Rocky cliffs dropping down into the ocean. Waterfalls that blow upwards on windy days. Sweeping deep green valleys. And stark treeless landscapes. The Faroe Islands does nature like nowhere else on earth.
The archipelago is made up of 18 volcanic islands, all connected by narrow fjords. A little dot on the map between Scotland and Iceland, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, you don’t get much more remote than this.
Some quick facts. There’s a population of around 50,000. Sheep outnumber humans. Temperatures reach a chilly average of 11°C in the summertime. And the mix of cold Arctic waters and the warm Gulf Stream around the islands make predicting the weather eternally impossible.
It’s a destination for experiencing the raw power of nature. And getting a look at some of those astounding Faroe Islands landscapes. Rannvá Joensen, a photographer and guide, was born and raised on the archipelago. Living in a small village of just 300 people, she says that life has always felt inseparable from the nature surrounding them.
“We’re in the middle of nowhere and constantly being tested by the elements. Nature is the supreme ruler here. And we have to adjust our daily life depending on the weather. Its unpredictability forces most Faroese people to take a day at a time.”
But it’s not just the drama of rough seas and windswept landscapes that makes the Faroe Islands special. One of the things Rannvá loves best about her home, she tells us, is the peacefulness you find here too. “There's no noise, no crowds, no stress, no crime. You can simply go out and be at one with nature without coming across a single other person.”
Here Rannvá shares her top five landscapes in the Faroe Islands, all incredibly beautiful places to discover the peace as well as the drama.
Trælanýpan
Trælanýpan is such a surreal place. Known as The Lake over the Ocean, it creates an amazing optical illusion. I don’t think there's another landscape like this anywhere else in the world.
"A short 45 minute hike gets you to Trælanýpan, where you can stand by a 200 metre drop into the ocean and watch fulmars gliding through the sky. Bear in mind that there's a new hiking fee if you want to trek out here – it’s a bid by the government to keep visitor numbers down and protect the landscape."
Mykines
"Mykines is the go-to place if you want to get up close to the Faroe Islands' seabirds. Visitors love coming here to capture images of resident puffins. But you’ll also find other species including northern gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes, Arctic terns and razorbills.
"The only way to get to this island is by taking a small boat or helicopter. There are no cars on the island, just a tiny village. And you really get a sense of being at the end of the world."
Gásadalur
"Gásadalur is the islands’ most iconic spot and therefore a must-see. The place looks like it’s been taken right out of a fairytale.
"No matter the season, Gásadalur always looks good. But I enjoy it most when the ocean gets rough. You can truly experience how powerful nature is when the waves are crashing in against the cliff side."
Saksun
"Saksun always reminds me of a little hobbit town. Walking amongst these traditional Faroese turf houses makes you wonder what life was like when the Vikings lived here. It's such a magical place.
"The village is surrounded by high mountains, waterfalls and a blue lagoon. You can take a stroll down the beach out to the ocean. But be mindful of the tides if you want to avoid getting stuck out there."
Kalsoy and the Kallurin Lighthouse
"The view from Kallurin Lighthouse on the island of Kalsoy is jaw-dropping. But definitely not a place for anyone suffering from vertigo.
"You're surrounded by dramatic, steep-sided cliffs and a high mountain that drops vertically into the sea. There are 360 degree views of neighbouring islands too. It's a place to sit down, relax and just take it all in."
Huge thanks to Rannvá for sharing her tips and photography of the Faroe Islands. You can see more of her incredible landscape photographs over on Instagram.