Faroe Islands Tourism: Flights, Hotels, Cruises, and Attractions

The Faroe Islands (sometimes spelled Faeroe) comprise an archipelago, about 1400 square kilometers in total area, located between the United Kingdon, Iceland, and Norway. This chain of North Atlantic islands, often called simply “The Faroes,” makes for offbeat tourism: a quiet, foggy, slow-paced getaway where local color and charm greet visitors under grey skies. As an autonomous region of Denmark, the 50,000 citizens of the Faroe Islands enjoy stability despite their relative isolation and rural orientation. The Faroese economy is largely dependent upon fishing and whaling, so tourism is welcomed as an additional source of revenue. Many tourists fold their Faroe Islands fling into a broader vacation that encompasses Greenland, Iceland, or the Shetland Islands. Whether you seek a cruise or a flight and hotel deal, the Faroe Islands provide a hospitable stop in the middle of the North Atlantic.

Flights

The Faroe Islands have only one airport at their disposal, Vagar Airport – not far from the capital of Torshavn. Atlantic Airways (www.atlantic.fo), the remarkably well-developed Faroese Airline, offers direct service to the Faroe Islands from a number of European cities, including Reykjavik, Edinburgh, London, Oslo, and Copenhagen. Icelandair (www.icelandair.com)also offers easy connecting flights to the Faroe Islands for United States travelers flying through Reykjavik from east coast cities.

Hotels in Torshavn

Skansin Guesthouse. Jekaragota 8, Torshavn. For simple, spartan accommodations that won’t bust your budget, the Skansin Guesthouse is not far from the center of Torshavn and offers spectacular views. Though they only have about 10 rooms, you can book early and stay cheap!

Hotel Hafnia. Aarvegur 4 -10, Torshavn. This hotel is a more comfortable option, with all the basic services and about 60 rooms. They’ve got a rooftop deck with great views of the town and the water. Many of Torshavn’s attractions are within walking distance, including the harbor (which is your gateway to further exploration by ferry).

Hotel Torshavn. Torsgota 4, Torshavn. Similar to Hotel Hafnia but slightly less attractive, this cozily-appointed hotel offers basic services, including internet access for reasonable rates.

Other islands also have small hotels and guest houses. Check out www.visit-faroe-islands.com for more details on these additional accommodations.

Cruises

Many cruises use the Faroe Islands as a stopping point on the way to or from Iceland and Greenland. Depending on the specific package you choose, you may stop in Torshavn overnight or just for several hours before waving goodbye to the craggy coastline. Two notable cruise companies, www.kristinacruises.com and www.travelscope.co.uk, both offer extensive cruises in the region with shorter stopovers in the Faroe Islands. The Smyril Line (www.smyril-line.com) also transports passengers to the Faroes. Although the service is not cruise-oriented, it will allow visitors to stay longer in the Faroe Islands.

Attractions

Cool fog softens the verdant glow of craggy cliffs and hills. Shores are often abrupt and striking, making for spectacular views not unlike those on Ireland’s west coast. The sights themselves range from quaint to breathtaking. Here are some suggestions for things to see and do.

Whaling. Although it remains a controversial topic among animal rights advocates, annual whaling continues in the Faroes because it provides a source of jobs and food for the Faroese people. This cultural tradition of capturing pilot whales dates back to late medieval times, when boats encircled the islands and gradually moved back inland, forcing the whales ashore. The same system, with some modern enhancements, is used by Faroese whalers today. Once the whale is beached, it is killed through incision into the nervous system. Visitors can watch this process, as it is how much of their food gets its start.

Birdwatching. The unique blend of cold water in the North Atlantic with warming by the jet stream creates an environment conducive to bird feeding along the Faroe shores. Some rare birds breed here, especially in May, June, and July. If you’re an amateur ornithologist, the Faroe Islands will delight.

Faroese Houses. Many traditional Faroese houses still don a curious sight: grass roofs, an idea which dates back to Viking days. Dwellings in the Faroe Islands (as in other North Atlantic destinations) are gaily colored, brightening up the sometime gloomy sky.

Fishing. Castling lines is a way of life for the Faroese, not just a pasttime. Fly-fishing is especially popular here, and you can rent equipment for a day from tourism-friendly shops for a small deposit.

Buy Wool. We all know that before sheep become mutton, they yield some wool. Sweaters, scarves, and other local hand-crafted garments are popular souvenirs from the Faroe Islands

Folk Dancing and Art. Community festivals and other special events are great times to see citizens of the Faroe Islands in traditional garb performing dances passed down for centuries.

Art Gallery in Torshavn. Beckoned by bronze Tarira, the giant nude mermaid outside, tourists can sample local art at this attractive gallery.

Cuisine. If you love fresh fish, the Faroe Islands will make you say “holy mackerel!” Fish (cod, mackerel, and whale are important parts of Faroese cuisine, sometimes served in dried or aged form and sometimes served fresh. Mutton and potatoes is a common meal, and mutton jerky (basically dried meat) is the Faroese equivalent of a stringy Slim Jim. Also, look for tasty variations on potato soup. Restaurants tend to be cozy, pub-like operations with traditional food, though continental cuisine is typically available.