land of extremes.
Helicopter hopping
Travelling by helicopter is surprisingly good value © Erik Christensen, Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons
One of the best (and fastest) ways to see many of the more isolated corners of the Faroes is to travel by helicopter. Soar above the jagged coastlines for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape – but be sure to check they are running in bad weather!
Inspired to book a trip to this Danish island chain? Talk to our friends at Regent Holidays:
With an unquenchable interest in the alternative, Regent was one of the first UK travel companies to operate tours to Russia, North Korea and Greenland – and we’re still venturing off the beaten track today. Whether you want to explore the beautiful Faroe Islands, travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway or go in search of the elusive northern lights in the Arctic circle, speak to one of our travel specialists today.
Looking to learn more about the Faroe Islands? Check out our comprehensive travel guide:
