Discover components of Vágar and Streymoy Islands
After you land and decide up your rental automobile on the airport, I extremely advise that you simply don’t go straight to Tórshavn but (which is probably going the place your lodging will likely be) as a result of there are some close by spots across the airport which can be value trying into!
You could be considering, “I can go to these later!” — certain you possibly can, however the factor is… they’re fairly far and to save lots of time, I believe it’s greatest that you simply go to them ASAP when you’re within the neighborhood as a result of they are often fairly removed from every little thing else. In any other case, you possibly can go to them in your final day in your strategy to the airport, relying in your scheduled flight again.
◘◘ Go to Sørvágsvatn Lake
If you wish to see considered one of nature’s mind-blowing ‘optical illusions‘, just be sure you drop by Lake Sørvágsvatn (additionally known as Leitisvatn) as part of your Faroe Islands itinerary.
It’s the largest lake within the Faroe Islands and it has been dubbed the “lake over the ocean” — it is because in case you go up a sure angle, it is going to seem as if the lake is floating immediately above the ocean! The lake is simply 40 meters above sea stage 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’ll find indicators to “Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur”. Comply with these indicators till you discover a parking spot. You’ll then discover a gate and you will need to 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 technique) and with a view to get to the spot that exhibits the enduring ‘phantasm’, you will need to go to the southern tip (not on the southwest finish of the lake).
You’ll know in case you’re in the appropriate place whenever you see 3 small sticks sticking up or in case you see a steep hill. (Doesn’t matter if you find yourself on the incorrect vantage level as a result of each angle is gorgeous right here! However in case you actually need some extra particular directions, go to this web page and scroll to pages 36 to 37.)
◘◘ Drive to Gasadalur to see Mulafossur Waterfall
That is one more iconic panorama within the Faroe Islands which is simply an 18-min experience away from Vagar Airport. As you will notice from the picture above, the Mulafossur Waterfall is a grand sight! It’s 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 may see this superb spot by automobile as you do some brief strolling from the principle highway; or in case you’re a devoted hiker, you are able to do a mountaineering path that the villagers used to take earlier than the automobile tunnel was constructed.
TRIVIA: Gasadalur was once one of the vital remoted locations within the islands. Residents needed to hike via 700-meter mountains simply to get out and in of the village! After the automobile tunnel was constructed, entry to the city obtained so much higher, however to this point, 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 simply drop by right here with my automobile as I loved the waterfall and do a little bit of strolling within the village itself. If you’d like some extra detailed ideas for this place, like the right way to discover the path that results in this vantage level and the right way to do the longer mountaineering path itself, try my information discovered right here: Gasadalur & its Mulafossur Waterfall
◘◘ Test in to your resort
The central metropolis of Tórshavn is the place you’ll find many of the island’s lodging and it’s a strategic place to base your self for all of your adventures across the islands. However in fact, it could get cheaper in case you get locations outdoors of Torshavn, however for the perfect capital picks, they’d be the next:
Luxurious: Lodge Foroyar
Mid-Vary: Lodge Hafnia or AirBnB
Funds: Kristjanshavn or AirBnB
I stayed over at a guesthouse with an area although and sadly, it’s not likely 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!
◘◘ Discover the village of Saksun
Like a pure amphitheater, Saksun is a splendid distant hillside village that’s recognized 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.
While right here on your Faroe Islands itinerary, as considered one of your issues to do, be sure to try the village’s church and Dúvugarðar, a farm that homes 300 ewes — which additionally capabilities as a museum.
◘◘ See Fossá waterfall
That is the biggest waterfall within the Faroe Islands at a peak of 140 meters. Positioned close to the village of Haldarsvík, this waterfall has two cascades that fall all the way down to the ocean.
If I’ll share a tip, it’s greatest 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
Because the night time falls, you possibly can select from an array of eating places that speckle town of Tórshavn; but when I’ll counsel, go and dine at Barbara Fish Home! It has an amazing menu that consists of Faroese seafood dishes; plus, the place itself is kind of charming provided that it’s constructed into the rocks.
Uncover Kalsoy and Gjógv
Rev up your automobile, put on good sneakers, pack up some meals, and sail to the close by island of Kalsoy on your Faroe Islands itinerary!
You may spend an entire day right here exploring its numerous sights. In case you nonetheless 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 result of its skinny form. You may attain it by ferry alongside together with your automobile by driving from Tórshavn to the port of Klaksvík (it is a 1-hour drive).
It’s greatest to catch the primary or earliest ferry to Kalsoy’s Syðradalur port so that you simply’ll have sufficient time to discover the island. To verify the timetables, see this web page (pay attention to the departure instances as effectively so you possibly can time when you’ll have to drive again to the port).
Be aware: it’s not potential to e-book prematurely so you need to pay on the spot (DKK 160 for one car), and in case you’re coming together with your automobile, be sure to arrive there quarter-hour earlier than departure.
As soon as on the island, there’s no want for maps as a result of there may be however only one freeway with plenty of tunnels — just be sure you be careful for sheep as a result of they’ll come up wherever and block the highway, seemingly looking for some kind of showdown.
First up in your checklist for this present day of your Faroe Islands itinerary, I like to recommend that you simply 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 really 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. Fortunately, my companion and I noticed a tour group by the highway who have been headed to the lighthouse they usually gladly invited us to hitch them.
Principally, someplace on the highway earlier than the village, you’ll find a small pink gate alongside the fence. That is closed however you possibly can open it — many of the gates on the island are closed not for folks, however for sheep.
As soon as inside, you simply need to climb up the hill within the north path till you see the white Kallur lighthouse. With this in thoughts: make certain to put on good and comfy mountaineering sneakers! Relaxation assured, the climb up isn’t that arduous however it could get a bit steep.
On the way in which again, just be sure you cease by the village of Mikladalur to go to Kópakonan, or the “Seal Girl”, which embodies one of many fashionable folktales within the islands. Product 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 in search of a restaurant in Kalsoy. There was a canteen in Mikladalur however it solely served snacks.
◘◘ Go to Gjógv
Simply 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 can be manufactured from timber and turf roofs. For many who are keen on mountaineering, there are additionally a number of trails so that you can do right here!
What’s one factor that you simply completely should NOT miss? it could be the pure harbor that they’ve which is a picturesque gorge.
◘◘ Dine at Aarstova
When you’re again within the capital, have some extra classical Faroese dishes — however this time round, strive some advantageous eating at Aarstova!
All About Mountains
The best way I see it, the Faroe Islands is a hiker’s dream paradise! In reality, nearly the entire greatest landscapes could be seen by way of mountaineering.
However for individuals who don’t have the stamina for such issues (like me), don’t fret as a result of there are mountaineering trails which can be at a simple stage.
Although in fact, in case you may push your self — by all means, accomplish that! I’ve accomplished 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 approach. In any case, the view that I noticed up excessive was one of the vital jaw-dropping landscapes that I’ve ever seen in my life!
Anyhow, in case you suppose you possibly can’t actually do any reasonable to high-level hikes throughout your Faroe Islands itinerary, you possibly can spend this present day visiting the villages of Saksun or Gjógv in case you haven’t managed to take action up to now few days. You may even revisit the previous spots I’ve talked about if the climate turned much more favorable for this present day.
◘◘ Go up Slættaratindur
(Mountaineering issue: medium) Towering at 880 meters, Slættaratindur, or “flat summit” is the best mountain within the Faroe Islands so it’s an absolute must-see!
Based on Guinness World Information, that is the world’s longest sight line as a result of because of the 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 mountaineering directions, go to this web page and scroll to web page 22 to 23.
◘◘ Conquer Mt. Villingardalsfjall
That is the hike that I used to be speaking about — as a non-hiker, this has been one of the vital troublesome hikes of my life but additionally one of the vital rewarding (along with Norway’s Trolltunga)!
The entire 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 greatest that you simply learn my weblog submit under to learn extra about my expertise in addition to to see the opposite views you’ll witness from its summit:
RELATED READ: Mountaineering Faroe Islands’ Beautiful Mountain of Villingardalsfjall
◘◘ Go on prime of Sornfelli Mountain
Excellent news: this does NOT contain mountaineering so it’s an amazing addition to your Faroe Islands itinerary.
The highest of this mountain plateau close to Lodge Føroyar could be reached by automobile and reaching its superb viewpoint will solely take you a 30-meter stroll.
A Mykines Type of Day
Mykines island is a favourite within the Faroe Islands!
On your Faroe Islands itinerary, you’ll want an entire day for this principally as a result of the transportation to the island often solely occurs within the morning and the experience again within the afternoon. Regrettably, once I visited right here, the climate wasn’t good. In reality, 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 cross.
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 well known harp participant from Eire who was on tour at the moment and who gladly performed songs for everybody. Nonetheless and the identical, earlier than leaving the island, my companion and I braved the rain in order that we may not less than glimpse on the cute puffins that reside on the cliffs!
Anyhow, it’s my want that you simply get day in an effort to see the nice sights under.
◘◘ Discover Mykines
There are 2 methods to achieve Mykines on your Faroe Islands itinerary: by boat or by helicopter.
Bear in mind how I mentioned that helicopters are sponsored by the federal government of the Faroe Islands? With that in thoughts, I extremely counsel that you simply take a one-way helicopter journey to this island by reserving prematurely! I say a technique 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 whole timetable, see this web page. For the boat or ferry, timetable could be discovered right here.
When 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, make certain to go to some clifftops to see an countless sea of cute puffins nestled within the burrows. In any case, that is known as the “paradise of birds” so make the most of this truth and do some birdwatching when you’re there!
As you wait on your ferry again to Torshavn, take your time exploring the small village. One necessary factor to pay attention to although is that in case you take a helicopter to the island from Vagar Airport, the ferry will land someplace else and it’s on the port of Sørvágur — so in case you parked your automobile on the airport, you need to do a 20-minute stroll again, or you possibly can take the 300 bus. (Particulars right here).
TIP: Very similar to Kalsoy, it’s advisable to pack your personal lunch and snacks. There’s a small cafe in the course of the village however it principally serves mild meals. NOTE: Only in the near past, 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 payment features a licensed information to make sure that everybody sticks to the trail and never disturb any of the native fauna. For extra info, you possibly can contact the Go to Mykines workplace.
◘◘ See Kirkjubøur
Assuming that it’s summer time, by the point that you simply come again to the principle island, it is going to nonetheless be mild outdoors so in case you may, make a visit Kirkjubøur.
One notable attraction that you will need to see right here is the large black constructing on the middle of the village that is named Kirkjubøargarður. It’s arguably the oldest inhabited wood home on this planet with over 17 generations of the identical household that’s residing there (there are sections which can be was a museum). It even as soon as housed the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands.
You can additionally go to the outdated church buildings that they’ve similar to Magnus Cathedral and Saint Olav. And in case you go by the shore, you will notice two outdated stone homes.
Earlier than capping the night time, when 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? Properly, 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 was 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 greater kitchen within the again).
Eating 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 everywhere in the world and this is among the greatest locations I’ve eaten in. In addition to, they certainly know the right way to do pairings!
Principally, dinner here’s a tasting menu and you may select to choose your personal drinks or select their wine pairing or juice pairing set — YES! You learn that proper, juice pairing!
This would possibly 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 really gastronomical feast.
Discover the remainder of Tórshavn
We’re now on the final day of your Faroe Islands itinerary and I believe it’s time to completely discover and revel in the principle capital of Tórshavn.
Let your self get misplaced within the metropolis’s small streets; if not, you possibly can take your decide 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 pink wood homes.
These are one of many oldest parliamentary assembly locations on this planet that after functioned as assembly locations for Vikings. At the moment, it homes the workplace of the prime minister. You’ll slightly discover the Faroese parliament — the Løgting (‘Legislation meeting’) — 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.
◘◘ Store 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 similar to conventional garments, wool sweaters, postcards, posters, and different design merchandise.
For certain, it’s value trying into throughout your Faroe islands itinerary!
◘◘ Strive horseriding
You may 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 issue and value vary however take be aware that it’s solely allowed for 7 years and older. To guard the horses, there’s additionally a weight restrict of 95 kilos. To e-book your spot(s), verify 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 essentially 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 day-after-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).