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 might be) as a result of there are some close by spots across the airport which are price trying into!
You could be pondering, “I can go to these later!” — certain you may, 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 part else. In any other case, you may 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 one among 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’s because in the event you go up a sure angle, it would seem as if the lake is floating straight 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 will see indicators to “Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur”. Comply with these indicators till you discover a parking spot. You’ll then discover a gate and you have 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 with a view to get to the spot that reveals the enduring ‘phantasm’, you have to go to the southern tip (not on the southwest finish of the lake).
You’ll know in the event you’re in the best place whenever 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 improper vantage level as a result of each angle is gorgeous right here! However 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
That is yet one more iconic panorama within the Faroe Islands which is simply an 18-min trip 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 quick strolling from the primary highway; or in the event 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 lots 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 need 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, try my information discovered right here: Gasadalur & its Mulafossur Waterfall
◘◘ Verify in to your lodge
The central metropolis of Tórshavn is the place you will see 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 may well get cheaper in the event you get locations outdoors of Torshavn, however for the perfect capital picks, they’d be the next:
Luxurious: Resort Foroyar
Mid-Vary: Resort Hafnia or AirBnB
Finances: Kristjanshavn or AirBnB
I stayed over at a guesthouse with a neighborhood although and sadly, it’s not likely a spot you may 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 excellent 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 may stroll alongside the lagoon’s sandy shore which is discovered on the foot of the village.
While right here in your Faroe Islands itinerary, as one among 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
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 right down to the ocean.
If I could 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 may 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 an excellent menu that consists of Faroese seafood dishes; plus, the place itself is sort of charming on condition that it’s constructed into the rocks.
Uncover 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 may spend an entire day right here exploring its varied sights. If you happen to nonetheless have time by the tip of the day, you may drop by the charming village of Gjógv.
◘◘ Take the ferry to Kalsoy
Kalsoy is sort of a flute-shaped island because 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 examine the timetables, see this web page (pay attention to the departure instances as properly so you may time when you’ll have to drive again to the port).
Observe: it’s not doable to e book upfront so you need to pay on the spot (DKK 160 for one automobile), and in the event you’re coming together with your automobile, be sure 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 numerous tunnels — just be sure you be careful for sheep as a result of they will come up wherever and block the highway, seemingly looking for some form of showdown.
First up in your record 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. Fortunately, my companion and I noticed a tour group by the highway who had been headed to the lighthouse they usually gladly invited us to affix them.
Principally, someplace on the highway earlier than the village, you will see a small crimson gate alongside the fence. That is closed however you may open it — many of the gates on the island are closed not for folks, however for sheep.
As soon as inside, you simply must climb up the hill within the north course till you see the white Kallur lighthouse. With this in thoughts: make sure that to put on good and comfy mountaineering footwear! Relaxation assured, the climb up isn’t that arduous however it may well 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 Lady”, which embodies one of many in style folktales within the islands. Product of bronze and chrome 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’ll learn all about it right here.
TIP: Pack your personal lunch and snacks as a result of I had a tough time searching for a restaurant in Kalsoy. There was a canteen in Mikladalur but it surely 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 individuals 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 might 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 wonderful eating at Aarstova!
All About Mountains
The way in which I see it, the Faroe Islands is a hiker’s dream paradise! Actually, virtually the entire greatest landscapes could be seen through 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 degree.
Although after all, in the event you may push your self — by all means, achieve this! I’ve achieved a tough 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 method. 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 the event you assume you may’t actually do any reasonable to high-level hikes throughout your Faroe Islands itinerary, you may 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
(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 Data, that is the world’s longest sight line as a result of because of the mild bending results of the environment, the most important glacier in Iceland known as Vatnajökull could be seen from right here on a transparent day (apart from the truth that you may 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 tough hikes of my life but in addition 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 discuss on and on about this place, however I believe it’s greatest that you simply learn my weblog put up beneath 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 excellent addition to your Faroe Islands itinerary.
The highest of this mountain plateau close to Resort 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!
In 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 trip again within the afternoon. Regrettably, once I visited right here, the climate wasn’t good. Actually, 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 move.
It nonetheless ended up as an excellent day although as a result of we met numerous attention-grabbing people — one among 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 a minimum of glimpse on the cute puffins that stay on the cliffs!
Anyhow, it’s my want that you simply get day as a way to see the nice sights beneath.
◘◘ Discover Mykines
There are 2 methods to succeed in Mykines in your Faroe Islands itinerary: by boat or by helicopter.
Keep in mind 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 e book that spherical journey ticket.
To see the entire timetable, see this web page. For the boat or ferry, timetable could be discovered right here.
When you’re on the island, you may 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, make sure that to go to some clifftops to see an infinite sea of cute puffins nestled within the burrows. In any case, that is known as the “paradise of birds” so benefit from this truth and do some birdwatching when 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 elsewhere and it’s on the port of Sørvágur — so in the event you parked your automobile on the airport, you need to do a 20-minute stroll again, or you may take the 300 bus. (Particulars right here).
TIP: Very like Kalsoy, it’s advisable to pack your personal lunch and snacks. There’s a small cafe in the course of the village but it surely principally serves mild meals. NOTE: Only recently, 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 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 may contact the Go to Mykines workplace.
◘◘ See Kirkjubøur
Assuming that it’s summer season, by the point that you simply come again to the primary island, it would nonetheless be mild outdoors so in the event you may, make a visit Kirkjubøur.
One notable attraction that you have to 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 this planet with over 17 generations of the identical household that’s dwelling there (there are sections which are changed into a museum). It even as soon as housed the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands.
You would 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 notice two previous 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? Effectively, it has been awarded the perfect restaurant within the Nordic nations in 2015 by the Nordic Prize; plus, it is usually 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 changed into a visitor room. It additionally has an open kitchen the place you may 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’ve got the cash to spare, I urge you to present it a strive. I’ve dined all around the world and this is among the greatest locations I’ve eaten in. In addition to, they absolutely know how one can do pairings!
Principally, dinner here’s a tasting menu and you’ll select to select 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 had been merely phenomenal. I by no means thought that recent 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 very 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 totally discover and revel in the primary capital of Tórshavn.
Let your self get misplaced within the metropolis’s small streets; if not, you may take your decide from the array of actions beneath 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 may see a wonderful litter of crimson wood homes.
These are one of many oldest parliamentary assembly locations on this planet that after functioned as assembly locations for Vikings. Right now, it homes the workplace of the prime minister. You’ll somewhat discover the Faroese parliament — the Løgting (‘Regulation meeting’) — a couple 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 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 price trying 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 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), 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 essentially the most distant and breathtaking sights that the islands have to supply — one among which is to circle across the close by island of Hestur.
RIB62 tailors excursions upon request every single 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).
