The Faroe Islands
July 2024
come adventure with Women Who Explore!
This adventure is rated 2 out of 5 difficulty level. Moderate level activities (i.e. short to medium hikes up to 5 miles, some elevation, intro to new skill/activity that is guided by 3rd party like mountain biking, climbing, rafting, etc.). Activities are included, but optional if outside of your comfort zone.
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the stunning Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago of eighteen islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway. This country offers a dramatic blend of rugged landscapes, untamed beauty, and a rich cultural heritage that make it an ideal destination for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
This women's-only adventure promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Spend the week exploring different islands as you go chasing waterfalls, visit small remote villages, take boat rides to nearby towering cliffs and caves, search for wildlife, and hike through lush green valleys enjoying breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean while forging new friendships and celebrating the spirit of female camaraderie.
Get ready for a week to bask in this unspoiled paradise, where nature's beauty and adventure seamlessly blend into an extraordinary voyage tailored just for you. Click below to join us!
Day 1:
Welcome to the Faroe islands!
Your Nordic adventure begins upon landing at the Vágar Airport (FAE). Your Women Who Explore trip host will be at the airport to meet you along with your other travel mates. Please arrive before 3:00 p.m.
Together we’ll head to Tórshavn and check into our 5 bedroom penthouse apartment for the week. The afternoon is yours to relax and get settled or head out to explore and wander along the narrow streets that lead down to a charming harbor boardwalk.
At 4:30 pm, we will make our way to the city center for a guided walking tour of the picturesque capital city, Tórshavn. Dating back to the Viking Age over 1000 years ago, the city has preserved its cultural heritage characterized by its colorful houses and buildings with grass covered roofs which add to its unique nordic charm.
After the walking tour, enjoy dinner at one of the cozy, quaint local restaurants in the city center. Dinner is on your own tonight. For those who would like to dine out as a group, your trip hosts will make a dinner reservation at a local restaurant for after the tour. We will make our way back to the Airbnb after dinner for a good night’s rest for a fun-filled week ahead!
Day 2:
VESTMANNA SEA CLIFFS AND MYKINES
Wake up to freshly brewed coffee, enjoy breakfast, and get ready for your first full day in the Faroe Islands. Today we hit the open sea where we will cruise past towering sea cliffs, freestanding stacks… and puffins!
Rising vertically deep below the water’s surface, the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs are characterized by their sheer height and rugged, imposing formations carved by the relentless forces of the North Atlantic Ocean. We’ll get up close as we navigate the narrow straits and cave-like inlets, carefully achieving a closer look at these awe-inspiring wonders.
Next, our boat will proceed to Mykines, known as the puffin island and the most westerly island in the Faroe archipelago. Mykines is particularly renowned for its relatively untouched environment, rich bird population, and tidy slow paced village. After enjoying lunch and a few relaxed hours on Mykines, the boat will cruise back to the port of Vestmanna where we’ll then return to Tórshavn by late afternoon. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure or relaxing at our accommodations. Tonight your trip hosts will prepare a delicious dinner at our Tórshavn accommodations.
Day 3:
KALSOY ISLAND & KALLUR LIGHTHOUSE TOUR
Rise and shine and prepare for an exciting day with a hike to the awe-inspiring Kallur Lighthouse!
After breakfast, we’ll pack a lunch and depart early to catch the 10:00am ferry from Klaksvík on Borðoy Island to Kalsoy Island, a mere 20 minutes away by sea. We’ll shuttle through the dark and narrow tunnels connecting the valleys on Kalsoy Island all the way to the remote village of Trøllanes. From this uncrowded little village, a local guide will lead you along the mountain path to Kallur Lighthouse on the very tip of this outlying island. This moderate rated hike will take you to one of the most iconic sights in the Faroe Islands. When you reach the edge of the cliff beneath the lonely lighthouse, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the nearby islands and the sheer rock wall Borgarin that disappears dramatically into the open ocean below.
After our return hike back to Trøllanes, we’ll head to the village of Mikladalur and stop at the only café on the island. Here you can purchase a light snack or a cozy drink, view the famous Seal Woman statue, and enjoy the tranquil village life before returning to the ferry port. Once back in Tórshavn, the rest of the evening is yours to explore on your own. We suggest heading out for dinner to enjoy one of the charming restaurants serving delicious Faroese cuisine.
*Moderate rated hike of 4.8 kilometers/3 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 327 meters/1,042 feet.
Day 4:
VÁGAR ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS + WATERFALLS
Enjoy a leisurely morning of coffee and breakfast before we visit the highlights and waterfalls of Vágar Island. This island is characterized by its picturesque and dramatic terrain featuring steep mountains, deep fjords, and cascading waterfalls. One of its most iconic landmarks is the stunning Lake Sørvágsvatn, often referred to as Leitisvatn, which is renowned for its optical illusion where it appears as if it is located several meters above the ocean. Here we will go on an easy to moderate hike where we experience the optical illusion Trælanípa, the Bøsdalafossur waterfall and the rock wall Geituskorardrangur.
After the hike, we’ll continue on to the beautiful village of Bøur where you will have a breathtaking view of Tindhólmur and the sea arch Drangarnir. Stroll between the cozy turf roofed houses and the tiny church that lie together along the river before emptying into the sea. Finally, we’ll experience Gásadalur - one of the most recognizable attractions in the Faroe Islands and home to the famous Múlafossur waterfall. Until very recently, the remote Gásadalur was the only village in the Faroe Islands with no road connection. Now there is a tunnel connecting Bøur to Gásadalur. Make sure to snap the iconic picture with the cascading waterfall and the authentic village as a backdrop!
We’ll return to our accommodations by late afternoon where you can relax and unwind at your leisure as dinner is prepared for you to enjoy in the comfort of our Airbnb.
*Moderate rated hike of 8 kilometers/5 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 353 meters/1,161 feet.
Day 5:
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE DAY!
Enjoy a relaxed morning sipping coffee with your newfound adventure friends. Today is a day to simply unwind or choose the adventure of your choice!
What better way to spend your day in the Faroe Islands than to further immerse yourself in the experiences most meaningful to you. A few suggestions to enhance your Faroese getaway include visiting the nearby Faroese Art Museum at your own pace, go horseback riding on Icelandic bred horses or perhaps another hike to marvel at the stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Your Women Who Explore hosts will be happy to assist you in your pursuit of any impromptu activities. With spontaneity at your fingertips, the day is yours!
In the evening, you will meet the group back at the accommodations where you will enjoy a lovely dinner with your fellow explorers and share about your day’s adventure.
Day 6:
HESTUR ISLAND CAVE BOAT TOUR, KIRKJUBØUR & G!MUSIC FESTIVAL*
Enjoy your morning breakfast before we head out on an adrenaline packed adventure in a high speed rib boat! The Gamlarætt Ferry Port is just a short drive away where we’ll experience the unspoiled cliffs of Hestur Island from an amazing perspective. We'll sail all the way around the island beneath sheer cliffs that rise 1200 ft above the water’s surface. The island is also home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins and fulmars. If the sea is calm and weather permitting, you will get the unique opportunity to enter Klæmintsgjógv cave, the largest grotto in the world!
After our sea adventure, we’ll visit the nearby village of Kirkjubøur, the islands’ most significant historical site. In medieval times, this small village was the cultural and religious center of the Faroe Islands. In the tiny village center lies the world’s oldest still-inhabited wooden house, the Roykstovan farmhouse, which has been continuously occupied by 17 generations of the same family since 1550.
As luck would have it, the annual music festival held on the picturesque beach of Syðrugøtathe is happening during our getaway. The G! Festival is known for its unique combination of music, culture, and stunning natural surroundings and features a diverse lineup of local and international artists performing from a variety of musical genres. This festival is optional with tickets for purchase for any guest who chooses to attend, or enjoy a peaceful evening as you wish with dinner on your own in Tórshavn.
*Please note the G! Musical Festival is only held on the weekend of July 18th-20th, 2024.
Day 7:
STREYMOY ISLAND AND QUAINT VILLAGES
After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll venture to the northern reaches of Streymoy Island to the quaint village of Saksun and its unspoiled allure. Nestled beside a lagoon and surrounded by lush green mountains and cascading waterfalls, Saksun is best known for its traditional Faroese turf-roofed houses that add to the village's charm and authenticity. Feel free to choose the optional hike that best suits your preference, such as an easy walk along the black sand beach of the lagoon, or climb the surrounding hills and take in the panoramic views of the Faroe Islands' scenic beauty.
As we continue on our drive, we’ll pass by 2 waterfalls: Fossá, the 2-tiered and highest waterfall within the Faroe Islands, and Haldórsvík waterfall, a mere ½ mile hike from the road. Next up is a visit to the picturesque village of Tjornuvik situated on the northeast coast of Streymoy and known for its black sand beach and iconic view of the sea stacks Risin and Kellingin (the Giant and his Wife). These two legendary rock formations just off the coast are natural monuments and play an integral part within the Faroese folklore culture. If time allows, we’ll head up the short but steep hike to the Faroe Islands' highest mountain, Slættaratindur.
As we pass the Kaldbaksfjørður inlet each way on our discovery drive today, we’ll pause along the seaside road in hopes of catching a glimpse of the bottlenose whales known to frequent the shallow waters during the summer months. Once we return to our Tórshavn base, dinner will be prepared for you at the our accommodations as you share a final evening together with your fellow explorers.
*Optional hikes (1) Saskun Lagoon Walk an easy rated hike of 4.5 kilometers/2.8 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 95 meters/311 feet - OR - (2) Saskun - Tjornuvik a challenging hike of 6.4 kilometers/4 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 478 meters/1,571 feet.
*Slættaratindur hike is rated as moderately challenging. 3.5 kilometers/2.2 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 464 meters/1,525 feet.
Day 8:
FAREWELL TO THE FAROE ISLANDS
After a final breakfast together, it's time to say goodbye and depart for our respective destinations. You’ll be driven to the Vágar Airport (FAE) in time to catch your flight back home leaving with unforgettable memories and experiences of a lifetime.
We hope you had an incredible trip and look forward to seeing you again on another Women Who Explore getaway!
Ready to Book?
Ready to Book?
Questions? Please reach out to Lindsey Egan at lindseyegan@womenwhoexplore.com
-
$3,695 USD double occupancy or $4,295 single occupancy, there is only one single occupancy room available for this trip.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
-
• 8 days / 7 nights in shared 5 bedroom penthouse apartment centrally located in Tórshavn. Everyone will have their own twin bed in a shared room.
• Private group airport transfers from the Vágar airport (FAE) to and from your accommodations in Tórshavn.
• Local in country transportation to activities including all ferry fees and tolls
• Vestmanna sea cliffs boat tour
• Kallur lighthouse hike on Kalsoy Island
• Vágar Island highlights including Lake Sørvágsvatn, Bøur, Múlafossur waterfall and Gásadalur
• Streymoy Island villages of Saksun and Tjornuvik
• Hester Island Cave Boat Tour
• Visit the village of Kirkjubøur
• Free time to check off your own Faroe Islands preferred activity such as additional hiking, boating excursion, local cuisine, or nearby art museum
• Meals as noted in itinerary, in total this includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip hosts and ask any questions
• WWE Swag to make your heart happy!
• Small group; maximum of 7 women + your 2 WWE trip hosts
-
• International Flights to/from the Faroe Islands (FAE).
• Tips and gratuity for guides (at the discretion of the client)
• Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting location
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above. Three dinners are not included however guests are welcome to eat out or at the Airbnb any night they prefer.
• Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinearary
• Visa and entry requirements as applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing
• Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
-
All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
-
This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
-
Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
-
Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
-
Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
-
Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.