The Faroe Islands – a world of difference

It’s time to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind, and experience something truly out of the ordinary. The Faroes consist of 18 islands and with a population of just 49,000, there is plenty of room for tranquility – maybe with some wild partying thrown in!

One thing is for sure, not only do the Islands have stunning scenery, the Islands inhabitants also know how to enjoy themselves. The sun hardly sets this time of year, which is a great excuse for staying up all night!

Why don’t you join them for one of these forthcoming events?

G! Festival 19-21 July
The Faroese are passionate about music and the seaside village of Gota
with its neighbouring tall green mountains provides the most picturesque backdrop for this leading event. The spotlights this year will be on per-formances by Natasha Bedingfield, Guillemots, Pravda, local band Budam and many more.

More info: Gfestival.com

Saint Olav’s Day 28-29 July
The Faroese are proud of their unique history, language and traditions and
this ancient festival is the event of the year. People from all over the islands travel to Torshavn, the capital, to meet up with old and new friends and to celebrate. The festival starts with a procession through the town led by men on horseback holding the Faroese flag. Then it is time for the eagerly awaited boat race to start. The competing teams set off for a tough rowing race in beautiful Faroese rowing boats, reminiscent of small Viking longships.

Saint Olav’s day itself is on the 29th, but with so many sporting, dancing, singing and musical events it has become necessary to start a day early.

More info: Visit-faroeislands.com

Summer Festival 3-5 August
This takes place Klaksvik, a town north of Torshavn. Some 10,000 people are expected to attend this year, many watching and listening from boats, as Klaksvik has one of the most stunning harbours on the island. This is an event for all ages and the music varies from pop and rock to ballads. Names this year include Banaroo, Kim Wilde and the Scorpions.

More Info: Summarfestivalur.fo

A Cliffhanger!
No visit to the magical Faroe Islands is complete without having explored
some of its unique landscape and scenery. The bravest can join an excursion to Litla Dumin. This island is the home of grazing sheep and birds nestling on the cliffs. It can best be described as ‘muffin’ shaped with steep hills and a rounded top. The group will take the strenuous hike to the top of the island where you join the guide in preparing the day’s lunch. The only way down is by lowering yourself on a rope, swinging 50 meters above the sea, back on to the boat to take you back. Not for the fainthearted.

There are also many easier walks near Torshavn. Join the sheep in on the hillsides, breath in the fresh air and you will feel happily reassured that there is still a place like this, free from crime, pollution and traffic – and you can experience it all in a long weekend.

Can’t wait?

A one-stop-shop for travel to the Faroes is Green Gate Incoming. These
local experts will tailor-make your trip or you can join one of the existing packages. For more information, go to Greengate.fo

Currently on offer is travel to the G! Festival, including return flights from Stansted, festival pass and access to camping, from just £275.

Atlantic Airways fly twice weekly on Fridays and Mondays from Stansted. To find out more, visit Atlantic.fo

For all information you need to plan your travel to the Faroe Islands, go to Visit-faroeislands.com.