The Faroe Islands are worth the extra flight

The Faroes sit in the North Atlantic, self-governing under Denmark, and receive a fraction of Iceland’s visitors for a landscape that is arguably more dramatic.

What it looks like

Sheer basalt cliffs, sea stacks, and grass that runs right to the edge. The islands are connected by sub-sea tunnels, ferries and a helicopter service that is subsidised as public transport and costs remarkably little.

Villages are tiny. Turf roofs are still in use rather than preserved for show.

One concrete thing to do

Take the helicopter to Mykines or, if it is not flying, the ferry. Mykines has a puffin colony, one settlement, and a walk out to a lighthouse on a connected islet. The puffins are there roughly May to August.

Book the helicopter the moment the schedule opens; seats are limited and locals have priority.

When to go

May to September for the birds and the walking. Outside that, daylight is short and the weather closes in — which some travellers prefer.

The honest caveat

The weather changes hourly and fog cancels boats, flights and walks at short notice. Every itinerary here needs slack in it. Do not plan to leave the islands the same day as a day trip.

Also: some coastal paths cross private land and now charge a fee. Check before setting out.

Checked early 2026; ferry and helicopter schedules change seasonally.