Faroe Islands

What persuaded us to travel to the windswept, treeless Faroe Islands at the end of (our) winter (not theirs) some friends were asking – scratching their heads…?
 
Not the nicest time of year but as lockdowns are easing and due to a early season offer from the Danish ferry operator Smyril we decided to book and go.

During the winter days can be as short as five hours.
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The islands are generally windy, cloudy and cool throughout the year.  It’s not uncommon for one location to experience rain, then snow, followed by bright sunshine an hour later.  We literally experienced all four seasons in one day!  Luckily I had packed our ski gear – better be prepared.

So off we went – taking the Smyril ferry in Hirtshals on northern tip of Denmark for Torshavn:

Two nights on the boat seemed quite relaxing – especially with the sea wonderfully calm:

But before we arrived, the Shetland Islands Coast Guard entertained the passengers on our ship to a training exercise that kept passengers watching on the top deck:

The brave guy in orange dangling in mid-air was safely dropped on to the rear deck and after the helicopter left for a few minutes he was then picked up again.  Luckily we had a sunny and calm day for this rescue exercise!

Always a nice feeling of having arrived at the new destination:

The Faroese – approximately 55.000 people - were welcoming and friendly – their language is quite different from Danish which made their ancient folkstories and myths very quirky sounding.  Ideal for Scandi Noir fans!

Digby was keen to drive some of the winding narrow roads - apart from another couple from the Netherlands and one Danish holidaymaker we were the only ‘foreign’ visitors in 4x4 vehicles - a plus travelling off-season:

… and amazing tunnels (fancy lightshows included).  There are three sub-sea tunnels in the Faroe Islands: Vágatunnilin, Norðoyartunnilin and Eysturoyartunnilin:

The longest tunnel we drove stretches over 11km (Eysturoyartunnilin) - quite some technical achievement:

This is how the small but charming capital of Torshavn looks on a fine day:

A pleasant afternoon was spent at “Müller’s Packhuis” with lots of local artwork:

That the Faroese have a fun sense of humour proves this bright image on the Ladies toilet door:

For James Bond Fans these days the Faroe Islands have become an attractive location as well.  There are now special tours to the small island of Kalsoy which is very picturesque:

And so is the so-called “sunshine isle” – Sandoy – that had the world’s largest postbox until recently:

We went there by freighter with a small friendly crew; our fellow passengers were mainly truckies:

Time to rest and have some coffee – and contemplate the journey ahead:

For us, however, the charm of these 18 islands is expressed in these tranquil photos:

And – not to forget: Sheep, sheep and even more sheep:

Hungry at Vestmanna – the one local café that was not still closed for winter only opened at 17.00:

And here’s the Puffin that go the Muffin:

On our last day we visited the ancient cathedral and bishop’s palace in Kirkjubour:

Bye-bye, Faroe Islands!

Next stop: Sweden!  Good to be on the road again… (and another ferry)