Introduction
When we think of natural, unspoiled beauty of the nature full of steep fjords, noisy waterfalls and mysteriously picturesque landscapes, Faroe Islands is one of the first things that pops up to our heads. Indeed, this pack of small islands is a place where magic is real and it is natural. One look is enough to fall in love with the magnificent outline of the islands without wanting to leave. In this article we will provide you the perfect guide for Faroe Islands for your next getaway to this beautiful place. We will also provide some interesting facts that you might not know about Faroe Islands and some tips what to know before planning the trip.
What Do We Know about Faroe Islands?
Let’s start this perfect guide for Faroe Islands with some information you might not know about the place.
This island country, off the Northern shore of Scotland and Denmark, lies about 80 miles northwest of Norway and was one of the last corners of Europe to be taken over by the Vikings. This little-known Nordic Island doesn’t intrude on anything-it craggy and rough coastline is not a popular destination for tourists because it’s largely uninhabited and most roads are unpaved.
While Faroe Islands is part of Denmark, they have broad autonomy in internal affairs, as well as they have independent teams in different sports, including football.
Faroese is a Germanic language which descends from Old Norse and this influences the culture of this area to some degree because it is notably Christian with a strong traditional music culture.
It’s important to remember that you can be flexible while exploring these remote islands. Wild weather can cause plans (hikes, ferries, sightseeing) to be canceled. This can lead to unexpected outcomes that could result in epic views being obliterated right before your eyes. This itinerary doesn’t cover what do in the situations like this. However, we still recommend to use it as a guide. It is important to recognize when it is best to save money and put aside an activity for another day.
What Do You Need Before You Take the Trip to Faroe Islands?
You should always remember that even though Faroe Islands is part of Denmark, it is still very authentic and different culture. Besides, the islands are broadly uninhabited so before taking the trip there you need to consider several things.
- Don’t forget your passport, ETIAS Visa, travel insurance and other important documents. You will have to go through several passport checks and it is better if you have all your documents together. This way you can save some valuable time and avoid stressing out in front of the border control kiosk.
- Pack the essentials. While Faroe Islands is a paradise for hikers, the trails are rather difficult. This means that there is no room for any extra item. Pack warm clothes because it is super cold at night, especially on hiking trails. Get new, water-proof hiking boots. You will find yourself in a winning position if you have hiking stick with you too, because in some parts of the hike, finding the grip is very tricky.
- Plan the hiking trails in advance and have a printed version with you just in case. While Faroe Islands is a remote cluster of the islands, data connection is not always the best. If you don’t want to find yourself in a tricky situation with no GPS and internet, it is recommended to have hard copy of every trail you are going to take.
What to See and Do at Faroe Islands?
Streymoy Island
Streymoy Island is the largest island in the Faroe Islands. It is also the most populous with a population of more than 12,000 people.
It has been inhabited since the Viking era and it was one of the last places to be converted to Christianity. The name Streymoy comes from two Norse words: “straum” meaning stream and “oy” meaning island. The first written mention about Streymoy was in 1408 when an Irish monk called Tómas wrote about a large and well populated island in North Atlantic Ocean where he had landed on his way from Norway to Iceland.
Saksuna
Saksuna is a small village on the island of Streymoy in the Faroe Islands. It is located in the south-eastern part of the island and consists of around 20 houses. The village was founded in 1883 by people from Saksun and Tórshavn. Saksuna has a church, which was built in 1897, and a school that closed down in 1973.
The main occupation of the villagers is farming, but some work at sea or commute to larger towns for work. There are two shops, one with limited supplies and one with more varied selection. There are also a few guesthouses for visitors to stay at as well as an old post office building that now serves as an office for local government agencies.
Oyggjarvegur Road
Oyggjarvegur is a road in the Faroe Islands. It is the main road on the island of Eysturoy and it runs from Tórshavn to Skopun. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes in the world. The name means “Eider Road” in English, as this was formerly a popular route for eider ducks to fly over to their nesting grounds on the islands.
Fossa Waterfall
Fossa Waterfall is located in the village of Fossá, on the island of Eysturoy in the Faroe Islands. The waterfall’s source is a small stream that flows from an inland lake called Torfinnsjøen and then over a steep cliff before plummeting down to the sea below. The water then continues on its journey to reach the Atlantic Ocean via Skálafjørður Bay.
The waterfall was created when a major lava flow from an eruption 1100 years ago dammed the river Fossá, turning it into a lake that eventually overflowed. The water then cascaded down a series of steps to create one of the most beautiful natural wonders in all of Europe.
Nolsoy Island
Nolsoy Island is a small island in the Faroe Islands. The island has been inhabited since 1,000 years ago and it was an important fishing place for the locals. These days it is a popular tourist destination and offers many opportunities for birdwatching and hiking.
Nolsoy Island is a small island in the Faroe Islands. It is located near the village of Nolsoy and has been inhabited since 1,000 years ago. The island has played an important role as a fishing place for locals since then. The most well-known attraction on Nolsoy Island is its lighthouse, which was built in 1859 by British engineers. The original lighthouse was destroyed in 1858 when it was hit by lightning. Besides, Nolsoy Island is one of the most colorful places that you can see in Faroe Islands.
Conclusion
In this article we have presented you the perfect guide for your Faroe Islands getaway. As mentioned already we didn’t cover what to do in case of emergency, when the hike is impossible because of the weather conditions. However, we believe that this guide can be a valuable help for your next trip.
