Off the Beaten Path in Denmark: The Farøe Islands
The Kingdom of Denmark also encompasses two autonomous countries: the far-flung Farøe Islands and Greenland. Lying some 600 kilometers west of the Norwegian coast, the Farøe Islands (Sheep Islands) is an archipelago of 18 remote islands. Landscapes range from steep rocky coasts, meadows, and mist-cloaked hills to fjords that bite deep inland. The Gulf Stream moderates the temperatures on land and at sea and attracts a diversity of marine life, including seals, whales, and many species of fish. Anglers come here to cast their lines in the crisp, clear waters, and birders can admire some of the 300-plus species including puffins and guillemots. A boat trip to the Vestmannabird cliffs is a highlight. The Faroe Islands also boast a lively music scene with many festivals in the summer.
To the north and northeast of Eysturoy, one of the archipelago's largest islands, lie many sizable and smallish islands. Blessed with a natural harbor surrounded by emerald hills, Klaksvik on Bordoy is the second largest town in the Farøes. Tourist attractions include the history museum and theChristian's Church (Christians-kirkjan) with a boat hanging from its ceiling, the only one of four to return safely on a stormy winter's night in 1923.
To access the Faroes, you can fly to the airport on the island of Vågar year-round from Copenhagen or hop aboard a ferry from several Danish ports to Torshavn, the capital, on the island of Streymoy.
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