FAROE ISLANDS

The Faroe Islands are an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway, Iceland and Scotland. It consists of 18 main islands of volcanic origin, known for their dramatic landscapes - steep cliffs, green pastures, waterfalls and a sea often shrouded in mist. The islands belong to the Kingdom of Denmark but have a wide degree of autonomy, including their own parliament, government and official language, Faroese.

The capital is Tórshavn, located on the island of Streymoy. Although it has only a few thousand inhabitants, it is the political, cultural and economic centre of the country. The total population of the Faroe Islands is around 50 000. Thanks to their isolated location, the Faroese have retained a strong national identity, a unique culture and ancient traditions such as chain dancing and the singing of ancient sagas.

The climate is oceanic, with mild winters and cool summers, but the weather changes very quickly and is often rainy. The economy is based primarily on fishing and fish processing, which account for the vast majority of exports. However, tourism has also been growing in recent years, with travellers heading here for unspoilt nature, hiking and bird and marine mammal watching.

Despite its isolation, the Faroe Islands have a modern infrastructure, with most of the islands connected by bridges, tunnels and regular ferries. Vágar Airport provides air links to Europe. The Faroe Islands are one of the most picturesque and remote places in Europe, retaining their authenticity and strong connection to nature and tradition.

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT IN THE FAROE ISLANDS?

1. LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN

Lake Sørvágsvatn, also known as Leitisvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands. It is located on the island of Vágar and covers an area of approximately 3.4 km². The lake is famous not only for its size, but also for its unique optical illusion, which makes it appear to be high above the sea and directly over a steep cliff - but in reality it is only about 30 metres above the ocean.

This illusion is created when viewed from a certain angle, most often from the Trælanípa viewpoint, where the lake appears to be 'suspended' above the sea. This fascinating scenery attracts many tourists and photographers every year. The Trælanípa cliff, from which the lake is most often viewed, falls perpendicularly into the ocean and is about 142 metres high. From Sørvágsvatn flows the short river Bøsdalafossur, which forms a waterfall that falls directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

The hike to the lake is one of the most popular hikes in the Faroe Islands - it is not difficult and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk there and back. However, there is a fee of DKK 200 per person for the hike. For more information, please visit the website https://www.tralanipan.fo/

2. KLAKSVÍK

Klaksvík is the second largest city in the Faroe Islands and an important regional centre. It is located in the northeast of the island of Borðoy, which belongs to the northern group of islands called Norðoyar (Northern Islands). The city has a population of approximately 5 000 inhabitants, a relatively large settlement by Faroese standards, and is considered the informal capital of the north.

Klaksvík has a deep natural harbour which provides excellent conditions for boats - this has led to the development of a fishing industry which is the mainstay of the local economy. There are fishing fleets, processing plants and logistics centres linked to the export of fish products. The town has a rich maritime history and continues to play a key role in the country's fisheries.

From a cultural point of view, Klaksvík is an important place - there is the Christianskirkjan church, built in 1963, which is one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in the Faroe Islands. It is built in a traditional style with strong references to Nordic and Viking heritage, including wooden elements and stone construction. The famous 14th century wooden cross is also found in the interior.

Klaksvík also offers access to the surrounding countryside - it is the starting point for hikes up the Klaksvíksfjall and Háfjall mountains, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding islands. The best view is at the top of Klakkur, which rises to 413 m above sea level.

3. MYKINES ISLAND

Mykines is the westernmost of the Faroe Islands and one of the most picturesque and isolated places in the archipelago. The island is best known for its wildlife, dramatic cliffs and as a paradise for birdwatchers - especially puffins, which nest here in large colonies during the summer.

The island covers an area of about 10 km² and has a very small permanent population - usually less than 20 people, often even a few in winter. The main and only village on the island is also called Mykines. It is made up of traditional Faroese houses with green grass roofs and is completely cut off from the rest of the islands outside the high season when there is no regular transport.

The island of Mykines can only be reached by ferry or helicopter

The island can be reached by ferry from the village of Sørvágur (in the summer months) or by helicopter, operated by Faroese airline Atlantic Airways - one of the few widely available domestic helicopter services in Europe. Nevertheless, travel to Mykines is heavily dependent on the weather, which can be unpredictable.

The island's biggest tourist attraction is a trip to the lighthouse on Mykineshólmur, a rocky islet connected to the main island by a narrow bridge over dramatic cliffs. This route takes you past colonies of seabirds, including puffins, terns and the aforementioned puffins. Due to conservation concerns, access to Mykineshólmur is restricted - in the summer season you must book entry and pay a guide fee, as the area is both protected and sensitive to excessive tourism. For more information, please visit the website https://hiking.fo/products/305/mykines?_ProductId=305&_l=en?lang=en&_l=en

The island of Mykines also has an interesting history - it was much more densely populated in the past, but due to isolation and harsh living conditions the population has gradually declined. Today it is still a place where traditional Faroese architecture and way of life have been preserved. The island was also made famous by the Faroese painter Sámal Joensen-Mikines, who was born here and whose work is now considered a key part of the Faroese artistic tradition.

HOW TO GET TO MYKINES?

FERRY 

The island of Mykines can be reached by ferry from the village of Sørvágur, which is close to Vágar Airport. There are daily departures at 9:15, 13:15 and 17:15. The times follow the start of the guided tours at 10:00 and 14:00. A one-way ticket costs DKK 120 and must be purchased in advance online at https://booking.ssl.fo/Booking/

HELICOPTER

A less common means of transport is the helicopter, which at first glance might seem like a very expensive affair - but the opposite is true. As this is a very common transport in the Faroe Islands, a ticket from Vágar Airport costs only DKK 435.

The helicopter is mainly used by locals as transport between the islands. The helicopter has a capacity of 12 seats and tickets must be booked in advance on the website https://www.atlanticairways.com/en/helicopter

However, it does not fly daily and you can only use the return flight. This means you have to book the ferry at the same time for one trip. Flights are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

4. FOSSÁ WATERFALL

Fossá is the highest and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Faroe Islands. It is located on the northern part of the island of Streymoy, near the village of Haldarsvík. The word "fossá" translated from Faroese means "river with a waterfall" - which is apt, as the waterfall is fed by the Fossá River, which rises in the interior of the island and gradually descends to the sea.

The total height of the waterfall is approximately 140 metres, with the water falling in two main cascades down the rocky hillside. The waterfall is not only high, but also wide and massive, especially after rainfall or when the snow melts. The lower part of the waterfall is easily accessible from the road - you can stop right by the road and walk to it.

In addition to its height, Fossá is also exceptional because of its surrounding landscape - it rises in the middle of a typical Faroese setting with bare hills, green meadows and views of the sea. In good weather, the area around the waterfall offers great conditions for hiking and photography. In addition, there are other interesting sites nearby, such as the village of Saksun or the Saksunardalur valley, so a visit to Fossá is often combined with a longer trip around the northern part of Streymoy.

5. SAKSUN

Saksun is a small and very picturesque village on the northwest coast of Streymoy, one of the most iconic and photographed places in the Faroe Islands. It lies in a deep mountain valley that opens into a sandy lagoon, originally a sea fjord. This natural transformation was created in the 17th century when a storm covered the entrance to the fjord with sand, turning it into an inland bay that today depends on the tides.

The village has only a few houses and permanent residents (usually fewer than 10), but is sought after for its tranquillity, beauty and traditional atmosphere. Typical wooden houses with green grassy roofs complete the unique character of the place. The mountains tower above the village and the surrounding pastures where sheep graze - all of which create the impression of a step back in time.

The dominant feature of Saksun is the church built in 1858, which was originally built in Tjørnuvík and later moved to Saksun. The church stands on an elevated position overlooking the lagoon and surrounding mountains - one of the most picturesque religious buildings on the islands. Next to it is Duvugardar, a former farm turned into a small museum of traditional Faroese life.

One of the most popular activities in Saksun is the walk to the lagoon and the sea, which can only be done at low tide - it follows the bottom of the former fjord between sand and boulders. However, it is important to watch the tide as the way back can be flooded. Saksun is not suitable for large tour groups, and locals repeatedly point out the need to respect private property, as some paths lead through private fields and pastures.

6. GJÓGV

Gjógv is a small village on the north-eastern tip of Eysturoy and is one of the most charming and most visited places in the Faroe Islands. Its name translates as "ravine" or "gorge", which accurately describes its main geographical feature - a narrow natural sea gorge that served as a natural harbour and boat launching point.

The biggest attraction of the village is the Gjógv gorge, which cuts deep into the cliff and has served for centuries as a natural harbour protected from the waves of the Atlantic. Today, it is possible to walk along the gorge along the landscaped walkways and lookout points - the views are truly breathtaking, especially at sunset or when the mist rolls in over the sea.

A hiking trail runs above the village with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and neighbouring islands - especially Kalsoy and Kunoy. The trail is also suitable for less experienced hikers and offers beautiful scenery, the chance to see sea birds and the peaceful atmosphere of the Faroese countryside.

7. TÓRSHAVN

Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, is the largest and most important city in the archipelago. It lies on the south-east coast of Streymoy and is home to approximately 23 000 inhabitants, almost half of the Faroe Islands' total population. Despite being the largest settlement, Tórshavn has a very quiet, uncluttered and almost rural feel - it is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, but also one of the most impressive.

The Faroe Islands are home to one of the oldest parliaments in the world

The name Tórshavn literally means "Thor's harbour", referring to the Norse thunder god Thor. The city was probably founded in the Viking Age as a meeting place (ting), making it one of the oldest parliamentary places in the world. This tradition continues today on the Tinganes peninsula, where the Faroese government is based.

Tinganes is the historic core of the city - a narrow peninsula with red wooden houses with grass roofs, some of which date from the 16th century. The place has a strong atmosphere and is a symbol of Faroese identity. These buildings also house part of the government, so you can literally walk between the offices of the ministries. The old town connects to the Reyn district, which is made up of well-preserved old houses, stone streets and is completely free of car traffic - perfect for a walk in the spirit of the past.