You understand these locations which might be nearly too lovely to be actual? Properly, the Faroe Islands is certainly one of them.
Sandwiched between the Shetland Islands and Iceland, the Faroe Islands really feel like a world of their very own. Strolling as much as the highest of the islands’ clifftops and looking to the wild North Atlantic swirling beneath you is the closest factor you’ll get to feeling such as you’re on the sting of the earth.
Though the Faroes are below the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark, the archipelago is self-governing and has a novel historical past and tradition. From soul-stirring waterfalls and wealthy Viking historical past to among the quaintest villages you’ll ever see, listed below are a couple of the explanation why the Faroe Islands deserve a spot in your bucket record.
1. It’s unbelievably lovely
The Faroe Islands is perhaps small, however they pack a punch. Exploring these distant islands may have you mountain climbing up easy, undulating mountains or plunging sea cliffs, marvelling at ‘floating’ lakes and dramatic waterfalls, or kayaking by way of deep, inky fjords. There’s pure magnificence in all places and also you’re solely ever a brief drive, stroll or head flip away from breathtaking views.
2. Marvel at waterfalls
From watching the water tumble down the black basalt wall at Fossá waterfall to seeing the majestic Múlafossur fall plummet down a large sea cliff, waterfalls are a part of the furnishings right here. One of many good issues concerning the reliably moist climate is that you simply’ll uncover heaps of momentary cascades that seem throughout a downpour.
3. You possibly can see puffins
Puffins should be certainly one of the cutest birds. A whole lot of 1000’s of Atlantic puffins flock to the tiny island of Mykines yearly to breed and nest in cosy burrows alongside the clifftops. And you may rise up near the native puffin residents on a ship tour between April and September.
4. The air is tremendous contemporary
There’s nothing fairly like mountain climbing as much as the highest of a mountain and filling your lungs with contemporary sea air. It hits in another way. In case you’re seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of metropolis life, a visit to the Faroes may very well be a breath of contemporary air, actually.
5. See conventional Faroese properties
There’s cute, after which there’s I believe that is the cutest factor I’ve ever seen kinda cute. Properly, conventional Faroese dwellings fall into the latter class. These vibrant wood homes have turf roofs to guard them from the moist local weather, they usually straight up appear to be they belong in a fairy story.
6. Embrace the weather
While you’re in a distant archipelago in the course of the North Atlantic, it comes as no shock that the climate is wild, windy and moist. It rains quite a bit within the Faroes (300 days per yr on common), so it’s best to all the time be ready with waterproof gear. However right here’s the factor: you truly need the skies to be darkish and moody because it makes the landscapes much more mysterious.
7. Meet native sheep
You’re unlikely to expertise a automobile visitors jam on the Faroe Islands, however sheep are a distinct story. The phrase ‘Føroyar’ comes from the outdated Norse phrase ‘Færeyjar’, which accurately means Sheep Islands – a reputation that was given to the Faroe Islands by settlers in the course of the Viking Age. You’ll encounter loads of these shaggy, four-legged creatures when driving or mountain climbing.
8. It’s a paradise for photographers
Want we are saying extra when the landscapes are this attractive? The Faroes are nonetheless a little bit of a journey secret, however it gained’t keep like that for an excessive amount of longer, so now’s the time to seize the unspoilt great thing about this far-flung place.
9. Strive the native meals
There aren’t any native timber within the Faroes. Add this to the cruel climate situations and the chances may appear to be in opposition to the Faroes in the case of meals. However this isn’t the case. Faroese delicacies consists of numerous fermented and smoked meat, seafood, and seasonal root greens like potatoes, turnips, kohlrabi and rhubarb. The normal preservation strategy of salting meals with the ocean breeze dates again to the Viking period.
Conventional dishes to attempt embrace skerpikjøt (semi-fermented mutton meat) on toasted sourdough, ræst (dried cod and herring), and Seyðahøvd (boiled sheep mind served with mashed potatoes and root veggies).
If you wish to deal with your self, e-book a desk at Koks, the islands’ first Michelin Star restaurant, for a lavish 17-course tasting menu. Assume sea urchin with pickled parsley stems, langoustine roll, and fermented lamb intestines topped with cheese. You’ll additionally discover loads of Danish meals and worldwide cuisines within the capital metropolis of Tórshavn.
10. It has a thriving music scene
Good issues are available in small packages. You is perhaps shocked at how a distant place can have such a thriving music and humanities scene. Each summer time, 1000’s of festival-goers flock from throughout Europe to take pleasure in music festivals like G!, Summartónar and the Summer season Competition to observe native and worldwide artists. All of the extra motive to plan a summer time journey.
Curious to find this Scandinavian archipelago for your self? Take a look at Intrepid’s Faroe Islands excursions.
