Tucked into the North Atlantic between Scotland, Iceland, and Norway sits a collection of tiny, intimate islands known as the Faroes. With a unique history and their own classical language (similar to Icelandic), the Faroese people have a rich heritage and fascinating history.
I loved the Faroe Islands and their other-worldliness. It was like visiting a land lost in time where traditional values and the power of community reign supreme…not to mention the beauty.
Here are some highlights from my last trip there (certain to not be the last):
Tórshavn
The colorful capital city of the Faroe Islands.
The waterfront area is beautiful and the colors of the buildings make it seem bright and cheery, even despite the fog, clouds, and rain that typically cover the islands. While Tórshavn doesn’t have a lot of options when it comes to restaurants (eating out is not something that has previously been a part of their culture), many of the bars and restaurants are located near the waterfront, but I loved just hanging out here.
Tinganes
The main street of the peninsula (Gongin) showcases the oldest parts of the city.
A section of old Tórshavn called Tinganes is where the original parliament met. It’s one of the oldest parliamentary meeting locations in the world (dating back to the 800s) and is still used by some local government employees today. The peninsula divides the Tórshavn harbour into the sections of Eystaravág and Vesteravág.
Some of the houses on Tinganes were built in the 16th and 17th centuries and are still being lived and/or worked in. The homes were just charming… I would have loved to see inside some of them.
The Bird Cliffs
You can’t go to the Faroe Islands without taking a boat trip out to the famous Bird Cliffs.
Puffins are the most common bird seen, although sometimes some others make an appearance as well.
Go to Vestmanna and get a ticket for one of the several boat tours they run each day. The boat is comfortable and has a nice, warm, below deck area where you can still see the islands without having to be out in the cold and wind (or rain).
It will take up your morning, but it’s worth it.
Gjógv
Located on the northeast side of the island of Eysturoy in the Faroe Islands, it quickly found a permanent spot in my heart. All of the villages in the Faroes are gorgeous like this, but there was just something about Gjógv that made me want to never leave. I snapped the featured photo on this post during a hike I took along the cliffs at the water’s edge.
Gjáargarður is the coolest guesthouse I’ve ever stayed at. The owner is friendly, helpful, and willing to do just about anything to make your stay more enjoyable.
The building itself is a bit of a maze, but in a good way. You never know what you’re going to find around the corner or up a staircase. If you can, try to stay in one of the rooms in the eves over top of the second dining room. They are big, beautiful, and have a balcony.
I can’t wait to go back!