Faroe Islands travel guide
Halfway between Iceland and Norway, to the north of Scotland, the Faroe Islands are a jigsaw puzzle of 18 volcanic islands, lying far off the tourist radar.
The weather can be unreliable in this stormy section of the Atlantic. But there's wisdom in the local Faroese phrase, “If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes” – conditions change fast at this latitude, and a wild, wind-lashed day could turn sunny in an instant.
Whatever the weather, the Faroe Islands are an intriguing spot. Capital Torshavn, a cluster of brightly coloured houses with Viking heritage, is a good start-point. Then head out on foot: the cliffs are craggy and dramatic, the coastal walking spectacular.
Bird watchers will be in heaven: puffins, guillemots, razorbills and shags fill the skies. Take a boat trip to watch the birds from the sea, and keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins in the crashing waves below.
Wanderlust recommends
- Sail to Rinkusteinar – Take a boat trip to these ‘rocking rocks’ – no one is sure why they roll as they do, but local legend has it that a sorceress turned two pirate ships into stone and doomed them to rock for eternity.
- Hike to a lighthouse – Walk to the lighthouse on Bordan across the island of Noloy's narrowest point for spectacular views of the islands and Atlantic.
- Bird-watch at Vestmanna – Sail out to the 600m-high bird cliffs at Vestmanna to see cascading waterfalls and deep caves, as well as fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and more.
- Wander Mykines – This western island is the place where you’re most likely to see puffins in their natural habitat.
- Go on a witch hunt – Search for the Giant and the Witch, two imposing stacks of rock (71m and 68m), off the north-west tip of Eysturoy.
Wanderlust tips
The puffin-beak earrings you'll see in the shops really are puffin beaks. The locals say it's recycling… You may want to give them a miss.
The weather changes within seconds on the Faroe Islands so be prepared to batten down the hatches and sit out a storm when hiking on one of the remote islands. Wear layers.