Discover elements of Vágar and Streymoy Islands
After you land and decide up your rental automobile 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 are value wanting into!
You could be considering, “I can go to these later!” — positive you possibly can, however the factor is… they’re fairly far and to save lots of time, I believe it’s greatest that you just go to them ASAP whilst you’re within the neighborhood as a result of they are often fairly removed from every thing else. In any other case, you possibly can go to them in your final day in your method to the airport, relying in your scheduled flight again.
◘◘ Go to Sørvágsvatn Lake
If you wish to see certainly 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’s the largest lake within the Faroe Islands and it has been dubbed the “lake over the ocean” — it is because should you go up a sure angle, it’ll seem as if the lake is floating straight 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 situation or by the church in Miðvágur, one can find indicators to “Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur”. Comply with these indicators till you discover a parking spot. You’ll then discover a gate and you should begin strolling from right here to the south in direction of the ocean by following the gravel path. The hike takes about an hour (a technique) and so as to get to the spot that reveals the enduring ‘phantasm’, you should go to the southern tip (not on the southwest finish of the lake).
You’ll know should you’re in the best place while you see 3 small sticks sticking up or should 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 should 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 journey away from Vagar Airport. As you will notice from the photograph 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 wonderful spot by automobile as you do some brief strolling from the primary street; or should 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 probably the most 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 received quite a bit higher, however thus 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 automobile as I loved the waterfall and do a little bit of strolling within the village itself. If you would like some extra detailed suggestions for this place, like how one can discover the path that results in this vantage level and how one can do the longer mountaineering path itself, take a look at my information discovered right here: Gasadalur & its Mulafossur Waterfall
◘◘ Verify in to your lodge
The central metropolis of Tórshavn is the place one can 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 after all, it could actually get cheaper should you get locations exterior of Torshavn, however for the most effective capital picks, they’d be the next:
Luxurious: Lodge Foroyar
Mid-Vary: Lodge Hafnia or AirBnB
Price range: Kristjanshavn or AirBnB
I stayed over at a guesthouse with an area although and sadly, it’s not likely a spot you possibly can guide — however I want it was as a result of the home was within the conventional fashion and it was so cozy with a fantastic 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 ambiance. 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 certainly one of your issues to do, ensure you take a look at the village’s church and Dúvugarðar, a farm that homes 300 ewes — which additionally features as a museum.
◘◘ See Fossá waterfall
That is the most important 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 could share a tip, it’s greatest to return 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 evening falls, you possibly can select from an array of eating places that speckle town of Tórshavn; but when I could recommend, go and dine at Barbara Fish Home! It has a fantastic menu that consists of Faroese seafood dishes; plus, the place itself is sort 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 a complete day right here exploring its varied 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 consequence 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 just’ll have sufficient time to discover the island. To examine 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).
Word: it’s not doable to guide upfront so it’s important to pay on the spot (DKK 160 for one car), and should you’re coming together with your automobile, ensure you 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 a number of tunnels — just remember to be careful for sheep as a result of they will come up wherever and block the street, seemingly searching for some type of showdown.
First up in your record 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. Fortunately, 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 affix them.
Principally, someplace on the street earlier than the village, one can find a small crimson 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 route till you see the white Kallur lighthouse. With this in thoughts: make certain to put on good and cozy mountaineering sneakers! Relaxation assured, the climb up isn’t that arduous 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 Lady”, which embodies one of many widespread folktales within the islands. Fabricated from bronze and stainless-steel, it stands above a rock close to a waterfall with a fantastic backdrop of the mountains and the ocean. The legend that surrounds that is fairly unhappy and darkish although and you’ll learn all about it right here.
TIP: Pack your individual 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 are product of 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 just 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 high quality eating at Aarstova!
All About Mountains
The way in which I see it, the Faroe Islands is a hiker’s dream paradise! The truth is, nearly all the greatest landscapes might 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 are at a straightforward stage.
Although after all, should you might push your self — by all means, accomplish that! I’ve performed 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 offer manner. In any case, the view that I noticed up excessive was probably the most jaw-dropping landscapes that I’ve ever seen in my life!
Anyhow, should you assume 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 should you haven’t managed to take action previously 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
(Climbing 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!
Based on Guinness World Information, that is the world’s longest sight line as a result of because of the gentle bending results of the ambiance, the most important glacier in Iceland known as Vatnajökull might be seen from right here on a transparent day (except for 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 probably the most troublesome hikes of my life but in addition probably the most 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 discuss on and on about this place, however I believe it’s greatest that you just 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: Climbing Faroe Islands’ Beautiful Mountain of Villingardalsfjall
◘◘ Go on high of Sornfelli Mountain
Excellent news: this does NOT contain mountaineering so it’s a fantastic addition to your Faroe Islands itinerary.
The highest of this mountain plateau close to Lodge Føroyar might be reached by automobile and reaching its superb viewpoint will solely take you a 30-meter stroll.
A Mykines Sort of Day
Mykines island is a favourite within the Faroe Islands!
To 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 journey again within the afternoon. Regrettably, after I visited right here, the climate wasn’t good. The truth is, 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 robust winds to go.
It nonetheless ended up as a fantastic day although as a result of we met a number of fascinating people — certainly one of which was a widely 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 might a minimum of glimpse on the cute puffins that reside on the cliffs!
Anyhow, it’s my want that you just get a superb day so as to see the good sights under.
◘◘ Discover Mykines
There are 2 methods to succeed in Mykines on your Faroe Islands itinerary: by boat or by helicopter.
Bear in mind how I stated that helicopters are sponsored by the federal government of the Faroe Islands? With that in thoughts, I extremely recommend that you just take a one-way helicopter journey to this island by reserving upfront! 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 until you wish to spend an evening right here or two, then be at liberty to guide that spherical journey ticket.
To see the whole timetable, see this web page. For the boat or ferry, timetable might 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 limitless sea of cute puffins nestled within the burrows. In any case, 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 on your ferry again to Torshavn, take your time exploring the small village. One essential factor to pay attention to although is that should 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 should you parked your automobile on the airport, it’s important to do a 20-minute stroll again, or you possibly can take the 300 bus. (Particulars right here).
TIP: Very like Kalsoy, it’s advisable to pack your individual lunch and snacks. There’s a small cafe in the midst of the village however it principally serves gentle meals. NOTE: Only recently, 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 price 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 just come again to the primary island, it’ll nonetheless be gentle exterior so should you might, make a visit Kirkjubøur.
One notable attraction that you should see right here is the large black constructing on the heart of the village that is known as Kirkjubøargarður. It’s arguably the oldest inhabited wood home on the earth with over 17 generations of the identical household that’s dwelling there (there are sections which are was 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 outdated church buildings that they’ve similar to Magnus Cathedral and Saint Olav. And should you go by the shore, you will notice two outdated stone homes.
Earlier than capping the evening, 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? Properly, it has been awarded as the most effective 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 elements, plus it’s in a non-public 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 prepare dinner (however there’s a larger kitchen within the again).
Eating right here is clearly not low-cost, however when you have the cash to spare, I urge you to offer 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 how one can do pairings!
Principally, dinner here’s a tasting menu and you’ll select to choose 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 contemporary 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 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 primary 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 lovely muddle of crimson wood homes.
These are one of many oldest parliamentary assembly locations on the earth that after functioned as assembly locations for Vikings. As we speak, it homes the workplace of the prime minister. You’ll relatively discover the Faroese parliament — the Løgting (‘Regulation meeting’) — 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.
◘◘ Store for souvenirs at Öström
Go over to the waterfront and you’ll this retailer that’s housed in an outdated manufacturing unit constructing. They promote merchandise made on the islands similar to conventional garments, wool sweaters, postcards, posters, and different design merchandise.
For positive, it’s value wanting into throughout your Faroe islands itinerary!
◘◘ Attempt 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 range in issue and worth 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 guide your spot(s), examine their web site right here.
◘◘ Sail with RIB62 to Hestur
This expertise will grant you a singular perspective on the Faroe Islands as you sail by probably the most distant and breathtaking sights that the islands have to supply — certainly one of which is to circle across the close by island of Hestur.
RIB62 tailors excursions upon request every single day of the week so be at liberty to contact them for inquiries. (Departure for this boat tour is from Gamlarætt which is quarter-hour away from Tórshavn).
