Faroe Island - Mar '22

Situated by the temperature waters of the Gulf Stream, the Faroe Islands lie in the heart of the North Atlantic, northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway, at 62 o 00’N. The archipelago is composed of 18 islands with a land area of 1396Km2 (539 square miles). The Faroe Island chain is 113Km (70 miles) long and 75Km (47 miles) wide, shaped roughly in the form of an arrowhead. There are 1100 Km (684 miles) of coastline and no point in the islands is more than 5 Km (3 miles) from the sea. The highest mountain in 880m (2887 ft) above sea level and the average above sea level is 300m (984 ft).

Travel Date : 17th Mar ’22 to 24th Mar ‘22

Company : Lofoten Tours led by Arild Heitmann and Stian Klo

The Faroese climate is classed as maritime and weather conditions are quite changeable ranging from bursts of brilliant sunshine to dense banks of fog and showers. The Gulf Stream, which encircles the islands, tempers the climate. Harbours never freeze over, and winter temperatures are moderate considering the high altitude. Snowfall does occur but is short lived. Average temperature range from 3 degree C in winter to 12 degree C in summer. In sheltered areas away from the coast, temperatures can climb higher, but the air is always fresh no matter what the season.

The population of the Faroe islands numbers 53,358 (June ’21). Of these 22,558 live in the 17 metropolitan area which comprises Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur, Velbastaður, Nólsoy, Hestur, Koltur, Hoyvík, Argir, Kaldbak, Kaldbaksbotnur, Norðradalur, Syðradalur, Hvítanes, Sund, Kollafjørður, Signabøur, Oyrareingir. Faroe Island comprises of 119 Towns / Villages. The sheep population in Faroe is much more than human population !! Fishing is the main source of income for Faroese.

Almost all the islands are connected through tunnels. There are 18 tunnels with a total length of 33 Km (20 miles) and 3 sub-sea tunnels with a total length of 22 Km (13 miles). It was a fascinating experience driving through these tunnels.

From Mumbai, India the best way to reach Faroe is through Copenhagen. It's about a two hour flight from Copenhagen. I stayed for an extra night on both ways in Copenhagen in Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport which is just 10 minute walk from the airport terminal. To get a Visa to Faroe one has to apply to the Denmark Consulate.

Faroe from a photography point of view is a great place with lot of diversity. Hiking in some places, to get some pictures cannot be avoided. But with the unpredictable weather conditions, especially the high intensity winds, it is certainly a challenge. I am told lot of tourists do come to Faroe driving through the island, enjoying the beaches, hiking etc.

Glimpse of Faroe Island

Great views ....

Our stay during the entire trip was at Hotel Djuurhus in Tórshavn capital of Faroe. It is great place to stay and very close to supermarkets and eating joints. Our daily schedule was to leave after breakfast and return before dinner. Tórshavn has good vegetarian options but when you are on the road, vegetarian food is just not available. And be aware, Faroe is very expensive (when converted to INR) and one has to be prepared for this.

Our schedule :

18/3/22 - Trollkonufingur - Gasadalur 19/3/22 - Funningur - Gjogv - Bøur 20/3/22 - Trælanipa/Bøsdalafossur - Sørvagsvatn 21/3/22 - Suduroy - Asmundarstakkur - Sandvikar - Eggjarnar - Akraberg - Beinisvørd 22/3/22 - Saksun - Fossa - Tjørnuvik - Nordradalur 23/3/22 - Vidareidi - Funningsfjordur - Funningur village

The team that made this happen - Thomas Vikre, Arild Heitmann and Stian Klo

To view Album --> https://faroe-island-mar-22.gopsview.com/