Explore elements of Vágar and Streymoy Islands
After you land and choose up your rental automotive on the airport, I extremely advise that you just don’t go straight to Tórshavn but (which is probably going the place your lodging might be) as a result of there are some close by spots across the airport which might be value trying into!
You is perhaps considering, “I can visit those later!” — certain you possibly can, however the factor is… they’re fairly far and to avoid wasting time, I believe it’s finest that you just go to them ASAP whilst you’re within the neighborhood as a result of they are often fairly removed from the whole lot else. Otherwise, you possibly can go to them in your final day in your approach to the airport, relying in your scheduled flight again.
◘◘ Visit Sørvágsvatn Lake
If you wish to see considered one of nature’s mind-blowing ‘optical illusions‘, just remember to drop by Lake Sørvágsvatn (additionally known as Leitisvatn) as part of your Faroe Islands itinerary.
It is the biggest lake within the Faroe Islands and it has been dubbed the “lake over the ocean” — it is because if you happen to go up a sure angle, it is going to seem as if the lake is floating straight above the ocean! The lake is simply 40 meters above sea degree with an impressive waterfall on the finish of it that’s known as Bøsdalafossur.
To get right here, set your GPS and close to the placement or by the church in Miðvágur, you will see that indicators to “Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur”. Follow these indicators till you discover a parking spot. You will then discover a gate and you could begin strolling from right here to the south in the direction of the ocean by following the gravel path. The hike takes about an hour (a method) and with a view to get to the spot that reveals the enduring ‘illusion’, you could go to the southern tip (not on the southwest finish of the lake).
You will know if you happen to’re in the correct place if you see 3 small sticks sticking up or if you happen to see a steep hill. (Doesn’t matter if you find yourself on the mistaken vantage level as a result of each angle is gorgeous right here! But if you happen to really need some extra particular directions, go to this web page and scroll to pages 36 to 37.)
◘◘ Drive to Gasadalur to see Mulafossur Waterfall
This is one more iconic panorama within the Faroe Islands which is simply an 18-min trip away from Vagar Airport. As you will notice from the picture above, the Mulafossur Waterfall is a grand sight! It is nestled inside this small village of Gasadalur and there are 2 methods to see it: with minimal effort and with some effort.
What do I imply by this? You can see this wonderful spot by automotive as you do some quick strolling from the primary highway; or if you happen to’re a devoted hiker, you are able to do a climbing path that the villagers used to take earlier than the automotive tunnel was constructed.
TRIVIA: Gasadalur was once some of the remoted locations within the islands. Residents needed to hike by way of 700-meter mountains simply to get out and in of the village! After the automotive tunnel was constructed, entry to the city obtained lots higher, however so far, the residents right here nonetheless quantity at solely 18!
Since I didn’t have a lot time (and a bit drained from my flight), I opted to only drop by right here with my automotive as I loved the waterfall and do a little bit of strolling within the village itself. If you need some extra detailed ideas for this place, like methods to discover the path that results in this vantage level and methods to do the longer climbing path itself, try my information discovered right here: Gasadalur & its Mulafossur Waterfall
◘◘ Check in to your resort
The central metropolis of Tórshavn is the place you will see that a lot of the island’s lodging and it’s a strategic place to base your self for all of your adventures across the islands. But in fact, it could actually get cheaper if you happen to get locations outdoors of Torshavn, however for the perfect capital picks, they might be the next:
Luxury: Hotel Foroyar
Mid-Range: Hotel Hafnia or AirBnB
Budget: Kristjanshavn or AirBnB
I stayed over at a guesthouse with a neighborhood although and sadly, it’s probably not a spot you possibly can e book — however I want it was as a result of the home was within the conventional model and it was so cozy with an amazing view of the ocean and a river!
◘◘ Explore the village of Saksun
Like a pure amphitheater, Saksun is a splendid distant hillside village that’s identified for its serene environment. The place the place it lies now was once a deep inlet within the sea (fjord) and through low tide, you possibly can stroll alongside the lagoon’s sandy shore which is discovered on the foot of the village.
Whilst right here to your Faroe Islands itinerary, as considered one of your issues to do, be sure you try the village’s church and Dúvugarðar, a farm that homes 300 ewes — which additionally capabilities as a museum.
◘◘ See Fossá waterfall
This is the biggest waterfall within the Faroe Islands at a peak of 140 meters. Located close to the village of Haldarsvík, this waterfall has two cascades that fall right down to the ocean.
If I could share a tip, it’s finest to come back right here after some heavy rainfall as a result of that’s when it turns into much more spectacular!
TRIVIA: Fossá in Faroese means “river with waterfalls”
◘◘ Dine at Barbara
As the evening falls, you possibly can select from an array of eating places that speckle town of Tórshavn; but when I could counsel, go and dine at Barbara Fish House! It has an amazing menu that consists of Faroese seafood dishes; plus, the place itself is kind of charming on condition that it’s constructed into the rocks.
Discover Kalsoy and Gjógv
Rev up your automotive, put on good sneakers, pack up some meals, and sail to the close by island of Kalsoy to your Faroe Islands itinerary!
You can spend a complete day right here exploring its varied sights. If you continue to have time by the tip of the day, you possibly can drop by the charming village of Gjógv.
◘◘ Take the ferry to Kalsoy
Kalsoy is sort of a flute-shaped island as a consequence of its skinny form. You can attain it by ferry alongside along with your automotive by driving from Tórshavn to the port of Klaksvík (this can be a 1-hour drive).
It’s finest to catch the primary or earliest ferry to Kalsoy’s Syðradalur port so that you just’ll have sufficient time to discover the island. To test the timetables, see this web page (pay attention to the departure occasions as effectively so you possibly can time when you’ll have to drive again to the port).
Note: it’s not attainable to e book prematurely so it’s important to pay on the spot (DKK 160 for one car), and if you happen to’re coming along with your automotive, be sure you arrive there quarter-hour earlier than departure.
Once on the island, there’s no want for maps as a result of there may be however only one freeway with a lot of tunnels — just remember to be careful for sheep as a result of they will come up wherever and block the highway, seemingly looking for some form of showdown.
First up in your listing for at the present time of your Faroe Islands itinerary, I like to recommend that you just go straight to the north to Trøllanes not solely to see the environment of the village however to additionally hike up the mountains to see Kallur lighthouse as a result of the view right here is great. I truly had a tough time discovering the path that results in this place as a result of there aren’t any indicators that lead me to it. Thankfully, my companion and I noticed a tour group by the highway who have been headed to the lighthouse they usually gladly invited us to affix them.
Basically, someplace on the highway earlier than the village, you will see that a small crimson gate alongside the fence. This is closed however you possibly can open it — a lot of the gates on the island are closed not for folks, however for sheep.
Once inside, you simply need to climb up the hill within the north route till you see the white Kallur lighthouse. With this in thoughts: ensure to put on good and cozy climbing sneakers! Rest assured, the climb up isn’t that tough however it could actually get a bit steep.
On the way in which again, just remember to cease by the village of Mikladalur to go to Kópakonan, or the “Seal Woman”, which embodies one of many standard folktales within the islands. Made of bronze and chrome steel, it stands above a rock close to a waterfall with an amazing backdrop of the mountains and the ocean. The legend that surrounds that is fairly unhappy and darkish although and you may learn all about it right here.
TIP: Pack your personal lunch and snacks as a result of I had a tough time searching for a restaurant in Kalsoy. There was a canteen in Mikladalur nevertheless it solely served snacks.
◘◘ Visit Gjógv
Just an hour away from Tórshavn, that is the northernmost village on Eysturoy island.
Nominated by the Nordic Council for the Nature & Environmental Award in 2014, this well-preserved city is nestled by mountains on all sides and stuffed with conventional homes which might be manufactured from timber and turf roofs. For those that are keen on climbing, there are additionally a number of trails so that you can do right here!
What’s one factor that you just completely should NOT miss? it might be the pure harbor that they’ve which is a picturesque gorge.
◘◘ Dine at Aarstova
Once you’re again within the capital, have some extra classical Faroese dishes — however this time round, strive some effective eating at Aarstova!
All About Mountains
The means I see it, the Faroe Islands is a hiker’s dream paradise! In truth, virtually the entire finest landscapes could be seen through climbing.
But for many who don’t have the stamina for such issues (like me), don’t fret as a result of there are climbing trails which might be at a simple degree.
Though in fact, if you happen to may push your self — by all means, accomplish that! I’ve achieved a troublesome hike up the mountain of Villingardalsfjall, and I used to be so glad that I pushed myself to do it even when my legs have been about to present means. After all, the view that I noticed up excessive was some of the jaw-dropping landscapes that I’ve ever seen in my life!
Anyhow, if you happen to suppose you possibly can’t actually do any reasonable to high-level hikes throughout your Faroe Islands itinerary, you possibly can spend at the present time visiting the villages of Saksun or Gjógv if you happen to haven’t managed to take action prior to now few days. You may even revisit the previous spots I’ve talked about if the climate turned much more favorable for at the present time.
◘◘ Go up Slættaratindur
(Hiking problem: medium) Towering at 880 meters, Slættaratindur, or “flat summit” is the best mountain within the Faroe Islands so it’s an absolute must-see!
According to Guinness World Records, that is the world’s longest sight line as a result of as a result of mild bending results of the environment, the biggest glacier in Iceland known as Vatnajökull could be seen from right here on a transparent day (apart from the truth that you possibly can have superior views over the entire Faroese archipelago).
For full climbing directions, go to this web page and scroll to web page 22 to 23.
◘◘ Conquer Mt. Villingardalsfjall
This is the hike that I used to be speaking about — as a non-hiker, this has been some of the troublesome hikes of my life but additionally some of the rewarding (along with Norway’s Trolltunga)!
The complete hike to the highest takes 3 to 4 hours with a distance of 6 kilometers but at a steep peak of 841 meters. I can speak on and on about this place, however I believe it’s finest that you just learn my weblog publish under to learn extra about my expertise in addition to to see the opposite views you’ll witness from its summit:
RELATED READ: Hiking Faroe Islands’ Stunning Mountain of Villingardalsfjall
◘◘ Go on high of Sornfelli Mountain
Good information: this does NOT contain climbing so it’s an amazing addition to your Faroe Islands itinerary.
The high of this mountain plateau close to Hotel Føroyar could be reached by automotive and reaching its wonderful viewpoint will solely take you a 30-meter stroll.
A Mykines Kind of Day
Mykines island is a favourite within the Faroe Islands!
For your Faroe Islands itinerary, you’ll want a complete day for this principally as a result of the transportation to the island often solely occurs within the morning and the trip again within the afternoon. Regrettably, once I visited right here, the climate wasn’t good. In truth, as soon as we arrived on the island, we have been stranded in a small cafe along with different vacationers as we waited for the heavy rain and robust winds to go.
It nonetheless ended up as an amazing day although as a result of we met lots of attention-grabbing people — considered one of which was a widely known harp participant from Ireland who was on tour at the moment and who gladly performed songs for everybody. Still and the identical, earlier than leaving the island, my companion and I braved the rain in order that we may a minimum of glimpse on the cute puffins that dwell on the cliffs!
Anyhow, it’s my want that you just get a superb day so that you could see the good sights under.
◘◘ Explore Mykines
There are 2 methods to succeed in Mykines to your Faroe Islands itinerary: by boat or by helicopter.
Remember how I stated that helicopters are backed by the federal government of the Faroe Islands? With that in thoughts, I extremely counsel that you just take a one-way helicopter journey to this island by reserving prematurely! I say a method as a result of Atlantic Airways’ helicopters primarily service a spherical journey path to Mykines within the mornings solely from Vagar Airport — so except you wish to spend an evening right here or two, then be happy to e book that spherical journey ticket.
To see the entire timetable, see this web page. For the boat or ferry, timetable could be discovered right here.
Once you’re on the island, you possibly can hike from the outdated turf-roofed-filled village to the lighthouse which is on the western finish of the islet of Mykineshólmur.
If it’s summertime, ensure to go to some clifftops to see an infinite sea of cute puffins nestled within the burrows. After all, that is known as the “paradise of birds” so benefit from this truth and do some birdwatching whilst you’re there!
As you wait to your ferry again to Torshavn, take your time exploring the small village. One essential factor to pay attention to although is that if you happen to take a helicopter to the island from Vagar Airport, the ferry will land elsewhere and it’s on the port of Sørvágur — so if you happen to parked your automotive on the airport, it’s important to do a 20-minute stroll again, or you possibly can take the 300 bus. (Details right here).
TIP: Much like Kalsoy, it’s advisable to pack your personal lunch and snacks. There’s a small cafe in the course of the village nevertheless it principally serves mild meals. NOTE: Just lately, a brand new coverage has been set that vacationers need to pay DKK 100 to journey to the Mykineshólmur lighthouse for upkeep of the birdlife and nature on the island. This charge features a licensed information to make sure that everybody sticks to the trail and never disturb any of the native fauna. For extra data, you possibly can contact the Visit Mykines workplace.
◘◘ See Kirkjubøur
Assuming that it’s summer season, by the point that you just come again to the primary island, it is going to nonetheless be mild outdoors so if you happen to may, make a visit Kirkjubøur.
One notable attraction that you could see right here is the large black constructing on the heart of the village that known as Kirkjubøargarður. It’s arguably the oldest inhabited picket home on the planet with over 17 generations of the identical household that’s dwelling there (there are sections which might be changed into a museum). It even as soon as housed the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands.
You may additionally go to the outdated church buildings that they’ve corresponding to Magnus Cathedral and Saint Olav. And if you happen to go by the shore, you will notice two outdated stone homes.
Before capping the evening, whilst you’re already within the space…
◘◘ Have dinner at KOKS
I extremely suggest this restaurant since I’ve dined right here myself!
What’s particular about KOKS? Well, it has been awarded the perfect restaurant within the Nordic nations in 2015 by the Nordic Prize; plus, additionally it is the primary and the one Michelin star restaurant within the islands.
As a cease in your Faroe Islands itinerary, you’ll love how this restaurant solely makes use of native components, plus it’s in a personal home that has been changed into a visitor room. It additionally has an open kitchen the place you possibly can watch the chef and his assistants cook dinner (however there’s a larger kitchen within the again).
Dining right here is clearly not low-cost, however if in case you have the cash to spare, I urge you to present it a strive. I’ve dined all around the world and this is likely one of the finest locations I’ve eaten in. Besides, they certainly know methods to do pairings!
Basically, dinner here’s a tasting menu and you may select to select your personal drinks or select their wine pairing or juice pairing set — YES! You learn that proper, juice pairing!
This may sound boring to you however their juice pairings have been merely phenomenal. I by no means thought that contemporary juices could be blended in such ways in which would completely complement a dish.
Aaaah… merely put: I hope you get to strive it to expertise a very gastronomical feast.
Explore the remainder of Tórshavn
We’re now on the final day of your Faroe Islands itinerary and I believe it’s time to totally discover and revel in the primary capital of Tórshavn.
Let your self get misplaced within the metropolis’s small streets; if not, you possibly can take your choose from the array of actions under as a few of your issues to do in Faroe Islands…
◘◘ See Tinganes and the middle of city
Tinganes is an space the place you possibly can see a fantastic litter of crimson picket homes.
These are one of many oldest parliamentary assembly locations on the planet that after functioned as assembly locations for Vikings. Today, it homes the workplace of the prime minister. You will quite discover the Faroese parliament — the Løgting (‘Law assembly’) — a number of streets down.
What’s nice about this space too is that there are sufficient indicators and plaques to clarify the historical past of the place.
◘◘ Shop for souvenirs at Öström
Go over to the waterfront and you’ll this retailer that’s housed in an outdated manufacturing facility constructing. They promote merchandise made on the islands corresponding to conventional garments, wool sweaters, postcards, posters, and different design merchandise.
For certain, it’s value trying into throughout your Faroe islands itinerary!
◘◘ Try horseriding
You can expertise an impressive horseriding expertise in and round Tórshavn and you are able to do it with the tour supplier, Berg Hestar, who makes use of Icelandic horses.
The experiences fluctuate in problem and worth vary however take notice that it’s solely allowed for 7 years and older. To shield the horses, there’s additionally a weight restrict of 95 kilos. To e book your spot(s), test their web site right here.
◘◘ Sail with RIB62 to Hestur
This expertise will grant you a novel perspective on the Faroe Islands as you sail by probably the most distant and breathtaking sights that the islands have to supply — considered one of which is to circle across the close by island of Hestur.
RIB62 tailors excursions upon request each day of the week so be happy to contact them for inquiries. (Departure for this boat tour is from Gamlarætt which is quarter-hour away from Tórshavn).