Wild, Raw and Wonderful: My Short Break in the Faroe Islands

When To Go & Getting There

From my experience I would recommend travelling between June and August. You get the best chance of gentler weather, long days and that beautiful soft light that makes the scenery even more magical.

A big bonus for UK travellers is that during this period there is a direct flight from London Gatwick, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which makes getting to this little‑known destination surprisingly straightforward.

First Impressions: A Tiny Capital with a Big Heart

Tórshavn, one of the world’s smallest capitals, was my base. From the moment I arrived at the hotel, I felt that easy, understated Faroese warmth. Staff were friendly without fuss, happy to help with practicalities like where to eat, how to navigate the local buses and which walks were realistic in the weather.

The town itself is a lovely mix of old and new: brightly painted houses, grass roofs, little harbourside lanes and then contemporary cafes and restaurants serving seriously good food. It felt safe, walkable and very relaxed.

The Scenery: Nature Turned Up To Eleven

If you go to the Faroe Islands for one thing, make it the scenery. Every day felt like being dropped into a different film set:

• Sheer cliffs plunging into the sea, with waves crashing far below.
• Waterfalls dropping straight into the ocean, especially atmospheric under grey skies.
• Rolling green hills and tiny villages, often with just a handful of houses and a church.

The weather is part of the character. You can have fog, sunshine, wind and drizzle all in the same hour, so the light is constantly shifting. It makes the landscapes feel alive and a little bit mysterious.

Must‑Do Experiences

There are two experiences I would now call absolute “musts” for anyone visiting:

1. Full Day Island Tour
A full day island tour is a brilliant way to get your bearings and see just how varied the Faroes are. In one day you can cover several islands, cross undersea tunnels, stop at tiny villages and viewpoints, and hear local stories that you would never get from a guidebook. It is relaxed but packed with wow moments, and ideal early in your stay because it helps you decide where you would like to go back to in your own time.

2. Draganair 1.5‑Hour Boat Trip
The 1.5 hour Draganair boat trip was a real highlight. Being out on the water gives you a completely different perspective on the cliffs and sea stacks, and you really appreciate the power of the ocean that shapes these islands. Depending on the conditions you might see bird colonies on the rock faces and enjoy that wonderful feeling of being cocooned by sea and sky. Wrap up warm, have your camera ready and just soak it all in.

Wildlife Encounters

The wildlife was another real joy. Depending on the time of year you visit you can see puffins and other seabirds wheeling overhead, and plenty of sheep dotting the hillsides (you quickly realise they probably outnumber people).

Standing on a cliff edge watching birds riding the wind against a backdrop of sea and rock is one of those simple moments that stays with you. It is not a manicured wildlife experience, just nature doing its thing.

People, Culture and History

For such a small place, the Faroes pack in a surprising amount of history and culture.

I loved learning how the islands have balanced old traditions with modern life:

• Stories of Viking heritage and fishing communities.
• The way turf roofs and wooden churches sit alongside sleek Nordic design.
• A strong sense of community that you feel in local cafes, museums and tiny harbours.

Faroese people are genuinely welcoming, curious about where you have come from and proud to share their islands, but there is also a lovely calmness about daily life here.

The Honest Bit: It Is Expensive

One thing that stood out, however, was the cost. The Faroe Islands are undeniably expensive, particularly when it comes to eating out and drinks.

It is worth going in with realistic expectations. Even simple meals can add up quickly and there are not many “budget” options once you are there. For anyone planning a trip, I would definitely suggest:

• Budgeting a bit more than you usually would for a short break.
• Considering half board or choosing a hotel that includes a good breakfast

The experience is absolutely worth it, but it is better to know in advance so there are no nasty surprises.

Final Thoughts

The Faroe Islands are not a glossy, polished resort destination. They are raw, rugged and deeply atmospheric. For me, the highlights were:

• The incredible scenery that changes with every bend in the road.
• The wildlife and birdlife that make you feel close to nature.
• The kindness and quiet pride of the Faroese people.
• The sense of history and tradition woven into everyday life.
• And, in particular, that full day island tour and the Draganair 1.5 hour boat trip, which really brought the islands to life.

If you  are looking for somewhere different: somewhere that feels remote yet very safe, and where the reward is measured in views, fresh air and stories rather than sunloungers, the Faroes might just be the perfect next adventure. Just go prepared with a good waterproof, layers and a slightly more generous spending budget. Please contact me for further details