The Faroe Islands are an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Iceland and Norway. This autonomous territory of Denmark comprises 18 major islands, with Streymoy, Eysturoy, and Vágar being the largest. The islands are known for their rugged terrain and steep cliffs, forming a unique and remote landscape.
A typical village in the Faroe Islands consists of colourful houses with grass-covered roofs, narrow roads, a small church, and a harbour with fishing boats. Local life centres on fishing, farming, and sheep herding, with a strong emphasis on community and tradition. Despite the remote location, modern amenities are present, and residents maintain a high quality of life. The culture includes music, storytelling, and festivals, influenced by Norse heritage and maritime history.
The Faroe Islands host a variety of animals, both wild and domesticated. They have large populations of seabirds like puffins, fulmars, and gannets, which nest on the cliffs. Sheep are the most common domesticated animals, outnumbering the human population. The surrounding waters contain marine life including fish, seals, and occasionally whales. I was also very glad to learn that the Faroe Islands are home to a few Scottish highland cows.
During the peak season from June 1st to the end of August, direct flights are available from London Gatwick to Vágar Airport on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Other UK departures are from Edinburgh on Mondays and Thursdays (all year). Additionally, there are daily flights from Copenhagen, Denmark, with other Danish airports served including Billund and Aalborg. International connections to Vágar Airport are also offered from Oslo and Bergen in Norway, Paris in France, Heraklion in Greece, Reykjavik in Iceland, and Alicante in Spain. This diverse range of flight options makes the Faroe Islands an ideal destination for a two-centre holiday, offering contrasting landscapes and experiences.
Faroe Islands Short Break (March 2024)
Day 1:
Arriving in Vagar in March, just before the peak season, my best flight option was to fly from Copenhagen on Atlantic Airways. The flight lasted just over two hours, and as the plane descended toward the airport, I was filled with excitement. The scenery below was indescribable, with mesmerizing mountains and fjords visible through the airplane window. Touching down at 13:40, I was welcomed by the crisp Faroese air and the warm hospitality of my hosts.
During my trip, I stayed at Hotel Hafnia, located in the centre of Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. After settling in, I took an evening stroll around the city, enjoying the beautiful scenery. I was surprised how bright the evening was despite the time of year. I observed craggy cliffs, rolling hills, and plenty of Faroese sheep scattered across the landscape.
Day 2:
The next morning, I had a satisfying breakfast at Hotel Hafnia, where there was a variety of options available. The spread typically included scrambled eggs, sausages, beans, cereal, bread, vegetables, meats, and pancakes. After enjoying such a hearty meal, I felt prepared for whatever the day had in store.
I was later transferred to the Nordic House, a picturesque venue with a turf roof, ideal for accommodating gatherings of all kinds, from business meetings to concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. In this instance, the venue was used for hosting the annual Fam Shop, where tour operators and travel agents had the opportunity to engage with various Faroese suppliers, ranging from hotels to excursion operators. The day was dedicated to discovering more about what the Faroe Islands have to offer, understanding their sustainability initiatives, establishing new relationships, and strengthening existing ones.
Day 3:
The next day I joined a day trip by boat to explore some of the Faroe Islands’ most famous sights. We left from Torshavn and headed to Sørvágur, a charming seaside village. Our captain greeted us, and we then boarded a small boat, sailing through the fjords with the impressive Drangarnir sea stacks and the scenic Tindhólmur in the distance. The breathtaking scenery left me speechless, and I couldn’t resist taking photos at every opportunity.
Our next stop was the impressive Skarðsáfossur waterfall which plunges from the cliff’s edge to a small black sand beach below. After this we headed to Galadur, a small village situated among mountains. Along the way, we encountered a group of highland cows; we stopped to greet them and capture a few photos.
We wrapped up our day with a fulfilling meal at Gásadalsgarður restaurant in Galadur, devouring in traditional Faroese dishes. Energised and content, we took a short walk to the Mulafossur waterfall, one of the island’s most renowned landmarks. We stood in awe, watching as the waterfall plunged into the sea.
Day 4:
After a hearty breakfast, I checked out of Hotel Hafnia and hopped on my scheduled transfer to Vagar Airport.
In conclusion, my time in the Faroe Islands was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I feel fortunate to have witnessed the beauty of this place first-hand. Pictures simply cannot capture its true essence; one must visit to fully appreciate it. The summer months offer the best opportunity to explore the islands independently with a hire car, with long days and short nights providing plenty of time to make the most of a short break. Alternatively, guided tours are available for those who prefer to explore in a group. With a wide selection of flights, there’s also the possibility to explore more than one country during a single holiday.
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By Nikola Stenka
Baltic Travel Company (all rights reserved)