Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to The Faroe Islands
Holidays & Sabbaticals to The Faroe Islands – In a Nutshell
This remote and captivating archipelago beckons adventurers seeking untouched nature. Defined by its dramatic landscape, sheer basalt cliffs rise from the ocean, waterfalls cascade at every turn and verdant plains stretch to the crashing edge of the land. Breath-taking hiking in this rugged landscape allows you truly to immerse yourself in the vastness of raw nature. Sea excursions reveal the scale of the towering cliffs and uncover hidden grottos.
Self-drive in the Faroes to be the only vehicle for miles. Around each coastal chicane, increasingly glorious views present themselves. The grass-covered roofs of local houses and their terracotta, navy and ochre facades greet you as you approach little villages. Stop in the capital for colourful winding lanes and Michelin-starred cuisine. Travel between the islands via the under-sea tunnel network – so extensive there are even roundabouts underground!
The Faroe Islands experiences you shouldn’t miss
- Marvel at the world-renowned Múlafossur waterfall cascading 30 metres into the ocean.
- Explore Kalsoy Island by foot to take in the iconic Kallur Light House standing against the sea cliffs and James Bond’s tombstone!
- Discover charming village life at Leynar amidst fjords and turf-roofed houses.
- Sail to the uninhabited islet of Tindhólmur with its looming five jagged peaks.
- Island hop to Vagar to see the breath-taking sights including Troll Woman’s Finger, a 1,027-foot monolith protruding from the sea cliffs.
- Take in the Drangarnir sea stacks by boat, viewing the cliffs from below.
- Visit the village of Gjogv with its 200-metre gorge. A pleasant hike along the cliff will give you a beautiful view of the village and the sea-filled gorge.
- Hike around Mykines island, home to colonies of puffins and northern gannets.
- Sail to Vestmannabjørgini through the deep grottoes and narrow straits. These rock walls are the nesting place for countless sea birds during summer.
- Hike up to Fossá waterfall. Plunging 140-metres, it is the tallest waterfall in the Faroes.
- Challenge perspective at the apparent ‘optical illusion’ of Lake Sørvágsvatn, seemingly suspended above the ocean.
Off the Beaten Path in The Faroe Islands
- Island hop aboard a vintage schooner, accompanied by a private chef and with a hot tub aboard.
- Sea-kayak amidst the cliffs, caves and sea gorges along the coastline to experience the natural wonders up close.
- Indulge in true Faroese hospitality – ‘heimablídni’ – as you savour waffles topped with homemade jam at a charming café in the cosy confines of the owner’s home in Gjogv.
- Go on a hike with a local chef collecting natural ingredients for an unforgettable meal.
- Don a dry suit: Scuba dive to explore grottos teeming with marine life.
- Gallop across the Faroese landscape mounted on an Icelandic horse.
- Hike to Dunnesdrangar, two sea stacks protruding 70 metres out of the ocean.
- Embark on a fishing trip aboard a traditional Faroese boat amidst the magnificent fjords and cliffs.
- Enjoy a variety of adventure activities along the coastline, such as paddleboarding, abseiling, snorkelling and cliff jumping.
- Travel by underwater tunnels to Viðareiði, the northernmost village of the Faroe Islands.
- Take in beautiful, isolated churches surrounded by truly undisturbed nature.
- Kayak on Lake Sandsvatn, a tranquil body of water teeming with trout.
- At the mesmerising village of Saksun, bordering a lagoon, hike along the black beaches that contrast beautifully with the crashing waves.
Wildlife
While there are few land species (and very few trees) on the Faroe Islands, seabirds abound and below the surface lies a rich marine ecosystem. Nesting along the cliffs and coastline you’ll see puffins, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes. Seals are commonly seen around the coastline. The surrounding waters are home to porpoises and various whale species, including pilot whales, orcas, humpback whales and occasionally even blue whales.
How to Get to The Faroe Islands
Fly direct from Copenhagen (Denmark), Reykjavik (Iceland), Edinburgh (Scotland), and Bergen (Norway) into The Faroe Island’s Vágar Airport. The flight time from Edinburgh or Copenhagen is around two hours.
When & Weather – The Faroe Islands
The best time to travel to the Faroe Islands is during the summer months (June-August) for milder temperatures, 8°C – 15°C (46°F to 59°F), and longer daylight hours.
The weather is notoriously unpredictable, even in Summer, when you’ll experience four seasons in a day. Ferries and boat excursions can be cancelled due to rough seas – every day needs a Plan B and C!
Who will The Faroe Islands Appeal To?
The wild natural landscape of the Faroes will appeal to:
- Active Travellers
- Families with older children
- Adventure seekers
- Photography enthusiasts
- Bird lovers
- Nature lovers
- Sea lovers
- Ocean enthusiasts
Accommodation
Experience life in the Faroes staying in an attractive village surrounded by waterfalls, in a turf-roofed private traditional Faroese house with a private chef. Or choose a luxury, genuinely eco-friendly hotel, or a villa overlooking a fjord.
Start Planning
Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience The Faroe Islands.
Consider visiting The Faroe Islands in combination with continental Denmark to see both sides of this country.
No matter how long you have to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.
Contact us to start planning a holiday or sabbatical to The Faroe Islands.