Explore components of Vágar and Streymoy Islands
After you land and choose 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 probably be) as a result of there are some close by spots across the airport which are value wanting into!
You is perhaps pondering, “I can visit those later!” — certain you’ll be able to, however the factor is… they’re fairly far and to avoid wasting time, I believe it’s finest that you simply go to them ASAP whilst you’re within the neighborhood as a result of they are often fairly removed from all the pieces else. Otherwise, you’ll be able to go to them in your final day in your solution to the airport, relying in your scheduled flight again.
◘◘ Visit Sørvágsvatn Lake
If you need to see one in all 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 is the biggest lake within the Faroe Islands and it has been dubbed the “lake over the ocean” — it’s because in the event you go up a sure angle, it’ll seem as if the lake is floating instantly 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 situation or by the church in Miðvágur, you can see indicators to “Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur”. Follow these indicators till you discover a parking spot. You will 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 method) and so as to get to the spot that reveals the enduring ‘illusion’, you will need to go to the southern tip (not on the southwest finish of the lake).
You will know in the event you’re in the correct place if you see 3 small sticks sticking up or in the event you see a steep hill. (Doesn’t matter if you find yourself on the unsuitable vantage level as a result of each angle is beautiful right here! But in the event 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
This is yet one more iconic panorama within the Faroe Islands which is simply an 18-min journey away from Vagar Airport. As you will note 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 automobile as you do some brief strolling from the principle street; or in the event you’re a devoted hiker, you are able to do a mountain climbing path that the villagers used to take earlier than the automobile tunnel was constructed.
TRIVIA: Gasadalur was 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 automobile tunnel was constructed, entry to the city acquired so much 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 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 need some extra detailed suggestions for this place, like tips on how to discover the path that results in this vantage level and tips on how to do the longer mountain 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 can see 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 after all, it could get cheaper in the event you get locations outdoors of Torshavn, however for the perfect capital picks, they’d be the next:
Luxury: Hotel Foroyar
Mid-Range: Hotel Hafnia or AirBnB
Budget: Kristjanshavn or AirBnB
I stayed over at a guesthouse with an area although and sadly, it’s probably not a spot you’ll be able to ebook — however I want it was as a result of the home was within the conventional type and it was so cozy with an excellent 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 recognized for its serene environment. The place the place it lies now was a deep inlet within the sea (fjord) and through low tide, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the lagoon’s sandy shore which is discovered on the foot of the village.
Whilst right here in your Faroe Islands itinerary, as one in all your issues to do, be sure you try the village’s church and Dúvugarðar, a farm that homes 300 ewes — which additionally features as a museum.
◘◘ See Fossá waterfall
This is the biggest waterfall within the Faroe Islands at a top of 140 meters. Located 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 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 night time falls, you’ll be able to select from an array of eating places that speckle the town of Tórshavn; but when I’ll recommend, go and dine at Barbara Fish House! It has an excellent 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 automobile, put on good footwear, pack up some meals, and sail to the close by island of Kalsoy in your Faroe Islands itinerary!
You can spend an entire day right here exploring its numerous sights. If you continue to have time by the tip of the day, you’ll be able to drop by the charming village of Gjógv.
◘◘ Take the ferry to Kalsoy
Kalsoy is sort of a flute-shaped island resulting from its skinny form. You can 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 finest 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’ll be able to time when you’ll have to drive again to the port).
Note: it’s not potential to ebook upfront so you must pay on the spot (DKK 160 for one car), and in the event you’re coming together with your automobile, 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’s however only one freeway with numerous tunnels — just be sure you be careful for sheep as a result of they will come up anyplace and block the street, seemingly in search of some kind of showdown.
First up in your checklist for today 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 are not any indicators that lead me to it. Thankfully, my companion and I noticed a tour group by the street who had been headed to the lighthouse and so they gladly invited us to hitch them.
Basically, someplace on the street earlier than the village, you can see a small crimson gate alongside the fence. This is closed however you’ll be able to open it — a lot of the gates on the island are closed not for individuals, however for sheep.
Once inside, you simply must climb up the hill within the north path till you see the white Kallur lighthouse. With this in thoughts: be certain that to put on good and cozy mountain climbing footwear! Rest assured, the climb up isn’t that onerous however it could get a bit steep.
On the best way again, just be sure you cease by the village of Mikladalur to go to Kópakonan, or the “Seal Woman”, which embodies one of many widespread folktales within the islands. Made of bronze and stainless-steel, it stands above a rock close to a waterfall with an excellent 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 individual lunch and snacks as a result of I had a tough time on the lookout 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 crammed with conventional homes which are product of timber and turf roofs. For those that are keen on mountain climbing, 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 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 high-quality eating at Aarstova!
All About Mountains
The approach I see it, the Faroe Islands is a hiker’s dream paradise! In reality, virtually the entire finest landscapes might be seen through mountain climbing.
But for many who don’t have the stamina for such issues (like me), don’t fret as a result of there are mountain climbing trails which are at a simple degree.
Though after all, in the event you might push your self — by all means, achieve this! I’ve finished 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 had been about to present approach. 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, in the event you assume you’ll be able to’t actually do any reasonable to high-level hikes throughout your Faroe Islands itinerary, you’ll be able to spend today visiting the villages of Saksun or Gjógv in the event 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 today.
◘◘ Go up Slættaratindur
(Hiking issue: medium) Towering at 880 meters, Slættaratindur, or “flat summit” is the very 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 because of the gentle bending results of the environment, the biggest glacier in Iceland known as Vatnajökull might be seen from right here on a transparent day (except for the truth that you’ll be able to have superior views over the entire Faroese archipelago).
For full mountain 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 entire hike to the highest takes 3 to 4 hours with a distance of 6 kilometers but at a steep top of 841 meters. I can speak on and on about this place, however I believe it’s finest that you simply 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 mountain climbing so it’s an excellent addition to your Faroe Islands itinerary.
The high of this mountain plateau close to Hotel Føroyar might be reached by automobile 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 an entire day for this principally as a result of the transportation to the island normally solely occurs within the morning and the journey 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 had been stranded in a small cafe along with different vacationers as we waited for the heavy rain and powerful winds to move.
It nonetheless ended up as an excellent day although as a result of we met loads of attention-grabbing people — one in all 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 might at the least glimpse on the cute puffins that dwell on the cliffs!
Anyhow, it’s my want that you simply get a superb day so as to see the nice sights under.
◘◘ Explore Mykines
There are 2 methods to succeed in Mykines in your Faroe Islands itinerary: by boat or by helicopter.
Remember how I mentioned that helicopters are backed by the federal government of the Faroe Islands? With that in thoughts, I extremely recommend that you simply take a one-way helicopter journey to this island by reserving upfront! 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 need to spend an evening right here or two, then be happy to ebook that spherical journey ticket.
To see the entire timetable, see this web page. For the boat or ferry, timetable might be discovered right here.
Once you’re on the island, you’ll be able to hike from the previous turf-roofed-filled village to the lighthouse which is on the western finish of the islet of Mykineshólmur.
If it’s summertime, be certain that 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 reap the benefits of this reality and do some birdwatching whilst you’re there!
As you wait in your ferry again to Torshavn, take your time exploring the small village. One necessary factor to pay attention to although is that in the event you take a helicopter to the island from Vagar Airport, the ferry will land some place else and it’s on the port of Sørvágur — so in the event you parked your automobile on the airport, you must do a 20-minute stroll again, or you’ll be able to take the 300 bus. (Details right here).
TIP: Much like Kalsoy, it’s advisable to pack your individual lunch and snacks. There’s a small cafe in the course of the village nevertheless it principally serves gentle meals. NOTE: Just just lately, a brand new coverage has been set that vacationers must 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’ll be able to contact the Visit Mykines workplace.
◘◘ See Kirkjubøur
Assuming that it’s summer season, by the point that you simply come again to the principle island, it’ll nonetheless be gentle outdoors so in the event you might, make a visit Kirkjubøur.
One notable attraction that you will need to see right here is the massive black constructing on the middle of the village that is 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 are became a museum). It even as soon as housed the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands.
You might additionally go to the previous church buildings that they’ve comparable to Magnus Cathedral and Saint Olav. And in the event you go by the shore, you will note two previous stone homes.
Before capping the night time, whilst you’re already within the space…
◘◘ Have dinner at KOKS
I extremely advocate 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 international locations 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 substances, plus it’s in a non-public home that has been became a visitor room. It additionally has an open kitchen the place you’ll be able to 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 when you’ve got the cash to spare, I urge you to present it a strive. I’ve dined all around the world and this is without doubt one of the finest locations I’ve eaten in. Besides, they certainly know tips on how to do pairings!
Basically, dinner here’s a tasting menu and you may select to select your individual 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 had been merely phenomenal. I by no means thought that recent juices might be combined 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 luxuriate in the principle capital of Tórshavn.
Let your self get misplaced within the metropolis’s small streets; if not, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to see an attractive litter of crimson picket homes.
These are one of many oldest parliamentary assembly locations on the planet that when functioned as assembly locations for Vikings. Today, it homes the workplace of the prime minister. You will slightly discover the Faroese parliament — the Løgting (‘Law assembly’) — just a few 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 previous manufacturing unit constructing. They promote merchandise made on the islands comparable to conventional garments, wool sweaters, postcards, posters, and different design merchandise.
For certain, it’s value wanting 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 range in issue and value vary however take word that it’s solely allowed for 7 years and older. To shield the horses, there’s additionally a weight restrict of 95 kilos. To ebook 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 probably the most distant and breathtaking sights that the islands have to supply — one in all 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).