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FAROE ISLANDS: 10 must do's and see’s on these unspoiled volcanic islands

Are you wanting to find a destination where tourists are almost non-existent? Where you feel like you're the only soul around? A place where you can truly embrace the natural beauty of your surroundings? Well look no further. Faroe Islands exists and its smack-bang in the middle of the Atlantic.

Are you wanting to find a destination where tourists are almost non-existent? Where you feel like you’re the only soul around? A place where you can truly embrace the natural beauty of your surroundings? Well look no further. Faroe Islands exists and its smack-bang in the middle of the Atlantic.

The Faroe Islands, owned by Denmark, found between Scotland and Iceland, possesses Icelandic vibes and is Europe’s best kept secret… Maybe not for long though, so start packing those woolies!

 

1. Saksun on the island of Streymoy

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Grass covered roofs and a church with the best view in town surrounded by a tidal lagoon.

TIP- Do ask the local towns people if it’s ok to wander through their farms to get close to these buildings. Respect!

 

2. Mykines – The smallest of all the islands

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Mykines has a population of only 4 permanent residents. It’s rare to have more than 30 people on the island at one time. If you’re lucky enough to be there during Puffin breeding season (Summer), the island is covered by hundreds of these amazing birds and feels like a scene from Hitchcock’s ‘Birds’ but with friendly, cute Puffins.

If traveling outside at this time, don’t fear, it’s still my favorite place on earth. Mykines has also been voted National Geographic’s “World’s best island” thanks to its natural beauty and remoteness. The one and only hike on the island is the walk to the lighthouse, which is also the most Western point of the Faroes. Stand and look out onto the ocean as you take in the vast expanse of nothingness.

TIP – Upon arrival head straight for the lighthouse. Save your photo taking for later. Trust me, the thousand Puffins ain’t going anywhere. Take your time on the way back and avoid the masses as you don’t want those 10 people hiking in the background of every shot. Get a bowl of fish soup at the cafe in town as a hearty reward.

 

3. Going to Mykines? You have two modes of transport

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As this islandis not connected like the rest of the islands by sea tunnel, you literally drive under the ocean to getfrom one island to anotherbut notto Mykines. So I suggest you take a helicopter one way and come back on the ferry for that atlernate perspective.

I hear what your thinking. I’m not Kim Kardashian and I don’t have coin like that to drop on a 15 minute helicopter ride!  But the amazing thing is, the helicopters are subsidized by the government, so locals can afford to travel between the islands.  This means that a stunning helicopter journey will set you back a mere US$20.  You’ll never get a cheaper thrill ride than that!  It’s literally the same cost to take the ferry.

TIP  Book well in advance!  There are only so many seats on a helicopter and no more than two flights a day – there and back!  This also means you can’t do a return helicopter journey, as you would be on the island for no more than 5 minutes!

 

4. Gjogv – A humble fishing village, speckled with colourful cottages

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Sporting grass-covered roofs and other pretty details. Head out of town and embark on one of the surrounding jaw dropping hikes.

TIP Find the kid’s playground. Me and my family loved it.

 

5. Torshavn, the smallest capital city in the world.

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Walk around the old part of town and see the traditional black tarred 14th century houses that people still call home. If you can afford to drop some worthwhile dollars on a meal, head to KOKS, a Michelin starred Nordic restaurant. Conveniently situated in the teeny tiny Faroe Islands which has a total of around 25 restaurants!

TIP – Book KOKS well in advance.  They only seat 30 people max each night.

 

6. Gasadalur Waterfall

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This is the iconic picture of the faroe Islands and for good reason, it’s a fricken waterfall that somehow comes out of a mountain and falls into the ocean. That’s not normal!

TIP – Do this first or last as its close to the airport.  I would opt to do it first for a powerful welcome!

 

7. Drive everywhere!  Best to get your own wheels to get around

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Public transport (buses only) make it hard to experience and see beauty all around. The main islands are all connected by underwater tunnels with the exception of Mykines.

TIP – You have to pay a EU€15 fee each time you use a tunnel so check out the map and try and do an island each day.

 

8. Hanging Lake – You heard right, there is a lake that hangs in the sky!

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You’ll most likely see this as you’re landing, providing there is no fog. The flight allows you to understand exactly how this lake hangs in mid-air! It’s around an hour hike each way and also close to the airport. You’ll find an awesome view point to climb up that allows the optical illusion to form.

TIP – When you get to the end of the lake you need to climb the cliff face to the left to get this view. This was not taken by drone!

 

9. Funningur, Small village nestles in a lush green valley surrounded by fjords

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Rumor has it that it’s the first place where the vikings settled.

TIP – Ask a local where the path is to climb the Fjord for smashing views across the bay.

 

10. Sheep outnumber people 2-1

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No need to worry about crowds of people getting in the way!

TIP – Just be careful and give way to sheep when driving.

Please do yourself a favour and get yourself to the Faroe Islands before everyone else discovers it!

 

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DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS WHEN VISITING FAROE ISLANDS?