The trending TikTok destinations, easily accessible from London, that are causing a buzz.

The Faroe Islands are expecting a record number of tourists from the UK this year due to the launch of a new flight route from London to Vagar.

The place has experienced a rise in popularity due to the viral TikTok videos showcasing its stunning views and breathtaking landscapes.

The independent country under the rule of Denmark has a populace of less than 50,000, along with 70,000 sheep. It is situated on a remote group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland. The climate consists of 300 days of rain per year and is often windy. It is uncertain if this isolated archipelago can accommodate more tourists. However, if you are interested in visiting, here are some tips to fully enjoy your trip.

Starting on June 1, 2024, Atlantic Airways will offer flights from London Gatwick to the capital of Vagar. The flight duration is approximately two hours and a bit.

During the off-season, the primary connections to Vagar are from Copenhagen and Berlin.

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

The arrival of your plane at the small Vágar Airport offers a remarkable glimpse of the breathtaking scenery that awaits on this stunning archipelago. As you descend, you will pass over the stunning Sørvágsvatn Lake and be greeted by towering, sharp-edged mountains surrounded by vibrant green grass, with no sign of trees or buildings in sight.

The charming and intimate capital, Tórshavn, located on the main island, Streymoy, offers a beautiful juxtaposition to the rough terrain. Despite growing slightly in size over the past 150 years, it still maintains its quaint grass-roofed wooden houses, a picturesque and lively harbor, and the opportunity to visit the National Gallery.

The rugged mountains, steep valleys, and striking cliffs make hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, diving, and horseback riding all highly sought after activities. They are particularly appealing to bird enthusiasts, and taking a boat excursion to Vestmanna on the northern part of Streymoy or the secluded island of Mykines to observe seabirds like puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, and Arctic terns nesting in tall cliffs, swooping and gliding around you, is a thrilling experience.

Koks, a restaurant with two Michelin stars, is located in the unassuming town of Kirkjubøur and offers creatively unique dishes that change with the seasons. While the cuisine is modern, the chefs make a point to incorporate traditional methods such as drying, fermenting, salting, and smoking into their cooking.

Chef Poul Andrias Ziska captures the essence of the Faroese scenery through his culinary creations, including poached basket crab on a bed of elderflower buckwheat and grass granite served with angelica mousse and sorrel ice cream. The dishes allow you to fully experience the taste and aroma of the surrounding grass.

Interestingly, this innovative eatery is located in a small village with only a few houses, a church, and a farm. Koks may appear to be a typical Faroese home, but its interior boasts expansive windows that offer views of the vast ocean, often frequented by seals and whales.

The transportation system in this location is well-developed, allowing for convenient travel. Ferries, buses, causeways, and well-maintained roads with bridges and tunnels connect the islands. The government even provides funding for a helicopter service, recognizing its importance as a crucial means of transportation for those living on the smaller islands.

A Hilton Garden Inn with glass walls and a turf roof is located one mile away from Tórshavn. Other choices for lodging include affordable Airbnbs, cozy Hotel Hafnia in the heart of Tórshavn, and Hotel Klaksvik in Klaksvik. Gásadalsgarður Guesthouse, situated on the western side of Vágar Island, is conveniently close to the Mulafossur waterfall, a popular attraction among Instagram users, as it cascades directly into the ocean.

Restaurants were rare in the Faroes until about 15 years ago, in part because it was illegal to serve alcohol in restaurants until 1992. Now there are places for all budgets, and a sign that things are changing in the Faroes (though perhaps not always for the better) is the arrival of Burger King. Cosy, candle-lit, turf-roofed Áarstova Restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked Faroese lamb. For outstanding fish, try Barbara Fish House.

The traditional Faroese cuisine emerged from a limited selection of ingredients, resulting in the inclusion of items like puffin, guillemot, and gannet on menus, with very few vegetables.

Despite being a small community, it is impressive to see how bustling the bars in Tórshavn are every night. In the summer, the days are long and it is not uncommon for the bars to remain lively well into the late 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.

The city of Tórshavn has a few unique shops that offer traditional Faroese food and clothing. Fans of The Killing may be interested in visiting Gudrun & Gudrun, located on the harbor, which specializes in handmade knitwear, including the iconic sweater worn by the show’s main character, Sarah Lund.

The Nordic House, a cultural center with a modernist style, combines various Scandinavian influences in a beautiful way.

Strolling around Klaksvik offers guests stunning vistas of powerful oceans, towering sheer cliffs, and majestic mountains covered in lush greenery.

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

The tourist board for the Faroe Islands can be found at visitfaroeislands.com.

Source: independent.co.uk