Europe’s hidden gems are its breathtaking islands with mesmerizing landscapes. These little known destinations offer a thrilling and invigorating experience.

This year, there will be a higher number of UK tourists visiting the Faroe Islands due to the opening of a new route from London to Vágar.

The popularity of this destination has grown, partially due to TikTok videos showcasing its stunning views and landscapes.

The autonomous country, located within the Kingdom of Denmark, has a population of less than 50,000 people and 70,000 sheep. It is situated on an isolated archipelago made up of volcanic rock in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland. The region experiences heavy rainfall for 300 days a year and is often windy. It is uncertain if this small nation can accommodate more visitors. However, if you are interested in visiting, here are some tips to make the most out of your trip.

On June 1, 2024, Atlantic Airways will begin operating flights from London Gatwick to Vágar, with a duration of approximately two hours.

Historically, the primary airport connections to Vágar, which is one of 18 islands in the archipelago, have been from Copenhagen and Berlin.

Ben West shares important information about vacationing in the Faroe Islands.

Your aeroplane landing at little Vágar Airport gives a striking introduction to what’s in store on this dramatic archipelago: a descent over spectacular Sørvágsvatn Lake, towering knife-sharp mountains jutting from gloriously lush green grass, with no trees or buildings anywhere.

The compact and cosy capital, Tórshavn, on the largest island, Streymoy, is a lovely contrast to the rugged landscapes. Just a bit bigger than it was 150 years ago, it has dinky little grass-roofed wooden houses, a colourful, pretty harbour, and you can dip into the National Gallery.

The rugged mountains, expansive valleys, and striking cliffs make activities like hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, diving, and horseback riding very popular. These areas are particularly attractive to bird enthusiasts, and taking a boat ride to Vestmanna on the northern part of Streymoy, or the secluded island of Mykines, is an exciting way to spot various seabirds like puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, and Arctic terns nesting in the tall cliffs. These birds can be seen swooping down and gliding past you, adding to the exhilarating experience.

Koks, a restaurant with two Michelin stars, is located in the modest town of Kirkjubøur. They offer incredibly creative and unique dishes that change with the seasons. While their food is modern, they prioritize using traditional methods such as drying, fermenting, salting, and smoking.

Chef Poul Andrias Ziska expertly captures the flavors and scents of the Faroese environment in his dishes, including poached basket crab served on an elderflower buckwheat bed and a grass granite dessert with angelica mousse and sorrel ice cream. The dishes truly allow you to experience the taste and scent of the grass.

Curiously this groundbreaking restaurant is situated within a village consisting of just a handful of houses, a church and a farm. Koks looks like any ordinary Faroese house, but the interior has large windows looking out to a huge expanse of sea, where seals and whales can often be seen.

The transportation system in place is top-notch, facilitating easy travel. Ferries, buses, causeways, and well-maintained roads with bridges and tunnels link the islands. The government also offers a subsidized helicopter service, recognizing its importance as a vital means of transportation for those living on smaller islands.

A Hilton Garden Inn with glass walls and a turf roof is located one mile from Tórshavn. There are also other lodging choices such as affordable Airbnbs, the cozy Hotel Hafnia in central Tórshavn, and Hotel Klaksvik in Klaksvik. Gásadalsgarður Guesthouse, situated on the western side of Vágar Island, is conveniently near the stunning Mulafossur waterfall that drops straight into the sea and has gained popularity among Instagram users.

Until approximately 15 years ago, there were not many restaurants in the Faroe Islands due to the prohibition of serving alcohol in restaurants until 1992. However, now there are a variety of dining options available for every budget. The emergence of Burger King is a sign of changing times in the Faroe Islands, although it may not always be seen as a positive change. For a cozy and romantic dining experience, Áarstova Restaurant with its traditional turf roof is renowned for its slow-cooked Faroese lamb. For exceptional seafood, one can visit Barbara Fish House.

The traditional Faroese cuisine emerged due to the limited options of ingredients – as a result, dishes like puffin, guillemot, and gannet are commonly found on menus, with very few vegetable options.

Despite being a small community, it is astonishing how bustling the bars in Tórshavn are every night. In the summer, the days are extended and it is common for the bars to remain lively well into the early morning hours. Some popular options include Mikkeller’s tap room, located in a charming old fishing house by the harbor, the lively Sirkus, and the atmospheric Essabarr.

Tórshavn offers a variety of small, unique shops that sell traditional Faroese food and clothing. Fans of the TV show The Killing will likely be drawn to Gudrun & Gudrun, located on the harborfront, where they can purchase handmade knitwear, including the iconic jumper worn by Sarah Lund.

The Nordic House, a modernist cultural center, combines various Scandinavian elements to create a beautiful result.

Exploring the vicinity of Klaksvik offers tourists stunning outlooks of tumultuous waters, towering sheer cliffs, and picturesque mountains covered in verdant foliage.

Make sure to stay in Tórshavn for most of your trip, as this is where you will find the largest selection of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and excursions.

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