Quick Read: Faroe Island is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing places on Earth, offering plenty of opportunities to witness phenomenal activities that rarely occurs.
If you’re like me, always looking for the next travel destination on Earth to go to and absolutely fascinated by nature and landscapes, then you must’ve heard of Faroe Island.
And if you’ve been there, good for you. You probably just strike-off a place that many others dreamed of going in their lifetime.
For those who haven’t heard of it, well this is exactly written for you.
In today’s note, I’m keeping it to just two sections covering where and what to do.
Looking for an itinerary and cheap flights to Faroe Island? Don’t worry, that’s already covered. Check out the link below.
Where is Faroe Island? And what’s so fascinating about it?
Like Iceland, Faroe Island is pretty much out of the world quite literally. Because geographically, the island is located right in the middle of the ocean, between Iceland and Norway.
Belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark, the entire population – as of 2019 – is only 52,000 people spreading across a total area of 1,399km2.
Tip: A cool interesting fact to know is that their time zone is almost UTC+00:00! (Except for summer where it might be UTC+01:00)
Climate and accessibility
Faroe Island has a Subpolar Oceanic Climate, which basically means that they generally have cooler weather including summer, narrower annual temperature shift and yet not too cold in winter.
Given its close proximity from Scotland, Norway and Iceland, accessibility from within Europe isn’t all that bad.
But unfortunately, that’s not the case for us in Singapore.
It’s gotten better over the past years in terms of affordability as airline competition stiffens.
Back in the days when flights up to Northern Europe isn’t quite as accessible or affordable to us, these places are practically a dream only.
Thanks to the major airlines and the advancement of technology as well as society, now these faraway places from Singapore are within reach in just two flights away!
For example, it’s quite possible to do a connected flight from one of the Scandinavian country to get you to Faroe Island!
What sorcery is it behind the fascination?
Well er, dragons, mages and the likes, but don’t let me stop you there!
Beyond the ever rich culture and historical moments, the landscape of the Island is certainly unique.
Why don’t we just have a look at what the community had seen?
Behold the magical island and its raw beauty, kept away from the world for most part of it. Until recently.
Ok that may not be exactly true, but it’s a fact that in recent few years it did gained significant attention and media coverage.
And I’m guessing part of that reason might be an event that happened in 2015.
Read this: https://newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/faroe-islands-2015-total-solar-eclipse
Best location to witness the “Total Solar Eclipse”?
During this event, the world witnessed what was thought to be a phenomenal sight on Earth – The total solar eclipse.
Guess what? Faroe Island was just the perfect place on Earth to witness this.
Read this: https://businessinsider.com/who-can-see-2015-total-solar-eclipse-2015-3
So the cat got out of the bag. Now the entire world is ever more curious about Faroe Island.
Photographers and eclipse chasers flocked to this island. – More than 11,000 to be more precise.
Then travellers and road trippers landed there for adventures.
Now, every tourist wants to be there too.
And I’m not surprised. Because this island, for the most part, remained untouched, in its raw, truest form of beauty. Why?
Because the entire island don’t have many humans spoiling everything we touched! And it has remained largely unspoiled till date.
Given the increased volume of visitors to the Island, I most sincerely hope that we as responsible and nature-loving tourists, don’t go about trampling on every soil we step on. Please.
Ok fine. You got my attention. So what’s there to do there?
Ah! Did I? If you’ve stayed and read on thus far, then it’s mission accomplished for me.
Because it’s a small Island, and let’s be honest, the more construction there is the more “tours or activities” there is. In a way at least…
Which means, we’re only left with exploring the wonders of nature. What the nature provides, is what we get.
I’ve done some research beforehand, and perhaps I can share a few top places that most people would go.
1. Get to see a colony of puffins and do some hiking on Mykines
The first thing that came to my mind when visiting this island, is puffins. I say that because, even when you do some googling on your own, you’re bound to see some puffins images surfacing.
As it appears, Faroe Island is indeed known for their huge amount of puffins nesting on the grassy slopes above the cliffs during a particular season.
Yes, it’s important to realise that, as with all good things, being there at the right time at the right place, plays a big role in witnessing a phenomenal event.
Mykines is an island situated at the westernmost of the Faroe Archipelago and plays a big significant role in the world of birds as a breeding site.
Inhabiting a wide array of seabirds – including but not limited to – such as gannets, razorbills and puffins, the island has been identified as an Important Bird Area by the BirdLife International.
Aside from seeing the birds, you may hike along a 1km long islet to the west of Mykines and stop at the Lighthouse.
With unblocked view (except for the Lighthouse), visitors can enjoy a 360 or panoramic view of the Norwegian sea and maybe a glimpse of neighboring countries (just kidding).
In any case, I’m sure you will enjoy the unparalleled view and ever refreshing breeze (or strong wind) at the Lighthouse.
2. The famous, magnificent waterfall called M˙lafossur
Just so you know, no there’s no two names to it. Often, you would see the village’s name – G·sadalur – appearing more and on tour’s names.
The most popular attraction is called M˙lafossur waterfall, and the village above it is called G·sadalur.
This is because, the stop or resting spot itself would naturally be in the village, rather than just the waterfall. And it makes perfect sense for you to stop by G·sadalur, replenish or refuel when required.
Just before entering the village, it is where you will spot the wonder of Faroe Island – M˙lafossur waterfall.
This view has been photographed so many many times that I’m 99% sure you must’ve seen it somewhere before. It’s no surprise why it’s gotten so much attention.
Just a quick google image search alone would yield plentiful incredible images.
Aren’t you already stoked and mesmerized by them? Because I really am. (it’s so difficult to research and write this note down without being tempted to just book the flights there)
Also check out: The author takes extremely beautiful photos of this place!
3. A historical adventure at Tinganes
Getting to know one of the oldest historical location where important events occurred back in 825, can also be interesting and rewarding for your trip.
If you fancy some cultural exchange, take a day or two to stroll through the historical old town.
Like most of the Scandinavian counterparts, Faroe Island’s building also had a distinct design and color to it.
Pass your day in this quiet, laid-back town is one of the best way to relax from being overwhelmed by the surroundings.
With a relatively small community, you get to interact with the locals a bit more and understand how they survive through the environment.
4. Cleft of Gjogv
Are you someone who loves hiking a lot? Then you wouldn’t want to miss climbing up the cliff to the highest point – The view is impossibly beautiful up there.
But aside from their amazing gorge and view point, Cleft of Gjogv is also famous for their colourful timber-walled cottages scattered along the valley.
Warning: Not for the faint-hearted. The gorge is at least 200m high. If you’re afraid of heights, either go slow and steady or refrain from climbing up. There’s no safety barricade or fencing at the edge. Please exercise caution and *don’t do stupid things* (e.g. selfie at edge of cliff)
Ain’t that impressive? Unblocked view of the sea and nearby islands with a certain mood.
5. Kayaking in the Norwegian Sea
If hiking is not your thing but would still love to do some outdoor activities, perhaps consider kayaking in the Norwegian Sea.
What other better chances for you to get up so close to the sea in the most Northern part of the world?
I’m not a kayaker nor a hardcore outdoor activity person, but would certainly consider this still.
Check this out: https://www.redbull.com/us-en/kayaking-from-iceland-to-faroe-islands
Ok, I’m not seriously suggesting you to partake in such a huge commitment. Just sharing that professional kayakers have attempted that! Worth a read… at least.
Are these the top 5 locations to go?
There’s no top locations to go by any standard, to be honest. They are usually measured by the majority, reviews and votes.
I’ve picked these 5 locations because I felt that there’s a good mix of adventure, sight-seeing and outdoor activities.
This would keep your itinerary balanced yet exciting to explore the nature in Faroe Island.
Is there a location we shouldn’t miss?
If I have to pick a place and include for every Faroe Island itinerary, then it would be the M˙lafossur waterfall.
Why? Simply because that angle of the view is just too impressive to pass on. And it’s very accessible too.
It gave a perfect picturesique composition of Faroe Island, with the waterfall and backlit by the beautiful sky.
What more perfect composition of a photo can you ask?
Besides, if you wish to keep memories of a place that represents its epic-ness, choosing a location that’s been photographed thousands of times just can’t go wrong.
I certainly hope that I would be able to capture such a remarkable scene one day, and add that to my list of Signature Series.
Signature Series is a collection of my most incredible image composites across different countries.
The most impressive image of this location I’ve come across, is one shot by a reputable photographer that I admired as well.
What you should do next – Plan a trip to Faroe Island!
I hope I’ve hyped it up enough for you by now. If it isn’t enough, let me know what else you want to know and what you’re missing.
But there’s a reason why many want to go to this location, and many others wishing to go. And it hasn’t always been easy to get there.
Now, the chance is here. I’ve had it planned in my travel journey. It’s in. What about you?
I would be sharing my drafted 14 days itinerary plan soon, so if you would like to take some reference and idea, check back on my blog soon!
Worth checking out too: Things you can do in Faroe Island by The Common Wanderer
Like these content you’re seeing? Support the blog today!
Benefits of being a Patreon:
★ All benefits of a Member.
★ Exclusive Signature Images for Prints & Wallpapers.
★ Receive genuinely handcrafted Photo Album(s) of each destination.
Benefits of being a Member:
☆ Handcrafted content in newsletters just for you.
☆ It’s free and no-obligation or hard-selling of anything!
☆ Receive exclusive Travel Highlights and Epic Picks for members only.
Check out more on Trips and Travel Tips…
Grab all the latest complete travel itineraries and guides for your next trip!
Looking for great deals on your next trip? Or need to know quick tips and hacks?
