Photo Journey Through the Faroe Islands

It’s a good job I’m not bothered about getting a sun tan in the height of summer, otherwise the Faroe Islands are the last place I should have gone.

The weather was constantly foggy, windy and rainy for most of my time there BUT I still had an incredible trip. It’s an exhilarating place to be and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Due to the fog I couldn’t get some of the landscape photos I’d hoped for, at times the visibility was so bad it was like driving through tens of miles of clouds. We could see absolutely NOTHING, much to the dismay of my boyfriend who was behind the wheel and trying to drive with heightened senses.

Although I do like the mystique that the fog added to some of my photos, suggestive of being among these Northerly islands, I would love to have seen the islands on a sunny and clear day (I assure you that does happen) with endless views of the ocean and from no matter where you’re standing, being able to see the peaks of neighbouring islands.

Blinded by a veil of thick mist when you know you supposedly have some of the world’s most scenic views at your feet is like having your lips stapled together seconds before you’re about to chow down a taster-menu from a prize-winning chef.

However, the weather DID improve at various points of the day so I wasted no time getting my camera out. Here are some of my favourites with a short description.

 

It’s all about the Turf Roofs

I fell in love with this geodesic eco-friendly home located in Kvivik on the Faroe Islands. I’ve never seen another like it! You should be able to spot it to your right-hand side when you’re coming from Torshavn to Vestmanna. Don’t you just love how eccentric it is?

 

Puffin Parades

Though the birdlife is extremely rich and varied on Mykines, the main reason why I wanted to go was to see puffins. It is reportedly the best island on the Faroes to see them from. This proved to be true. As I hiked up and away from the sea where the boat had docked, puffins began to emerge from behind the veil of thick fog surrounding the island, my ability to see them aided by their colourful beaks.

 

Waterfalls Galore!

No matter where you’re standing in the Faroes you’re never more than 3-miles away from the sea. And seeing waterfalls is ubiquitously part of the landscape.

 

Feeling Tiny Inside Mother Nature!

I love Northerly places for a lot of reasons, sometimes it’s hard to describe why because it’s not a specific landmark or anything visual. Instead it’s a feeling. I feel closest to nature here, and quite often in her rawest form. You put your trust in her because at any minute she could chew you up and spit you back out.

 

When Sheep Aren’t Ruling the Roads…. Horses Do 

With a tiny population there’s no such thing as a traffic jam, but you’ll have other obstacles to contend with…

 

Bon Jovi, I see you everywhere

You see it too don’t you? Being in the Faroes reminds me a lot of Iceland, especially when it comes down to the horses. They both usually have a coarse, Bon Jovi style mane, thick coat, short yet strong physique, and share the ability to tolt from birth. Most importantly, you cannot, under any circumstances, call them ponies! 🙂

 

Colourful cabins break up the grey slate of sky

Everyone needs a splash of colour in their lives, especially up here when solitude can feel like a part of the wallpaper for extended periods at a time.

 

Mykines, where only 11 people live

An island where hundreds of thousands of puffins live in the summer is home to only 11 people. Out of the 18 islands in the Faroes, this one was easily my favourite. It’s also the westernmost island on the Faroes, only reachable by boat or helicopter so you must book transport here in advance!

 

Dalur, the Prettiest Village in the Faroes

Dalur, the prettiest village in the Faroes. Located south on Sandoy you need to get here by car via the ferry which crosses several times a day. They say the route to the destination IS the adventure, and this proves true as you crawl up a winding narrow cliff overlooking the ocean to reach here, hoping another car isn’t coming towards you!

 

Hiker’s Paradise

You can walk for miles without seeing a single soul and the uneven terrain ensures you get a butt-busting work out!

 

Unique Rock Formations

Located between Vagar and Mykines you’ll find Drangarnir, the collective term for these atmospheric rock stacks in the Faroe Islands. Seeing them remind me so much of Vik and Dyrholaey in Iceland.

Want to know more about the Faroe Islands?
Read: Travel Guide to the Faroe Islands – Everything You Need to Know

Which photo taken in the Faroe Islands do you like the most?