The Faroe Islands is a self-governing archipelago, part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It comprises 18 rocky, volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean, connected by road tunnels, ferries, causeways and bridges. Hikers and bird-watchers are drawn to the islands’ mountains, valleys and grassy heathland, and steep coastal cliffs that harbor thousands of seabirds.
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If you haven’t already heard of the Faroe Islands, you will soon. Tucked between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean (and politically part of Denmark), this self-governed group of 18 volcanic islands is fast becoming a favorite Nordic destination. Music lovers may already recognize the region for its festival scene—it typically hosts five live music festivals throughout the year—but adventurers are also starting to catch wind of the archipelago’s steep cliffs, hiking trails, waterfalls, and rocky coastlines. And for Instagrammers, there are more than enough sites to keep you snapping photos (hello, puffins and grass-roofed houses). Here are 18 reasons to pack your coat and head to the Faroe islands.
Unrivaled natural beauty
The archipelago has the type of striking views typical of volcanic islands, like windswept mountains, crashing waves, and jagged coastlines like the rock formations of Drangarnir, (pictured) the name of two sea stacks between Tindhólmur and Vágar.
Incredibly friendly locals
The Faroese have a word, “heimablĂdni,” which translates to “home hospitality,” and you can find that hospitality all over the islands. In fact, the nation has a program in which tourists can have dinner in locals’ homes, eating traditional food and hearing stories about their particular village.
