Iceland and the Faroe Islands are the latest destinations under consideration for ‘air bridges’ with Guernsey, and it’s a tantalising prospect for travel-hungry islanders.
Iceland, of course, needs no introduction. This island of volcanoes, geysers, glaciers and Bjork attracted more than two million visitors a year, pre Covid-19, and is a firm fixture on many a travel bucket list.
The Faroe Islands, on the other hand, have a much lower profile and welcomed just 60,000 visitors a year prior to the pandemic. But don’t let the numbers fool you – this Danish archipelago is one of northern Europe’s best kept secrets.
Tucked between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean, and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands comprises of 18 volcanic islands. Its landscapes are characterised by rocky coastlines, towering mountains and narrow fjords, while its towns and villages are populated by whitewashed wooden churches and turf-roofed cottages.
Dramatic scenery and Middle-earth vibes make the Faroe Islands an Instagrammer’s dream, while its mix of traditional and contemporary culture ensure there’s much more to these islands then majestic mountains.
Like Guernsey, it has been several weeks since the last reported case of coronavirus in the Faroe Islands and while no air bridge has been confirmed, it is tempting to wonder what a Faroese holiday would look like. So here are just a handful of reasons why a visit to the Faroe Islands would be definitely worth your while.
Wide open space
In a post-pandemic world, more and more travellers will be looking to ditch the crowds in favour of wide-open spaces, which makes the Faroe Islands a very attractive prospect. With a population of just 50,000, spread over 1,399 square-kilometres, avoiding other people will not be a problem.
Faroese gastronomy
Faroese food culture is influenced by its environment and the islands’ Viking history. It’s big on food preservation methods, like brining, drying and the maturing of meat and fish, and a few traditional menu items include whale meat and blubber, and even Faroese puffin.
One the plus side, British-style fish and chips is popular and there’s even a Michelin-star restaurant, KOKS, which has a menu almost exclusively based on local Faroese produce.
The cutest capital
Once of the smallest capitals in the world, Tórshavn (which translates as Thor’s Harbour), is the largest town on the Faroe Islands and its capital. It’s also adorable, with its small wooden churches, tiny Old Town and rows of brightly painted houses.
Other-worldly villages
Saksun is a remote little village on Streymoy island which has a stunning location above a beautiful lagoon. It boasts the region’s traditional turf-roofed cottages, as well as s turf-roofed church, a village museum and some stunning waterfalls.
Breathtaking landscapes
We’re pretty spoilt in the Channel Islands when it comes to natural beauty, but the Faroe Islands really takes it up a notch, with its windswept mountains, epic coastlines and waterfalls. Check out the incredible Mulafossur Waterfall which falls over the rocky cliffs of Vagar Island.
Northern Lights
The Faroe Islands are one of the few locations in the world where you can see the Northern Lights. The best time of year for seeing this natural wonder in all its glory is from September to March.
Feature image Photo by Bo Pen.