If you’ve already traveled quite a bit, you may be on the lookout for a new destination unlike anywhere you’ve been before — but somewhere that’s still safe and suitable for retirees. One place you should consider is the Faroe Islands: an archipelago of 18 islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland. The draw of the islands is that they’re isolated from the rest of the world and not widely visited, meaning you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery without encountering crowds of tourists.
If you want a nature-filled vacation featuring breathtaking waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and interesting wildlife, this is a trip you need to consider taking. However, there are a few things you need to know before you make any bookings.
1. Be Prepared for Any Weather
To be able to enjoy the scenery of the Faroe Islands, you’ll need to tough out the unpredictable weather. Conditions often change without warning, shifting from sunny one moment to rainy and windy the next. If you want to go hiking — which is the top activity here — you’ll need to come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing, but avoid umbrellas because the strong winds will just destroy them.
2. Consider Arriving by Ferry
If you don’t struggle with seasickness, a more fun way to reach the Faroe Islands than flying is to take a ferry. There are two routes: one leaves from Denmark, the other from Iceland. The trip takes around 20 hours from Iceland and 30 hours from Denmark and is a comfortable trip, especially if you take advantage of all the amenities on board.
3. Spend Minimal Time in the Capital
The capital city of the Faroe Islands is Tórshavn. You’ll arrive here no matter whether you take a ferry or a flight. There are several things to see — including museums, churches, and a fort — as well as some great restaurants. However, you’re making a trip all the way to the archipelago to see the natural beauty. After a night in Tórshavn, you should set off on your real adventure.
4. Decide Where to Visit in Advance
You’ll need to plan a route in advance to ensure you’re able to visit every island you want to see. Some top choices include:
- Vagar Island — Home to Mulafossur waterfall (which runs off the cliff directly into the ocean), two sea stacks at Dunnesdrangar, and the picturesque Sørvágsvatn lake.
- Eysturoy Island — There are two charming villages here you must visit: Eidi and Gjogv.
- Mykines Island — Known as puffin island for being a breeding site of these birds, which number around 1 million.
5. Aim to Stay at Least Four Days
Many seniors make the Faroe Islands a stop as part of a longer trip. If this is the case for you, make sure you do give yourself enough time to properly explore. You should aim to spend at least four nights in the archipelago, although a week is better still to make sure you have time to see all the highlights without rushing.
6. Budget for Hiking
Unlike in many places, hiking is not always free in the Faroe Islands. If the route passes through private land, you’ll need to pay a fee — this applies to some of the most popular trails. Research hikes in advance to decide if it’s worth paying the fee or if you’d rather stick to free routes. You may decide to choose mostly free trails because other things (including food and accommodation) are quite expensive.
7. Be Careful of the Sheep
You’ll most likely want to rent a car to explore the Faroe Islands. This is a convenient way to get around, including to move from one island to another, which you’ll do by driving through underwater tunnels or taking your car on a ferry. Although the roads are in good condition, you will need to drive carefully because there are often sheep in the way!
8. Choose the Right Season
Being that the Faroe Islands are located so far north, you’ll have a completely different experience depending on what time of year you visit. Most people prefer to come in the summer, when there is up to 22 hours of sunlight in a day and the weather is mild. In the winter, though, it is sometimes possible to see the aurora borealis and prices tend to be lower. Another draw is the puffins, which are possible to see anytime between April and September.
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