The Faroe Islands, a untouched, unspoiled and unbelievable land!
These are just some of the words that can be used to describe this archipelago pearl in the North Atlantic ocean.
Situated approximately halfway between Norway and Iceland, the archipelago makes for an exiting destination, with varying weather and friendly inhabitants. Nature awaits!
My luck couldn’t have been better
This was my second trip to the Faroe Islands this year, after being a bit unlucky with lots of fog in the beginning of July, I decided to make a return to this amazing place in the middle of september after advice from the locals.
My luck couldn’t have been better, as i was blessed with beautiful weather and the occasional rain shower(which im pretty used to, hailing from the west coast of Norway)
This is the story of my travels to this beautiful land as a photographer.
Day 1
The trip started on September 14th with a flight booked from Flesland, Bergen (BGO) at 11:00 local time, after arriving at the airport having checked my baggage, it was time for the security checkpoint.
The security checkpoint is always a fun affair when travelling with a big bag for camera equipment (Lowepro Flipside 400AW), the people at the security checkpoint were particularly interested in my Canon telezoom lens which i had in the bag.
Spending around 15 minutes
I recon they have to check when they see a metal pipe of a certain dimension on their X-ray scanners.
Spending around 15 minutes for them to go through every bit of equipment i had in the bag, i was ready to get to the waiting area.
The first thing i noticed in the waiting area was the lack of tourists, it was me and a group of people from the Faroe Islands, waiting for the Atlantic Airways flight to start boarding.
After boarding i was ready for the pleasant 1 hour and 20 minute flight to Vágar Airport, Faroe Islands (FAE)
The airport in the Faroe Islands is a small and efficient airport, so not much time wasted here waiting on baggage to get on the conveyor belt.
After getting my baggage, i was ready to depart for Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroes.
To get to Tórshavn from the airport, I decided to take a taxi. I called Auto Taxi, and within a few minutes, a driver arrived to take me on the 45-minute journey to the city center. The cost for the trip was 190 DKK (around 27 USD), which was a reasonable price considering the distance traveled.
As we drove through the winding roads and stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of this place. The Faroe Islands are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. But even for those who are less interested in these activities, the Faroe Islands are a fascinating destination, with a rich cultural history and a way of life that is unique to this part of the world.
Upon arriving in Tórshavn, I was struck by the charming charm of the city. The colorful houses, the narrow streets, and the friendly locals all combined to create a sense of warmth and hospitality that was truly special. I was excited to spend the next few days exploring Tórshavn and the rest of the Faroe Islands, and I knew that this would be a trip that I would never forget.
The journey to the beautiful village of Saksun takes about 50 minutes by car. To get there, you’ll need to follow the «50» road until you reach the intersection after the tunnel. From there, take a right turn onto the «10» road and follow it until you reach the town of Hvalvik in Streymnes. Once you’re there, take a left turn onto the «53» road, and you’ll soon arrive in Saksun.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Faroe Islands’ rugged landscape, including towering mountains and stunning coastlines. It’s a drive that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. As you approach Saksun, you’ll be greeted by the charming village nestled in a picturesque valley, with an inlet to the sea and quaint houses dotted throughout.
Whether you’re driving yourself or hiring a car and driver, the trip to Saksun is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Faroe Islands. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the village make it a perfect place to relax and unwind, and you’ll be sure to leave with some unforgettable memories. So, don’t hesitate, pack your bags and set off on an adventure to Saksun!
After an 11km drive from the town of Hvalvik, you’ll finally arrive in the beautiful village of Saksun. As you enter the village, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of its surroundings. Nestled in a picturesque valley with an inlet to the sea, Saksun is a true hidden gem in the Faroe Islands.
As you explore the narrow streets of the village, you’ll be struck by its charming houses and peaceful atmosphere. The natural beauty of the area is truly breathtaking, with towering mountains and stunning coastlines surrounding the village. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to the Faroe Islands, Saksun is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
In addition to its natural beauty, Saksun is also home to a number of interesting cultural and historical sites. The village’s ancient church, for example, dates back to the 14th century and is a testament to the strong spiritual traditions of the Faroe Islands. As you wander through the streets of Saksun, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the village and its people.
As I made my way back to Tórshavn, the rain began to fall, and I knew it was time to find some shelter and something warm to eat. And there’s no better place for that in Tórshavn than Kaffi húsið, a cozy little cafe known for its delicious pancakes and friendly, service-oriented staff.
As soon as I stepped inside, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Kaffi húsið enveloped me. The cafe was bustling with activity, but I was able to find a table by the window where I could watch the rain fall while enjoying my meal. I decided to try their famous pancakes, and I was not disappointed. Light, fluffy, and perfectly cooked, they were hands down the best pancakes I had ever had in the Faroe Islands (and possibly even the world).
The staff at Kaffi húsið were also top-notch. They were friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with any requests or questions I had. Whether it was refilling my coffee or offering recommendations for other menu items, they were always eager to go the extra mile.
All in all, my experience at Kaffi húsið was one of the highlights of my trip to the Faroe Islands. If you’re ever in Tórshavn and in need of a cozy place to eat, be sure to give Kaffi húsið a try. You won’t be disappointed.
After a full day of exploring the beautiful village of Saksun, it was time for me to head back to the hotel for a quick nap and a chance to catch up on some work. One of the great things about my hotel was its fast broadband connection and reliable WiFi, which made it easy for me to upload my images to the cloud for backup. It’s always important to have a backup plan when it comes to your precious photos, especially when you’re traveling.
Once I had finished uploading my images and taken a short rest, it was time to head out and enjoy a nice evening at the local Irish pub, Glitnir. As a big soccer fan, I was excited to catch the Champions League game between PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United. The atmosphere at Glitnir was lively and fun, with a great selection of drinks and snacks to choose from. I settled in with a pint of Guinness and watched the game unfold, enjoying every minute of it.
As the night went on, I found myself chatting with some of the locals and other travelers, sharing stories and making new friends. It was a great way to end a day full of adventure and excitement. When the final whistle blew, I headed back to my hotel feeling satisfied and looking forward to more adventures in the Faroe Islands.
Day 3
The day started with an early breakfast, as I wanted to make the most of my time in the Faroe Islands. After filling up on a hearty meal, I checked the weather forecast to plan for the day ahead.
Today, my sights were set on Gásadalur, a truly wondrous place. Located on the remote island of Vágar, Gásadalur was isolated from the road network until 2004, when a tunnel was finally blasted through. Prior to this, the only way to reach the village was by a strenuous hike over the mountain, known as the old post route.
To get to Gásadalur from Tórshavn, it takes about an hour by car. Alternatively, you can also take the airport bus from Tórshavn (bus route 300) to the airport, and ask the information desk there to call a local taxi for you. This will cost you around 300 DKK for a round trip to Gásadalur from the airport.
As I set off on my journey to Gásadalur, I couldn’t help but feel excited at the prospect of exploring this isolated and beautiful village. With its stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural history, Gásadalur promised to be a truly unforgettable destination.
Vatnið is a truly special place, offering a unique combination of stunning natural beauty and exciting outdoor adventures. At its heart is the fresh water lake of Leitisvatn, which features a small waterfall that flows straight into the ocean. Surrounding the lake are tall, vertical cliffs, which make for an exciting and challenging hiking experience.
To reach the cliffs, you’ll need to start at the town of Miðvágur and follow the main road until you reach a small parking lot. From there, you’ll go through a gate (remember to close it behind you) and begin your hike. The trail is around 4km in length and takes you through a stunning landscape of rolling hills, forests, and meadows. Along the way, you’ll pass by countless sheep, which are a common sight in the Faroe Islands.
I recommend wearing good hiking shoes for this trip, as the ground can be quite wet and muddy, with plenty of sheep droppings scattered about. While there are some trails to follow, I found it easiest to just follow the curve of the lake and make my own way. After a 4km hike, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the towering cliffs and the lake below.
Overall, a visit to Vatnið is a must for anyone visiting the Faroe Islands. The combination of stunning natural beauty and exciting outdoor adventures make it a truly unforgettable destination.
In addition to the breathtaking views of the cliffs and the lake, Vatnið also offers a number of other exciting activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
For one, the area is home to a number of unique species of plants and animals, making it a paradise for nature lovers. As you hike through the landscape, you’ll have the chance to spot a wide variety of flora and fauna, from rare orchids to colorful birds. It’s also a great place to learn about the Faroese environment and the local ecology.
Another popular activity at Vatnið is rock climbing. The cliffs here offer a number of challenging routes for experienced climbers, as well as beginner routes for those who are just starting out. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to test your skills and push your limits at Vatnið.
In addition to these activities, Vatnið is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites. The area has been inhabited for centuries, and there are many stories and traditions that are deeply intertwined with its landscape. As you explore the area, you’ll have the chance to learn about the rich history of the Faroe Islands and its people.
Overall, Vatnið is a truly unique and special place, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, exciting outdoor adventures, or a chance to learn about the Faroese culture and history, you’ll find it all here.
After a 4km hike through the stunning landscape of Vatnið, you are rewarded with breathtaking views like this:
As you stand at the top of the cliffs, the entire world seems to spread out before you. The lake below shimmers in the sunlight, while the ocean stretches out into the distance. In the distance, you can see the islands of the Faroes, each with its own unique beauty and character.
The air is fresh and clean, and you can feel the wind rushing through your hair as you take in the views. It’s a truly exhilarating experience, and one that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
As you look out over the landscape, you can’t help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility. It’s a place where you can escape the stresses and distractions of everyday life and just be in the moment. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful place to relax and unwind, Vatnið has something for everyone.
On my way back to Tórshavn, I made sure to take the opportunity to grab a few shots of Sandavágur, a small village located on the island of Vágar. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history, Sandavágur is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Faroe Islands.
As I drove through the village, I was struck by the charm and character of Sandavágur. The houses are brightly colored and well-maintained, with gardens full of flowers and vegetables. The streets are narrow and winding, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
One of the highlights of Sandavágur is the Church of Sandavágur, a beautiful and historic building that dates back to the 18th century. The church is a popular tourist attraction, and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
Overall, my visit to Sandavágur was a truly memorable experience. The village is a charming and welcoming place, full of natural beauty and rich cultural history. Whether you’re looking for stunning views, historic landmarks, or a chance to experience the authentic Faroese way of life, Sandavágur has something for everyone.
After a day of exploring the stunning natural beauty of Vatnið and Sandavágur, I returned to Tórshavn for some rest and a delicious dinner. But even though the day was coming to a close, I couldn’t resist the temptation to get out and capture a few more photos of the Faroese landscape.
So, after a brief rest, I set out into the streets of Tórshavn, camera in hand. The city was alive with activity, with people rushing about on errands or simply enjoying the evening air. I took the opportunity to capture a few candid shots of life in the Faroe Islands, as well as a few more landscapes and cityscapes.
As I walked through the streets of Tórshavn, I couldn’t help but be struck by the beauty and character of the city. From the colorful houses and winding streets to the stunning natural surroundings, there was so much to see and photograph. And even though I had already spent several days exploring the Faroe Islands, I knew that there was still so much more to discover.
As the night began to fall, I made my way back to my hotel, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such a beautiful and unique place. The Faroe Islands had truly captured my heart, and I knew that I would always cherish the memories of my time there.
Day 5 – Departure
On the fifth and final day of my trip to the Faroe Islands, it was time to say goodbye to this beautiful and special place and make my way back home to Norway. As I packed my bags and checked out of my hotel, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness at the thought of leaving.
Over the past few days, I had fallen in love with the Faroe Islands and all that they had to offer. From the stunning natural beauty to the rich cultural history, there was so much to see and experience. I had captured some truly breathtaking photos and made some unforgettable memories.
As I boarded my flight back to Norway, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to visit the Faroe Islands. It had been an incredible journey, and one that I would always cherish. I knew that I would always look back on my time in the Faroes with fondness and longing, and I hoped to have the opportunity to visit again someday.
It was with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to the Faroe Islands, but I knew that I would always cherish the memories of my time there. From the stunning natural beauty to the rich cultural history, there was so much to see and experience in this special place. I was grateful for the opportunity to visit and capture some truly breathtaking photos, and I knew that I would always look back on my trip with fondness and longing.
As I returned home to Norway, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude towards the Faroe Islands. They had welcomed me with open arms and shown me the beauty and character of their land and people. I knew that I would always hold a special place in my heart for the Faroes, and I hoped to have the opportunity to visit again someday.
Thank you, Faroe Islands, for this amazing time. I hope to see you again soon.