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Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a beautiful archipelago of 18 islands, forming part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Located between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the islands are a place of incredible natural beauty, with fresh air, quiet country lanes and villages of turf thatched houses and dry stone walls, set in a magnificent background of deep blue ocean, green mountains and valleys. The islands also offer an extraordinary diversity of bird life, with over 300 species identified.

Tórshavn

The capital of the Faroe Islands is located on the south eastern coast on the island of Streymoy. Walking around the Old Town area of Tórshavn and you will see the old black-tarred houses with their white windows and green turfed roofs. Visit the Faroese Museum of History with its exhibitions of the islands geology and animal life, the Faroese National Gallery of Art, pass the Prime Minister’s office and administrative offices, Fortress Skansin which was built around 1850 for the purpose of protecting the city from the pirates, Nordic House a cultural centre where many festival and events are held, Faroese Aquarium where you will see the many species that live in the sea around the Islands or just enjoy the restaurants, cafes and live music that this city has to offer.

The Islands

The northern islands of the Faroes are comprised of Kalsoy, Kunoy, Viðoy, Fugloy, Svínoy and Borðoy. Klaksvik, the second largest town in the Faroes is located on Borðoy Island. A sub-sea tunnel goes from Klaksvik to Leirvik on the island of Eysturoy.

Eysturoy

Is home to the Slættaratindur, the highest mountain in the Faroes, towering at 882 metres high. From here you can experience breathtaking views of the Faroes, from the north, right down to the southernmost point. From the village of Eiði there are views across the fjord and of Slættaratindur. Spend some time in the harbour village of Gjógv and try some hiking where you will enjoy views of the birdcliffs and beautiful Ambadalur Valley. Eysturoy is connected by sub-sea tunnel to Borðoy Island.

Located on the north western coast of Streymoy is the village of Vestmanna. From here you can take a boat trip to see the magnificent Vestmanna Bird Cliffs which are, 600 metres above sea level, or home to puffins, guillemots, fulmars, kittewakes and other bird life nesting during the summe or home to period. The islands of Koltur and Hestur are located off the northwestern coast of Streymoy. From the top of the Nólsoy, take in the amazing panoramic views of Tórshavn and the neighbouring islands.

Vágar and Mykines are the most western islands of the Faroes. While on Vágar stop at the beautiful bay villages of Sandavágur, Miðvágur, and Sørvágur. Visit the museum of Kálvalíð which overlooks the village of Miðvágur and is also one of the oldest building in the Faroes. Visit Kirkjubøur the Faroes historical and cultural centre. From Vágar you can take the sub-sea tunnel across to the island of Streymoy. The island of Mykines is a popular destination for hikers. Hike to the stone forest in the valley Korkadalur or to Mykineshólmur on the western side of the island, connected by footbridge over a 35 metre watery deep gorge, where you will see colonies of gannets.

The island of Sandoy (also called Saga Island) is characterised by its mostly flat green terrain which is good for activities such as cycling or hiking. Visit the villages of Dalur, Húsavík and Skálavík while on this beautiful island. The smaller islands of Skúvoy, Stóra Dímun and Lítla Dímun are located between the islands of Sandoy and Sudoroy. The southernmost island of the Faroes is Suðuroy with its entire west coast comprising of sheer bird cliffs. From the northern village of Hvalba there are views of Lítla Dímun, Explore the deserted sandy beaches in the village of Sandvik, travel south to Sumba village, then from there, continue on to Akraberg lighthouse, located on the southernmost point of the Faroes.

There a number of ways to explore this mighty country and you can select your ideal tour type. You may prefer to travel on an Independent tour with your transport and accommodation all pre-booked. Another option is a Partially guided tour, where your overnight accommodation is pre-booked and each excursion is guided – the remainder of the time you’re free to do as you choose. Otherwise, a Self-Drive tour offers you the chance to see the country on a set itinerary, with car hire and accommodation pre-booked.

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