Famous for its hot springs, the world’s first-known geyser and its proximity to the Northern Lights, Iceland is a popular travel bucket list destination.
However, it’s also renowned for its extortionate prices and relatively high tourism rates, receiving a record-breaking 2.2 million visitors in 2023 alone.
An alternative answer lies in the Faroe Islands, hailed as the ‘new Iceland’ with similarly dramatic landscapes and completely ethereal vibes.
The archipelago of 18 volcanic islands, which sit between Iceland, Norway and Scotland, offer a unique blend of Highlands majesty and Scandi charm. And getting there just got so much easier.
Between June 1 and August 31, Atlantic Airways will be operating flights from London Gatwick to Vagar Airport.
Flying on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the journey takes just two hours and 10 minutes from London, whereas previously you would have had to stop over in either Copenhagen or Edinburgh.
What to do on the Faroe Islands
A nature-lover’s dream, the Faroe Islands is home to cruises, hiking trips and fishing opportunities galore.
Some of the top-rated activities on TripAdvisor include a historic walking tour in Tinganes, exploring the Mulafossur Waterfall and Cleft of Gjogv (stunning cliffs, ideal for birdwatchers).
The impressive landscape recently made it to the big screen, with the most recent James Bond film, No Time to Die, being shot on Kalsoy Island. Fans can even book a tour to explore the filming locations.
You can also opt for boat tours to the wild Vestmanna bird cliffs of northwestern Streymoy, and if the weather permits, you can sail from Vestmanna along the west coast of Streymoy to witness mountainous cliffs and sea stacks.
There are lighthouses, castles, cathedrals and fortresses available to explore too.
Visitors have hailed it as even better than Iceland, with one Reddit user attesting to the Faroes’ other-worldly atmosphere.
‘We visited Iceland before Faroe. IMO, Faroe landscapes took my breath away…more than they did in Iceland…[they were like] something out of the wildest story book,’ @hotspicyaloo penned, labelling it ‘one of the most beautiful and peculiar countries’ they’d ever visited.
‘If you want calm and quiet then the Faroe Islands will have that in spades, even more so than Iceland,’ @NutsForDeath added.
‘Just be prepared/cautious when hiking alone though, even though it’s a small place you can end up isolated pretty damn quickly, and there’s no shelter from the elements once you’re out there.’
How to get around the Faroe Islands
The infrastructure in the Faroe Islands is excellent. There is a good network of highways, tunnels, and mountain roads.
Bus and car rental is easy and even taxi drivers are popular guides for smaller groups.
The network of ferries between the islands is excellent and different boats and vessels are ready to take smaller and larger groups on boat tours for fishing, bird watching, diving and grotto concerts.
Even helicopters can take you between the islands or high upon mountain tops.
How to get to the Faroe Islands
Atlantic Airways will be running their direct services from Gatwick from Tuesdays and Saturdays between June 1 and August 31.
If you fly from London Heathrow with SAS, you will change planes in Copenhagen and reach the Faroe Islands in around 6 hours.
You can also fly from London Gatwick with easyJet or from London Stansted with Ryanair in 5-6 hours. Both of these routes also involve layovers in Denmark.
You can also fly from Birmingham Airport with SAS in around 10 hours.
Where to stay in the Faroe Islands
Accommodation in the Faroe Islands varies, ranging from luxury 4-star hotels to comfortable and simple lodgings.
The capital, Tórshavn, has some higher end spa hotels. Those travelling on a budget can stay in hostels, hotels and guesthouses found outside the capital on islands across the country. And if you want to sleep in nature, there are also camping options.
B&B, Booklocal.fo, and AirBnB houses are also a popular form of accommodation and are found on most islands.
This guesthouse in Skálavík is the top rated accommodation on Booking.com. Mølin Guesthouse features a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Skálavík. Guests can enjoy sea views.
The Gøtugjógv Log House is the second highest rated accommodation on the island. Situated in Gøtugjógv and only less than 1 km from Gotusandur Beach, Gøtugjógv Log House features sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property has mountain views, an outdoor fireplace and spa facilities.
There is also Tórshavn Apartment in the centre of the capital which offers family- friendly rooms, with views of mountains and the sea.
What the weather is like on the Faroe Islands
Despite the islands’ northern latitude location, summers are cool with an average temperature of 13°C, and winters are mild, with an average temperature of 3°C.
December, January, and February are the coldest and most windy months in the Faroe Islands.
The average maximum temperature is usually around 5°C throughout the winter. There will be an average of 8-10 days with frost. The mountain peaks are likely to be covered in snow.
Happy exploring!
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