“The WHAT Islands? Never heard of it.”
This is a common response when I mention the Faroe Islands to my American friends, and to no fault of their own. The Faroes are a mysterious place that most of us know very little about — which makes it extremely cool that we will soon be visiting as part of our Nordic Odyssey adventure. But I think you should know the basics prior to departure, so here you go…
Tucked between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands remain one of Europe’s least-visited and most culturally distinctive destinations. Comprising 18 islands of volcanic origin, this autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark (interesting!) has preserved its language, traditions, and close-knit way of life for over a thousand years.
The Faroese people trace their ancestry to Norse settlers who arrived in the 9th century. Unlike other parts of Europe, the islands developed in relative isolation, which helped shape a culture rooted in subsistence fishing, sheep farming, and strong community ties. The Faroese language, which evolved directly from Old Norse, remains widely spoken, and many villages still practice traditional methods of food preparation, wool production, and hand-built boatmaking.
Despite modern infrastructure and internet access (Starlink just became available in the Faroes recently), the islands continue to operate at a different pace than much of the world. A good example of this is the concept of heimablídni, or home hospitality. Rather than relying on restaurants, many Faroese families host visitors in their homes for traditional meals and storytelling, offering a glimpse into everyday island life.
During our Nordic Odyssey trip this August, we will spend several days exploring these cultural elements firsthand. After our five amazing days in Iceland, we will fly to the Faroe Islands to begin the second half of the itinerary. This portion of the trip includes a hike on a historic farmers’ path to the remote village of Gásadalur, a visit to Koltur Island’s conservation project, a farm-to-table dinner in the countryside, and a guided boat excursion along the Vestmanna bird cliffs. Guests will also take part in a traditional Faroese fishing experience aboard a UNESCO-recognized boat and prepare a meal with the day’s catch.
This will be the first time that Holly and I have experienced the islands ourselves. The August 12 departure is being treated as a familiarization trip for us, and for that reason, we are offering a one-time special price. The group size is limited to just ten participants — not including us — allowing for a more personal and flexible travel experience. By the way, the registration deadline is June 3, so don’t dilly-dally — book it today!
We are looking forward to learning from our local guide Árni (pronounced uht-knee), who was born and raised in Tórshavn and brings years of experience leading cultural and nature-based excursions. (That’s Arni in the first photo of the gallery below.) From the geography to the people, the Faroe Islands promise to offer something rare: a destination that feels both distant and deeply human.
Fast Facts About the Faroe Islands
The capital city of the Faroe Islands is Tórshavn, located on the island of Streymoy. With a population of just over 20,000 people, it is one of the smallest capitals in the world, yet it serves as the heart of the Faroese government, commerce, and cultural life. The total population of the Faroe Islands is approximately 54,000, spread across 17 of the 18 islands. The 18th island, Lítla Dímun, is uninhabited by people but home to a wild population of sheep.
The Faroe Islands operate with a high degree of self-governance, managing their own education, healthcare, and infrastructure systems while Denmark retains control over military and foreign affairs. The Faroese economy is built primarily on fishing and aquaculture, which account for over 90 percent of exports. Renewable energy is also a growing focus, with the islands aiming for complete energy independence through hydro, wind, and tidal power in the near future.
Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic landscapes, the strong sense of community, or the opportunity to explore a place few travelers ever see, the Faroe Islands offer a rare and authentic experience. We hope you’ll join us in discovering it!
See the trek page HERE.
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