Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands is an archipelago, between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic, about halfway between Norway and Iceland. It is 450 kilometres/280 miles south of Iceland and 320 kilometres/200 miles north of mainland Scotland, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1948 with a population of around 50,000.
The country, consisting of 18 major islands, can be described as rugged with its stark, treeless moorlands and networks of marked footpaths crisscross craggy mountains. The natural vegetation of the Faroe Islands is dominated by Arctic-alpine plants, wildflowers, grasses, moss and lichen. Most of the lowland area is grassland with some heath, dominated by shrubby heathers. Although there are no trees native to the Faroe Islands, a few species were successfully introduced to the region.
Although northerly in latitude, on a Faroe Islands vacation, temperatures average above freezing throughout the year because of the Gulf Stream. Typical of the Faroe Islands is the multicoloured cottages and the grass-roofed wooden churches. The Faroe Islands are a paradise, for hikers plunging cliffs are as breathtaking as they are wild.
The country has its roots in Nordic culture. It was isolated from the main culture that swept across parts of Europe which resulted in maintaining a large part of its traditional culture. The language spoken is Faroese, descended from the Old Norse language spoken in Scandinavia in the Viking Age.
Streymoy is the largest island of the group and is home to the capital Torshavn. It also boasts dramatic scenery and Vestmanna’s amazing bird cliffs. The Southern Islands aren't quite as dramatic. Torshavn is known for its old town called Tinganes which is crammed with wooden turf-roofed houses. Nearby is Torshavn Cathedral, rebuilt in the 19th century. Local boutiques are found on, the main shopping strip, Niels Finsens Gota. The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands showcases Faroese art, which includes sculptures and paintings. The National Museum features natural history, cultural exhibits and Viking-era artefacts. It also encompasses the Hoyvíksgarour open-air museum with its traditional farmstead. Overlooking the bay, a lighthouse sits on top of the remains of Skansin Fort which has cannons used by the British during WWII.
Boat tours can be taken on trips, to the Faroe Islands to the wild Vestmanna bird, and are probably the highlight of a visit to the Faroe Islands. The cliffs teem with fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and, occasionally, puffins.
The excellent Foroya Fornminnissavn is just north of Torshavn. It is a site which houses displays of Faroese artefacts from the Viking Age to the 19th-Century with illustrated photos and notes. In the downstairs treasure room, the 15th-century Kirkjubour pew-ends include a carving of the Virgin Mary meeting Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist.
Four Unusual Additions to Your European Vacation
Faroe Islands Complete Self-Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore the remote Faroe Islands on this self-drive Denmark tour. Travelling from island to island, you’ll explore windswept moorlands, see puffin colonies on towering cliff sides, and seemingly travel back in time as you visit Viking settlements and 1000-year-old churches.
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Faroe Islands for Beginners
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: For those seeking to uncover the wonders of the Faroe Islands , this private-guided adventure showcases the both spectacular scenery and unique culture of this remote part of the North Atlantic.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Essential Faroe Islands Self-Drive
MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: Explore the remote Faroe Islands on an incredible self-drive tour. As you head island to island, you’ll cross windswept cliffs, see puffing colonies, climb the world’s highest promontory, and travel back in time as you visit medieval churches and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 5,044
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Faroe Islands Complete Self-Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore the remote Faroe Islands on this self-drive Denmark tour. Travelling from island to island, you’ll explore windswept moorlands, see puffin colonies on towering cliff sides, and seemingly travel back in time as you visit Viking settlements and 1000-year-old churches.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 6,787
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Self-Drives
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Hiking in the Faroe Islands
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Set out on an unforgettable hiking tour across the remote Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. On this nature tour, you’ll hike along windswept cliffs, see birds making their home of mountainsides hundreds of meters above the ocean, and tour the capital, Torshavn, which is one of the smallest capitals in the world.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 4,574
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous
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