Experience the extreme North! Travel & culture guide: WHAT to do in the Faroe Islands?

February 16, 2023

NordenBladet – The Faroe Islands offer a unique and rich cultural experience for tourists. The islands have a rich history and traditions that have been preserved over the centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

One of the most notable cultural aspects of the Faroe Islands is its traditional music, which is closely tied to the country’s Viking heritage. The Faroese song tradition, known as the “chain dance” (Faroese: Føroyskur dansur, Danish: Kædedans), is a unique form of music that is still performed today.

Additionally, the Faroese language, which is closely related to Old Norse, is a fascinating aspect of the country’s culture and history. Visitors can learn about the Faroese language and its evolution through the ages by visiting museums and cultural centers.

The Faroe Islands are also renowned for their traditional textiles, such as Faroese shawls, which are hand-knitted using centuries-old techniques. Visitors can learn about this traditional craft by visiting local workshops and watching demonstrations by skilled craftsmen and women.

Photos: In the Faroe Islands, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, as well as cultural experiences such as visiting museums and historic sites. (Unsplash)

The stunning natural beauty of the Faroe Islands, including its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes, is a testament to the country’s unique cultural heritage and its connection to the land.

Here are the 12 most famous attractions in the Faroe Islands:

1. Torshavn – the capital city, known for its amazing architecture and picturesque harbor. Torshavn is a small yet charming city that boasts a rich history, friendly people, and a unique architectural style. This city is the oldest and the smallest capital in the world and has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The city’s history can be traced back to the Viking era, and its name literally means “Thor’s harbor.” Tórshavn was once a thriving center of commerce, and it played a key role in the region’s maritime trade. Today, Torshavn is still a hub of activity and is considered the cultural and economic center of the Faroe Islands.

Tórshavn (Photos: 2 x Unsplash)

2. Mykines Island – Mykiens Island is a popular destination for birdwatching, with thousands of seabirds nesting on its cliffs. Mykines is the westernmost of the 18 main islands of the Faroese Archipelago. It belongs to the oldest part of the Faroe Islands and was formed about 60 million years ago. Experience the extreme North!

Mykines (Photos: 2 x Unsplash)

3. Gjogv – a small village with a scenic gorge and a natural harbor. Gjógv is located on the northeast tip of the island of Eysturoy, in the Faroe Islands and 63 km (39 mi) north by road from the capital of Tórshavn. The village was named after a 200-metre (650 ft) long sea-filled gorge that runs north to the sea from the village.

The village church dates from 1929. It was the first one to be consecrated in the village and the first one to feature services in Faroese. Before that, the villagers walked to Funningur for church and burial services. On the opposite side of the road a sculpture stands as a memorial to fishermen lost at sea, bearing the names and ages of men from the late nineteenth to the mid twentieth century. The sculpture of a mother and two children looking out to sea was created by Fritjof Joensen.

Gjógv (Photos: 2 x Unsplash)

4. Vagar island & Mulafossur Waterfall in Gásadalur village (also written Gasadalur or Gåsedal) – a spectacular waterfall on the island of Vagar. The island of Vagar has much to offer. Whether you are interested in natural beauty, cultural heritage, or outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone on this beautiful and diverse island.

Múlafossur Waterfall (also known as Gásadalur Waterfall) is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Faroe Islands. It is located on the island of Vagar, near the village of Gásadalur (Gasadalur or Gåsedal).

Photos: 2 x Unsplash

5. Vestmanna Cliffs – towering sea cliffs that offer stunning views of the surrounding ocean. The Vestmanna Sea Cliffs boat tour is one of the oldest tourist attraction and probably the highlight of a visit to the Faroe Islands. On a modern tourboat you sail into grottos, see birds and enjoy the 90 minutes cruise our of Vestmanna on Streymoy – the main island.

6. The Faroese National Museum – Tjóðsavnið (Tjóðsavn Føroya) is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Faroe Islands. The permanent exhibition at the National Museum offers an experience of the geology, botany, zoology, archeology, folk-life and history of the Faroe Islands.

Address: 6 Brekkutún, Hoyvík 188, Faroe Islands

7. Saksun – a picturesque village with a unique church and a stunning beach.

8. Gasadalur – a remote village with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the ocean.

Gásadalur (Danish: Gåsedal) is a village located on the west side of Vágar, Faroe Islands, and enjoys a panoramic view over to the island of Mykines. Gásadalur is located on the edge of Mykinesfjørður, surrounded by the highest mountains on Vágar. Árnafjall towers to a height of 722 metres to the north, and Eysturtindur to the east is 715 metres high.

9. The Faroese Parliament (The Løgtin) – a historic building that serves as the seat of the Faroese government. You can find a brief historical guide of Tinganes here: government.fo

Address: Tinghusvegur 1, Tórshavn, Streymoy 100 Faroe Islands

10. Risin og Kellingin (Risin and Kellingin) – two towering sea stacks that are a popular hiking destination just off the northern coast of the island of Eysturoy in the Faroe Islands close to the town of Eiði. The name Risin og Kellingin means The Giant and the Witch (or Hag) and relates to an old legend about their origins. The Giant (Risin) is the 71m stack further from the coast, and the witch (Kellingin) is the 68m pointed stack nearer land, standing with her legs apart.

11. Streymoy island & Kvívík village – Streymoy (Danish: Strømø) is the largest and most populated island of the Faroe Islands. The capital, Tórshavn, is located on its southeast coast. Kvivik is an ancient settlement with remains of Viking-era longhouses and burial mounds.

Tjornuvik, Streymoy, Faore Islands (Photo: Unsplash)

12. The Nordic House (Faroese: Norðurlandahúsið) – a cultural center that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other events. Erlendur Patursson (1913–1986), Faroese member of the Nordic Council, brought forward the idea of a Nordic cultural house in the Faroe Islands. A Nordic competition for architects was held in 1977, where 158 architects participated. Winners were Ola Steen from Norway and Kollbrún Ragnarsdóttir from Iceland. By staying true to folklore the architects built the Nordic House to resemble an enchanting hill of elves. The building is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Scandinavia. The house opened in Tórshavn in 1983. Upcoming events can be found here: https://www.nlh.fo

Address: 14 Norðari Ringvegur, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands

Map of Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory of Denmark, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Featured image: The Faroe Islands offer a unique and rich cultural experience for tourists, offering a fascinating look into the country’s history, traditions, and natural beauty. (Unsplash)

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