Classic Faroe Islands

Wild wonders of the west

On arrival, instead of driving from the airport to the capital Torshavn, this itinerary lingers on the island of Vagar for your first couple of nights. And for good reason too. Vagar not only boasts two of the Faroe Islands’ most iconic sights (the horsetail waterfall of Mulafossur cascading over sea cliffs, and Sorgasvatn ‘the lake above the ocean’), but it is also the stepping-off point for optional ferry trips to Mykines – a wonderful little island that’s peppered with puffins during summer. Alternatively, you could drive to Vestmanna from where boat tours depart daily for the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, soaring 700m above sea level and home to thousands of seabirds including kittiwakes and guillemots.

Exploring the Northern Isles

Leaving Vagar, it’s a breathtaking drive to the Northern Isles, stopping en route for a night in the tiny village of Gjogv, perched between mountains and cliffs, with a narrow gorge providing locals with the only access to the sea. On Wednesday nights during summer, Guesthouse Gjaargardur hosts a cultural evening with a Faroese buffet and traditional chain dancing. Continuing towards the Northern Isles the following morning, there’s time to visit the Viking ruins at Leirvik before driving through the tunnel between Eysturoy and Bordoy. The fishing town of Klaksvik is the cultural hub of the Northern Isles, but other highlights worth exploring include the statue of the Seal Woman on Kalsoy Island (reached by ferry) and the Faroes’ northernmost village of Vidareidi (on Vidoy island) where there are magnificent views of mountains and cliffs.

Southern Eysturoy and Torshavn

Leaving the Northern Isles, your itinerary takes you back to Eysturoy, looping through the southern part of the island where you can visit the famous wool factory at Toftir and enjoy lunch at the charming Gardahusid in Soldafjordur – a traditional Faroese homestead with views across Skalafjordur. Round off your holiday with two nights in the capital Torshavn with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, sampling local cuisine or taking a day-trip by ferry to the islands of Sandoy or Nolsoy.

* Culture Evening is included if staying at Guesthouse Gjaargardur on a Wednesday night in June, July or August.