There is a magical island where sheep outnumber humans and the capital city has only 3 traffic lights—a forgotten wilderness called the Faroe Islands. Though the total population of the island is only 50,000, the spirit of the people and the dramatic terrain make it a bucket list destination for travelers. Here are only a few of the copious reasons to visit the Faroe Islands.
1. Optical Illusion Lake – Lake Sørvágsvatn
Behold the shimmering Lake Sørvágsvatn—a popular attraction in the Faroe Islands due to its illusory display. Standing beside this lake at the correct angle makes it seem as though the lake towers hundreds of feet above the ocean when in reality the drop off is only about 90 feet. Further, the rock formations, humming water, and slight grey tint in an overcast sky make the view at Lake Sørvágsvatn truly one of a kind.
2. The Mykines
The Faroe Islands are comprised of 18 islands, with Mykines being the westernmost island of the archipelago. Unspoilt and untamed, 11 lucky inhabitants reside here year-round. The island, dubbed the Paradise of Birds, is home to thousands of Puffins which are the focal point of many visitor’s trips. All viewers must pay a fee to come on the island, which goes toward wildlife restoration and bird preservation. The ferry from the mainland only operates four months in the summertime, so plan your trip wisely to be able to hike across the jagged surface of this Nordic utopia.
3. Saksun
The village (we use this term loosely, as it only has 14 inhabitants) rests at the foot of a grandiose lagoon tucked away in between the high walls of a mountain range. Emerald green grass blankets the roofs of the few homes, depicting a scene that could only come from a fantasy novel or the set of Lord of the Rings. Getting to this remote village is as easy as renting a car from the capital city Torshavn and driving 50 minutes north.
4. Drangarnir
If hiking to stone cliffs that tower out of a vast ocean is your idea of a good time, then Drangarnir is the place for you. Drangarnir is accessible only by a strenuous hike or by boat—either type of travel will get you up close and personal with these imposing rock formations. The hike is 5-6 kilometers one way, and though it’s a long hike, there are no major changes in elevation which make it moderately difficult, but certainly not impossible, to climb.
Comments
Loading…