The Call of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands have long been a place of intrigue for me, a land where the raw beauty of nature meets the harshness of the North Atlantic. As a former Arctic researcher, I’ve spent years studying the impact of climate change in polar regions, and the Faroe Islands seemed like a perfect blend of my past and present. When I heard about the Faroe Islands Highlights Tour, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

The tour promised an intimate small group experience, and it delivered in spades. Our guide, Janus, a local musician, author, and artist, picked us up from the Hilton Hotel in Tórshavn. His car was our chariot for the day, and his knowledge of the islands was our compass. The tour was mapped out, but Janus had a few surprises up his sleeve, taking us to hidden gems that only a local would know.

The journey began with a drive through the stunning landscapes of Streymoy and Eysturoy. The islands’ rugged terrain, shaped by millennia of wind and water, was a sight to behold. Janus regaled us with tales of the islands’ history, weaving in amusing anecdotes about life in the Faroes. His passion for his homeland was infectious, and it was clear that he relished his role as our guide.

A Feast for the Senses

The Faroe Islands are a feast for the senses, and our tour was no exception. We were advised to have a hearty breakfast before setting out, and it was sound advice. The day was filled with culinary delights, starting with a packed lunch provided by Janus. We stopped for coffee in the picturesque village of Gjógv, where the locals welcomed us with open arms.

As we continued our journey, we found ourselves in the village of Tjørnuvík, the most northerly village on Streymoy. Here, we enjoyed our lunch while admiring the view of the “Giant and Hag” rock formations. The legend behind these rocks added a layer of mystique to the already breathtaking scenery.

In the afternoon, we stopped once more, this time for waffles and cream. The sweet treat was a perfect complement to the day’s adventures, and it was a moment of pure indulgence amidst the rugged beauty of the islands. The tour was supposed to last six hours, but we were so engrossed in the experience that it stretched to seven and a half hours.

The Heart of the Faroes

The Faroe Islands are a place where nature reigns supreme, and our tour was a testament to that. We visited the tallest waterfall in the Faroes, Fossá, where the water cascades down a dark basalt wall in a dramatic display of nature’s power. The village of Haldarsvík, with its octagonal church and babbling stream, was a serene contrast to the waterfall’s might.

Our journey took us through the brand new sub-sea tunnel, Eysturoyartunnilin, a marvel of engineering that connects the islands of Eysturoy and Streymoy. The tunnel’s unique roundabout, nicknamed “The Jellyfish,” was a sight to behold, with its art installation of glass and iron.

The tour concluded in the historic village of Kirkjubøur, the southernmost village on Streymoy. Here, we explored the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav’s Church, relics of a bygone era that still hold sway over the present. The old farmhouse, Kirkjubøargarður, has been occupied by the same family for 17 generations, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Faroese people.

The Faroe Islands Highlights Tour was more than just a tour; it was a journey into the heart of the Faroes, a place where the past and present coexist in harmony. For those who seek adventure and a deeper understanding of the world, the Faroe Islands are a destination that should not be missed.