Winter highlights of the Faroe islands

SELF-DRIVE; 6 days / 5 nights, from € 950,- | DKK 7.115,-

Most people visit during the summertime but why not be an adventurer and experience the wild Nordic beauty in wintertime. The ever changing weather will form the experience; you will see waterfalls flow upwards, spun into the sky as vortices by the wind. Surrounded by empty ocean, the islands are illuminated by an ethereal light. The sun shoots above the horizon. The sea changes from indigo to slate, pewter, then silver within seconds and at night there is a fair chance of seeing the northern lights.

Day 1: Arrival at Vágar airport and pick up your car at the 62N. After settling in at the hotel we suggest a drive to the picturesque villages Gásadalur and Bø. Enroute you will have a fantastic view to the islets and stacks of the coast, the most known is Tindhólmur with its castle-like peaks. In Gásadalur we suggest a walk to the famous waterfall “Múlafossur” – a must see for all visitors.

Day 2: In the morning before leaving Vágar, we suggest a walk around the lake Sørvágsvatn out to the famous waterfall Bøsdalafossur. It is an easy hike and the waterfall, the foaming sea together with the amazing view of the cliffs and freestanding rocks on the western side of the island will leave a lasting impression.

In the afternoon the trip continues over Streymoy – crossing “the bridge over the Atlantic” to Eysturoy – further to Eiði from where you can see the famous rock formations known as the “Giant and the Witch” and further on to the quaint village of Gjógv. Here you will stay at guesthouse Gjáargarður or Hotel Runavík for the next two nights.

Gjógv’s outlying location on the northern tip of Eysturoy, far away from the illuminated cities, makes it a good spot to see the northern lights – stay up late, take a walk out in the dark night and you might be lucky.

Day 3: Spend the day exploring the Northern Islands. Drive through the sub-sea tunnel that connect Eysturoy with Borðoy – note the colourful light installations, made by the well-known Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson, in the bottom of the sub-sea tunnel. The first town you will see on Borðoy is Klaksvík, the second largest city on the Faroe Islands. Take a walk on the main street that runs around the bay, here you will find shops and a few cosy cafes, and visit the beautiful Christian’s Church with the magnificent 57 m² fresco of “The Last Supper”.

The northern islands are a cluster of small islands, characterised by steep mountains and colourful villages that are scattered around. Drive further north to the northern most point where you will find the village Viðareiðið beautiful situated in a valley with a view of its neighbouring islands, Fugloy and Svínoy to the east and Borðoy, Kunoy and Kalsoy to the west. On the way back to Klaksvík we suggest a detour to Kunoy for a nice walk in the plantation and to enjoy the excellent view to Kalsoy.

Day 4: It is time to leave Gjógv and head for the capital Tórshavn. On route we suggest a detour to Tjørnuvík – a walk along the beach where you might find remainings from the Vikings, as graves have been found in the village proving that the area has been inhabited since the first Vikings came to the islands. Hereafter drive to Saksun, an idyllic village with grass roof houses surround by steep mountains, and a lagoon-like lake with a sandy beach that leads out to the Atlantic Ocean. If it is low tide it is possible to do a beautiful walk along the beach out to the sea. It is a good idea to bring a packed lunch from the guesthouse in Gjógv that you can enjoy en route.

Late afternoon you will check in at your hotel in Tórshavn and then it is time to discover what the city life of the Faroe Islands has to offer. Dine at one of the city’s many restaurants, go to a concert or enjoy a drink with the locals at one of the cafés at the marina. Ask the reception “what’s on” in Tórshavn.

Day 5: Spend the day exploring the capital. The city offers a variety of museums, e.g. we recommend a visit at the National Art Gallery which is in possession of a collection of both modern and early Faroese pictorial art, including a number of important works by the most known Faroese artist, Sámal Joensen-Mikines (1906-79). Do also take a stroll in the park area surrounding the Art Gallery where you will find several bronze sculptures by the prolific Faroese artisan Hans Pauli Olsen. Not far from the Art Gallery you will find the Nordic House, a magnificent architectural pearl that also is worth a visit. Downtown Tórshavn you will find several cafes, fashion and crafts art, and we recommend that you visti the wool shops Sirri and Andrias í Vágsbotni, arts and crafts shop Østrøm, graphic workshop Steinprent, the international known designer Guðrun & Guðrun and music store TUTL which occasionally holds small live concerts.

Day 6: Your tour of the Faroe Islands has come to an end - check out from the hotel, drive to the airport, drop off your car and enjoy your flight back home.

! The price in € (Euro) is indicative as all orders will be settled in DKK (Danish Kroner)

Need further information about Winter highlights of the Faroe Islands or any other tours? Please contact 62ºN tel. +298 340060 or email incoming@62n.fo