One look at the Faroe Islands, and you’ll see right away that nature crafted and blessed them with infinite beauty. This remote destination boasts an amazing number of spectacular wonders in a strategic location in the North Atlantic Ocean.
To this day, most parts of the archipelago remain undisturbed, with astounding scenery everywhere you look. If you hope to escape to paradise, here’s a quick guide to the Faroe Islands and their untouched beauty.
Overview of the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands, with a population of approximately 50,000 people, are best characterized by their majestic mountains and narrow gorges, all amidst a unique sense of ethereal peace. The area’s economy is dependent on aquaculture and fisheries, both of which are thriving. The island also exports seafood to six continents.
The Faroese, or people of the island, have been successful in preserving their old traditions, which continue to shape their lives to this day. Its combination of traditional and modern culture makes the Faroe Islands a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore and discover a one-of-a-kind culture that remains unchanging even after all those centuries.
The Weather
Not to burst your bubble here, but the Faroe Islands might not be a good choice for those who want the sun’s rays to warm their skin and fill their bones. The weather in the area is generally cloudy, windy, and cool.
Wind, topography, ocean currents, and altitude variations all have an important role to play in the high unpredictability and drastic difference of the island’s weather, even among those locations that are just a short distance away from each other.
What makes the Faroe Islands different?
There are so many reasons to visit the Faroe Islands, and some of these are the following:
- Beautiful nature
The scenery in the Faroe Islands is unique in its own right, with its combination of dramatic waterfalls, velvety green grass, and hard rocks. Wonderful scenery painted in blue and green hues will take your eyes from the mountaintop down to the endless ocean surrounding it.
- Authentic experiences
While other top destinations offer pretty much the same foods, drinks, and experiences, the Faroe Islands are a stark contrast from the rest.
You don’t have to stick to a pre-set route, stand behind long lines, or watch out for plastic signs that tell you what to expect to see and feel. It’s the norm in the Faroe Islands to just absorb reality in all its beauty, allowing you to tap into the inner you and discover yourself.
- Up-close and personal involvement
In the Faroe Islands, there’s no such thing as tourists, only guests. The Faroese are friendly and welcoming, while the surrounding nature lures you to participate in all activities. Nature here isn’t only meant to be looked at because you can also fully absorb it through the different activities, including hiking, sailing, diving, and angling.
- Unique island culture
Being isolated and remote, the original culture of the island was only protected from dilution by the island. Its original culture is evident almost everywhere you look, from its extremely distinct language despite being rooted in the Nordic language to the national costume of the island people.
Exciting experiences to try in the Faroe Islands
Now that you know some of the reasons to visit the Faroe Islands, here are some experiences worth trying:
- Adventure Sports
Aside from relaxing and freeing your mind from worries, the Faroe Islands also open doors to lots of adventure sports. Don’t miss the chance to try snorkeling, kayaking, speed boating, rappelling, cliff jumping, and so much more.
- Bicycle Rides
Riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to explore and sightsee around the Faroe Islands. There’s no surprise there considering that the roads are the perfect spot to take in the spectacular beauty of the valleys, mountains, and surrounding sceneries.
The Faroe Islands have excellent infrastructure, with bridges, ferries, or sub-sea tunnels making all islands easily accessible. Since most roads have low- to no-volume traffic, riding a bike is a pleasant experience you won’t regret.
- Fishing and angling
Fish and the Faroe Islands are almost synonymous. Thanks to this natural resource, the first settlers on the island managed to settle on these far-flung islands of the North Atlantic. The Faroese have been fishermen for many centuries, and fishing continues to be a crucial part of the economy. Fishing is what they do best, and they are more than happy to let guests experience it for themselves.
- Hiking
The valleys and mountains of the Faroe Islands are waiting for you to hike and explore. You’ll find lots of vantage points overlooking the ocean’s disheveled surface in one direction and spectacular peaks in another.
One of the best things about the Faroe Islands is that you don’t have to go the distance just to enjoy their untouched and magnificent nature. It’s always there, no matter where you go.
- Horseback Riding
The Faroese horse, known as føroyska rossið, has been roaming the windswept islands’ rugged landscape through the centuries. According to DNA analysis, the Faroese breed is exceptional and can’t be found in other parts of the world. After almost going extinct a few years ago, people worked together to breed the animals to continue increasing their population.
- Sailing
The North Atlantic Ocean surrounds the 18 islands of the Faroe Islands. Not a single point is further from the ocean than over 5 kilometers. This makes sailing one of the best ways to experience the stunning landscapes, providing a completely different perspective from what you can see from solid ground.
Whether you sail with a boat, ship, or an old schooner, for that matter, you can look forward to discovering the Faroe Islands and all the unique things they have to offer. The fact that some of the schooners or ships in the area are also old and rich with great history makes every sailing expedition more interesting.
The Faroe Islands are no doubt the perfect epitome of a quick escape to paradise that you shouldn’t miss visiting if you’re looking for real and untouched beauty.
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