The Faroe Islands are a stunning North Atlantic archipelago known for their rugged scenery and Nordic charm. Towering sea cliffs, misty fjords, dramatic coastlines, and green, windswept landscapes surround traditional villages where turf-roofed houses and rich Viking heritage create a sense of timelessness. Vágar Airport is the main gateway to the Faroe Islands. Though it is the islands’ only airport, it remains small, efficient, and wonderfully easy to get around. The island of Vágar offers quick access to some of the Faroes’ most iconic sights, including the famous Múlafossur waterfall, the picturesque village of Gásadalur and Lake Sørvágsvatn; often called the “floating lake”, it is one of the Faroe Islands’ most notable natural wonders. From the cliffs above, the lake appears to hover high above the Atlantic Ocean due to an optical illusion created by the surrounding landscape. The steep cliffs of Trælanípa give the striking impression that the lake is floating in mid-air.

Tórshavn, the charming capital of the Faroe Islands, is one of the smallest and cosiest capitals in the world. Nestled between rolling hills and a sheltered harbour, the city blends Nordic modernity with centuries-old history. Wander through Tinganes, the old town with its colourful wooden houses and grass roofs, or explore the lively cafés, boutiques, and cultural spots scattered around the waterfront. Despite its compact size, Tórshavn offers excellent dining, vibrant arts, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect base for exploring the entire archipelago.

The other islands include Eysturoy, wich is the second-largest island, and home to colourful villages. It features the famous mountain Slættaratindur, the highest point in the Faroe Islands, and the striking village of Gjógv with its natural harbour. Skúvoy is a tranquil island with rich birdlife and sweeping green hills, known for its important seabird colonies, especially puffins and guillemots. Suðuroy, the southernmost island of the Faroes, offers soaring sea stacks and a distinctly rugged character. Kalsoy, the “Flute Island” of the Faroe Islands, is a hiker’s paradise. At its northern tip stands one of the most photographed landmarks in the Faroes, the Kallur Lighthouse. Mykines is home to large colonies of puffins, guillemots, and gannets, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in the Faroes.

The Faroe Islands boast a rich culture rooted in fishing, farming, and seafaring traditions, with music, art, and folklore reflecting their unique heritage. Despite their small population, just under 55,000, the Faroes maintain a dynamic economy with a focus on natural resources, sustainability, and cultural preservation.  It is a land where nature, tradition, and adventure meet and offer an unforgettable experience at the edge of the North Atlantic.

Nuggets of information:

• The name ‘Faroe’ means ‘sheep,’ and fittingly, sheep outnumber people on the islands.
• The population of the Faroe Islands consists of 80 different nationalities.
• Faroese, the native language of the Faroe Islands, is one of the closest living languages to Old Norse. Spoken by fewer than 80,000 people, it is considered one of the world’s most endangered language.
• To help Google map the islands, locals fitted cameras onto sheep, creating the internationally celebrated project known as 'Sheep View 360'.
• Many traditional houses feature turf roofs, a practice dating back to Viking times. Sheep – not mowing machines – are used for mowing the turf roof grass!
• The Islands’ rugged, treeless landscapes are shaped by their volcanic origins and strong, salty winds, resulting in an environment without forests.
• The turf-roofed ‘parliament jetty’ of Tinganes is believed to be one of the world’s oldest parliamentary meeting sites, dating back to around 825 AD.
• The Faroese Chain Dance is an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Dancers hold hands in large groups, moving in rhythm to Faroese ballads.
• There's no prison on the islands as serious crime is rare.
• The Faroe Islands is home to the world’s first underwater traffic roundabout. Located 72 meters below the ocean, it combines ground-breaking engineering with a striking art installation.
• Launched in 2019, ‘Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism’ invites volunteers each year to help restore trails, viewpoints, signages, and undertake erosion-control and conservation projects.
• The final scenes of No Time to Die were filmed on the dramatic cliffs of Kalsoy Island. In tribute, locals have erected a James Bond memorial—a tombstone modelled after the design of Bond’s parents’ tombstone from Skyfall.
• The Prime Minister’s phone number is publicly listed, reflecting the approachable and close-knit nature of Faroese society.
• The Faroe Islands is one of the world’s leading nations in producing sustainable electricity with over 50% of the nation’s electricity deriving from renewable energy sources. The aim is that the nation’s electricity will be sourced solely from renewable energy by 2030.
• In the capital, Tórshavn, city bus transport is free of charge.
• Niels R. Finsen, a Faroese physician, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1903 for his pioneering work in light therapy.

The Faroe Islands Through the Lens