The Faroe Islands – part 2

Even if the Faroe Islands are still an unknown destination for several people, there are places that are really famous mostly because they are so breath-taking that pictures are often seen around on the web or used as desktop images, maybe without knowing where they really are. I did manage to see most of these iconic places, not always with the weather or light I would have liked for a picture, but the emotions where so intense that I did not care much. I have selected five for this post, all other pictures can be found in the gallery dedicated to this beautiful country.

GASADALUR
Gasadalur is a remote village on the West side of Vagur island, but due to its beautiful location and surroundings, it is probably the most famous and photographed location of the whole islands. The image of the village above the cliffs with the waterfall dropping in the ocean is so famous that it has become a must for everybody arriving in the Faroe; and that is not all: from the same spot great views of Mykines island can be easily enjoyed and the old trail (the only way to reach the village until recently a tunnel has been built to get to it by car) is one of the best walks for trekking enthusiasts.
I was there on a rainy day, with clouds covering the mountains behind the village as seen in the picture, but it was still one of the best moments of the entire trip.

SORVAGSVATN LAKE
Sorvagsvatn lake is the biggest lake in the Faroe and a very popular easy hike near the airport. The lake by itself is nothing memorable, but its position right “above” the sea provides unique images when observed from the best spot, the cliffs at the end of the trail (beware it is not for everybody as it is steep and windy, so it can be dangerous). It looks almost unreal when seen in a picture…

SAKSUN
Saksun is a small hillside village set in a natural circular amphitheatre high above a tidal lagoon on Streymoy island. The surroundings are simply amazing and when the tide is low, it is also possible to walk along the sandy shore of the lagoon around the headland till the open sea. Luckily I was in the area on a sunny morning during low tide with very few people around, so I was able to enjoy it at its best.

GJOGV
Gjovn, in the Northern part of Eysturoy island, is probably the most visited location on this list because the small fjord that makes it unique is accessible by anyone from the main road reaching the village. Add that this road is probably the most scenic on the islands, that the village itself with its surrounding mountains and rocky shores it’s a perfect example of the Faroese landscape and it will be clear why it is a must.

KALLUR LIGHTHOUSE
The hike to Kallur lighthouse has become part of the modern myths and legends since several people report of their failed attempts at reaching the destination from Trollanes, the small village at the end of the road on Kalsoy island. Honestly, unless trying to reach the lighthouse on a foggy day, it is a moderate hike and the path is actually well marked at least until the lighthouse itself is visible ahead, it is really hard to miss. I even did it on a rainy day, with a beautiful rainbow above the lighthouse, so I don’t understand all the fuss about it.
What I do really understand though it’s why it is so popular: you start the day in Klaksvik and reach Kalsoy island via a 20 minutes long ferry ride which provides amazing views. Sam, the ferry, is small and not frequent so not many people will be on the same route (I counted about 10 cars behind mine that was the first in line), which is another plus. From the dock usually all tourists form a train with their cars and follow the single lane road across the island and its tunnels, for some the scariest part of the day, until they reach the parking lot in Trollanes. Along the way (or on the way back) Kopakonan is a stop not to be missed both for the legend and the statue itself.
From Trollanes the trail reaches the Northern tip of the island beyond the lighthouse providing magnificent views of Kalsoy itself and the surrounding islands. The iconic picture is taken from beyond the lighthouse facing South toward Kalsoy island and its cliffs; the spot is a little dangerous to reach, but well worth the effort.