Still an unknown destination, the Faroe Islands are a dream for lovers of the great outdoors. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Iceland and Norway, this Danish archipelago offers spectacular scenery and a tranquility that will delight slow travel enthusiasts. Here, you forget to look at your watch and just enjoy what nature has to offer. Let’s explore this off-the-beaten-path country and see how reward points can get you there!
Despite its remote location, the Faroe Islands are fairly well served by flights from major European airports. The national airline, Atlantic Airways, offers flights to Paris, Copenhagen, Oslo, Reykjavík, Barcelona and Edinburgh.
The airline SAS, a member of the Star Alliance network, also offers a flight between Copenhagen and Vágar airport (the only one in the archipelago). Why not take advantage of the new direct flight between Montreal and Copenhagen in the summer of 2023 and book it with Aeroplan points?
The Faroe Islands are also a great addition to any itinerary in Iceland. If you book well in advance, flights between Keflavík and Vágar can cost around $350 round trip in high season. In this case, Flexible Rewards Points are your ally in reducing the cost of the bill.
Until recently, there were no major chain hotels where you could redeem loyalty points. The Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands opened in 2020. It is possible to book a room with Hilton Honors points. Depending on the season, rates range from 27,000 to 50,000 points for a double room.
There are also many options for accommodation with Airbnb, both in the capital and in the surrounding villages. Flexible travel points, such as Scene+ or HSBC Rewards, can be applied to reduce the cost of accommodation.
The bus and ferry networks connect an impressive number of villages on the different islands. However, buses are not very frequent and it can be difficult to visit more than one place per day. Renting a car is a good option if your time is limited and you want more flexibility. Rental agencies are located at the airport and rates start at $140 per day. Don’t forget to pay with a credit card that offers good insurance!
The main islands are all interconnected by bridges or tunnels. The island of Suðuroy is the only one that is accessible only by ferry at the moment.
What attracts travelers to the Faroe Islands are its beautiful landscapes, northern wildlife and numerous hiking options. To enjoy the place and visit 4 or 5 islands, I recommend a minimum of 5 days. Summer is also the best season to visit. The months of July and August are particularly pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 13°C.
Tórshavn, the capital, offers all the Scandinavian charm in a miniature version. Almost half of the 50,000 inhabitants of the archipelago live there. The majority of accommodations are in the capital, as are restaurants and public transportation options.
The best way to travel to the Faroe Islands is to stay in Tórshavn, explore a different island each day, then return to the city for dinner and sleep. The distances are short: you can explore a lot in one day, especially if you rent a car. During my stay, I stayed in a small hostel and booked guided day trips.
It is pleasant to walk through the streets and to observe the charming houses with lawns on the roofs. The Tinganes peninsula, with its red buildings, houses the Faroese government offices.
The restaurants offer menus highlighting local fish products. The Barbara Fish House, housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
A visit to the island of Mykines is a must during a stay in the Faroe Islands. The small island is a nesting place for seabirds, including the adorable puffins. It is accessible by ferry from Sørvágur on the island of Vágar. Tickets must be reserved in advance on the website and are approximately $25 round trip. Plan a full day to hike to the lighthouse ($45 and 5 km total), bird watch and warm up at the Stova café after your hike. The weather is known to be unpredictable, so bring a good raincoat and a change of socks!
The capital Tórshavn is located on the island of Streymoy, the largest island in the archipelago. It is full of activities and beautiful villages to visit. South of this island, you can visit Kirkjubøur. old medieval settlement. It is the oldest village of the archipelago. The cliffs of Vestmanna are also a popular attraction on the island of Streymoy. Boat tours are available for coastal and bird watching (about $75 per person for 2 hours).
Probably my favorite island, it is here that we find the most spectacular landscapes. The hike around the lake Leitisvatn is impressive since this lake seems to float on the edge of a cliff! The village of Gásadalur and its small waterfall is also a beautiful place that gets photographed a lot. A place I particularly like is the village of Bøur with its houses with grass roofs and the small black sand beach.
The list of possible activities could be much longer! However, half the fun of traveling to the Faroe Islands is exploring (by car or by hiking) and stumbling upon beautiful hidden surprises.
I also recommend to visit Gjógv on the island of Eysturoy, Klaksvík on Borðoy and Viðareiði on Viðoy.
Far from the beaten track and busy tourist sites, the Faroe Islands will delight outdoor enthusiasts and adepts of a certain tranquility. Despite its remote location, the archipelago is accessible with Star Alliance flights and Aeroplan points. It’s time to put on your windbreaker, your hiking boots and go on an adventure!
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