THE ROAD TO FAROE ISLANDS
Written by MOTORBIKE EUROPE Road Writers -
Your first stop on this oversea/overland adventure is the Faroese port of Tórshavn, from where you can explore the breathtaking Faroese nature and windswept landscape, meet friendly locals and experience the Faroese culture, all over this fantastic Atlantic archipelago.
Vertical sea cliffs like jagged shark's teeth rising up out of the sea, fresh air and a deep contact with nature, will captivate your senses and bring you on a rollercoaster ride through this mystical green landscape, where you're never more than five kilometers from the cobalt blue Atlantic ocean.
MONKS, VIKINGS AND MOTORBIKERS
The history of the Faroe Islands begins around 625 AD, when the first inhabitants, Irish monks, settled the islands, but were later evicted by Norwegian Vikings on expedition in the North Atlantic. Around the year 825 AD, the first Norwegian Vikings settled on the islands, where, by 900 AD, these first Faroese had formed their own parliament, which is now one of the oldest in the world. The Faroese language comes from Old Norse which was spoken in Scandinavia during the time of the Vikings.
CULTURE SHOPPING
One of the smallest capitals in the world, Tórshavn is a real gem, with it's warm and inviting people, and many great shops, bars, cafés and restaurants, which provide the motorbike traveller with everything they need and want. When you've sampled the local culture, tried the foods, and your accellerator hand starts to itch, get on your motorbike again, and explore the over one hundred small villages, scattered across this interesting island group. The islands are connected by tunnels, causeways and a regular public ferry service, so you can visit most of them on your motorbike.
The 600 kilometers of well maintained asphalt roads and tunnels will carry you effortlessly from one island to the next. Just be aware that you have to pay fares or tolls for some of the tunnels, for example, the sub-sea tunnel which connects the island of Vágar with Streymoy, and another sub-sea tunnel, connecting Borðoy to Eysturoy.
RUGGED AND WINDSWEPT
The 18 islands which comprise The Faroe Islands, 17 of which are inhabited, offer the motorcycle tourist a wealth of opportunities for combining unspoilt roads, spectacular coastal rides, steep mountains, cosy villages and great people, with interesting foods and unique natural and cultural experiences. Unlike anywhere else, you can experience the atmosphere changing from one village to the next, and from one island to the next. Each area has an individual and distinct character.
One of the most breathtaking locations, Mount Villingdalsfjall, is found on the northernmost settlement in the Faroe Islands on the Island of Viðoy. Mount Villingdalsfjall rises straight out of the sea to a height of 844 meters, and on the rear side, you'll find Cape Enniberg, the second tallest sea cliff in Europe, at a height of 754 meters. At 882 metres above sea level, the highest mountain, Slættaratindur, is situated on the island of Eysturoy.
This unique island group is packed with so many spectacular features, that you almost feel compelled to explore all corners of the archipelago, from the northernmost point of Enniberg, to the lighthouse of Akraberg, on the southernmost tip of the islands. And why not?
Smyril Line can help you find accommodation on the Faeroe Islands, whether in a hotel, guesthouse or bed & breakfast.
CLICK HERE for more details and booking >>
