FAROE ISLANDS/COPENHAGEN CITY TOUR
June 7-18, 2025
TOUR NOW FULL!
June 7-18, 2025
TOUR NOW FULL!
Please note: Travelers now have the option to arrive a day early in order to acclimate and be better prepared for the first day of touring at an additional cost. See cost page for more details. Getting into the Vágar Airport can sometimes be challenging so we do highly recommend considering this option, we feel it is well worth the cost!
Early Arrival day: Friday June 6, 2025 -- Folks choosing to travel a day early will have reservations at the newly refurbished Hotel Vágar, a few minutes walk from the airport. This is also where the group will be staying for the following two nights.
Day 1: Saturday June 7, 2025 -- Arrival Faroe Islands - Travelers arriving today will be met by our guide, Per Hansen, at 2PM and taken to the Hotel Vágar to check-in. After check-in, we will be heading out for a guided walk along the iconic Lake Leitisvatn, the largest lake in Faroe, also known as Sørvágsvatn or the 'lake over the ocean'. This hike is easy to moderate with minimal elevation and has amazing views, time approx 2 hours round trip. The hike was originally an old path to a peat field. We will walk to Trælanípa, also known as the slave mountain, where disobedient slaves were pushed to their deaths, and see the 100 foot Bøsdalafossur waterfall, which cascades from Lake Leitisvatn into the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way we will hear stories of the Viking Age and tales of the hidden people and witches and the Nix that lives in the lake! After the hike we will drive to the old fishing village of Sandavágur where we will have dinner at the lovely Fiskastykkið. We will have a tour of the historic premises and learn more of the history of the village. Our return to the Hotel Vágar will be at 10PM.
Day 2: Sunday June 8, 2025 -- Mykines, Gásadalur - Today we will take the morning ferry to a stunning destination, the island of Mykines, the westernmost island known for its abundant puffin and other bird life, and its breathtaking landscapes. This is a popular spot from May to August, yet it retains a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Our guide will take us up the lush hill to the puffins' secluded habitat for a close-up look. Please note: there is a steep hill that must be climbed to reach the puffin area. If folks are uncomfortable with that, they may opt to stay in the village, which is a short walk from the harbor. A box lunch is provided. We will return to the mainland at 2PM.
In the afternoon we will visit the village of Gásadalur for more amazing views and a focus on Faroese traditions. We will have a short, easy walk to see the Múlafoss Waterfall before we continue to the farm Gásadalsgarður for dinner. At Gásadalsgarður we will experience an intimate insight into Faroese culture and traditions and everything it entails. We will experience an evening filled with authentic, traditional Faroese cuisine, sourced predominantly from their farm, the surrounding ocean, cliffs, and mountains. We will learn the history and workings of the farm, savor the farm-produced beer and meat, and embark on a journey through the unique flavors of fermented and dried meat and fish, distinctive to the Faroese kitchen. We overnight again at the Hotel Vagar.
Day 3: Monday June 9, 2025 -- Northern Suðuroy Exploration - After breakfast, we will check out of Hotel Vagar and head to the capital city of Tórshavn via the subsea tunnel connecting the island of Vágar with the mainland. From there we will take the ferry to the island of Suðuroy where we will spend the next two days on a well-rounded exploration including hiking, appreciating scenic views and cultural experiences, with some relaxation and shopping as well. We will pass some of the islands in the Faroes, including Nolsoy, Sandoy, Stóra Dímun, and Lítla Dímun on our scenic two hour ferry ride to the island. Lunch will be provided on the ferry.
On our first day we will be exploring Northern Suðuroy. Once we arrive, we will take a walk around the harbor and explore the town's historical buildings, such as the old church and the salt silo, which gives us a glimpse into the island's past. From there we will drive to Hvalbiarfjørður, where we will explore the picturesque village of Hvalba. Here there are old coal mines, which are a unique part of the island’s history, and beautiful black sand beaches. After our exploration we will return to Tvøroyri and check in at the Hotel Tvøroyri.
Later in the afternoon we will take an optional hike to Hvannhagi, a stunning and secluded spot north of Tvøroyri. The hike offers magnificent views over the rugged coastline and the nearby islands. The terrain is varied, but the scenic beauty makes it worth the effort . This hike is considered moderate in difficulty, is 3.7 miles long with some elevation and takes approx. 2.5 hours - for more information on the hike visit - https://visitfaroeislands.com/en/whatson/hiking/hike/hvannhagi. Those not feeling up to the hike will have the option of visiting the Ruth Smith Museum and exploring in town.
We will return to the Hotel Tvøroyri. In the evening we have dinner at a local restaurant in Vágur and before returning to the hotel we head to Vágseiði, a dramatic coastal area near the village of Vágur, to watch the sunset. The sheer cliffs and the sound of the ocean make for an unforgettable experience.
Day 4: Tuesday June 10, 2025 -- Southern Suðuroy Adventure - Our day starts with a drive to Akraberg, the southernmost point of Suðuroy. We will visit the Akraberg lighthouse for panoramic views of the ocean and the southernmost island of Lítla Dímun. We will visit the majestic Beinisvørð bird cliffs for some of the best views on the island. A box lunch is provided. At 4PM we say good bye to Suðuroy and take the ferry to return to Tórshavn. We will check into our hotel, the lovely Hotel Brandan, where we will stay the next 5 nights. Tonight we will have a group dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 5: Wednesday June 11, 2025 --Mýrifípan, Kirkjubø, Fjallaross - We will begin today with a guided tour by foot through the old part of Tórshavn. We will continue by bus to see some local textile designs by Mýrifípan, where we will learn more about Faroese traditional dress and the customs behind it. We will continue over the mountains to the cultural center at Kirkjubø where we will visit the ruins of Magnus Cathedral, the medieval church of St. Olav's and Roykstovan, one of the oldest timbered houses in the world, currently occupied by the family's 17th generation.
At 2PM and lunch (on our own) we will head to Fjallaross to visit Anna Louisa and her Faroese ponies. Fjallaross translates to 'Mountain Pony', and we will visit Anna Louisa in Lambafelli and hear the dramatic story of the ponies, and her work on bringing the breed back from near extinction, with an opportunity to see and touch the ponies. The tour includes a hot beverage and something sweet in the typical Faroese manner. Then back to Tórshavn, dinner on our own.
Day 6: Thursday June 12, 2025 -- Tjóðsavnið, Snældan, Klaksvik, Gjogv - Today our day starts with a tour of Tjóðsavnið, the National Museum of the Faroe Islands. We will then head to the small fjord town of Strendur via the sub sea tunnel roundabout decorated by the local artist Tróndur Patursson. Here we visit the spinning mill at Snældan, operating since 1949, processing wool, yarn and knit garments (we will incorporate some shopping time, of course).
Then we head north to Klaksvik, the second largest town in the Faroes, located on the island of Borðoy. We will enjoy a lovely lunch at the cosy Café Fríða. After lunch we visit Christianskirkjan, a church of striking modern design by the Dane Peter Koch. The church is built with local materials and consecrated in 1963. We will see the artwork by the artist Edvard Fuglø in the cellar of the church. From here we will drive to the most northern village on the island of Eysturoy, Gjógv, and enjoy exploring the idyllic village before returning to Tórshavn. The drive to Tórshavn itself is scenic, taking in the dramatic scenery along the coast crossing the bridge over the North Atlantic. Dinner tonight will be on our own.
At 7:30 we have a special evening planned with a living room concert with local artist Elin Brimheim Heinisen, a lovely Faroese singer and song-writer who we have visited in the past and immensely enjoyed.
Day 7: Friday June 13, 2025 -- Kvívík, Vestmanna - Today on our way to Vestmanna for lunch and an afternoon boat tour, we will take the mountain road to Kvívík and visit Kvívíkknit, home to a knitting club where it is possible to see and purchase Faroese hand knitted goods in a lovely setting. Then on to Vestmanna. After lunch we will have a boat tour along the Vestmanna cliff wall, exploring the straits and many grottoes. We will return to Tórshavn, dinner is on our own.
Day 8: Saturday June 14, 2025 -- Optional Workshop with Designer Katrina í Geil, Nolsoy for dinner and bindiklubb - Today we will have a full immersion into Faroese textiles, particularly knitting. In the morning we have the option to spend time with Designer Katrina í Geil learning more about traditional Faroese design, patterns and inspiration. Katrina is a textile and knit wear designer of international standing who has given lectures and workshops worldwide. As a designer she combines knowledge from knitting and design with personal styling to give garments a more personal edge. Her work focuses on reinventing the traditional Faroese craft and culture.
This workshop is optional for an additional cost of $135.00 and includes the workshop and small gift bag used for the workshop, coffee, tea and cake. Those not wishing to take the workshop may opt to stay in town and explore.
This workshop is optional for an additional cost of $135.00 and includes the workshop and small gift bag used for the workshop, coffee, tea and cake. Those not wishing to take the workshop may opt to stay in town and explore.
Another optional activity for the day or afternoon is to schedule a ride on an Icelandic horse at Berg Hestar, located on the outskirts of Tórshavn, which we have done in the past and thoroughly enjoyed, riders of all levels are welcome. This will need to be arranged independently - those with riding experience are welcome to join Marci who is planning to take a more experienced afternoon ride.
RIDING FUN AT BERG HESTAR, FAROE TOUR 2019
At 7PM we will take the 30 minute ferry to the island of Nolsoy just off the coast of Tórshavn. Here we will have a lovely group dinner followed by a bindiklubb with locals, a great way to experience the culture of the Faroese knitting club, so bring your needlework or simply enjoy the excellent company. We are planning to return on the 10:25PM ferry.
Day 9: Sunday June 15, 2025 -- Departure Faroe to Copenhagen - Today we leave the lovely Faroe Islands for a few days in one of our favorite cities, Copenhagen. We will take a bus transfer from the hotel and depart on the 10AM flight from Vágar to Copenhagen, cost included in trip. Once we arrive in Copenhagen, we will be met by our bus and tour guide. On our way to to our hotel we will have a city tour of the highlights of Copenhagen, which will give us all great suggestions on how folks want to spend their last 'free' day in Copenhagen and what sites they might want to further explore. Our hotel for the next three nights is the lovely Phoenix Copenhagen, a newly renovated historic hotel from the 17th century, located between Amalienborg Palace and Nyhavn in the heart of Copenhagen's fashionable district. Surrounded by iconic attractions such as the Marble Church, King's Garden, and Rosenborg Castle, we will literally be sleeping in the midst of Denmark's royal history!
Day 10: Monday June 16, 2025 -- Malmo, Malmöhuset, Jakriborg, Lund, Lund Cathedral, Øresund Bridge - Our tour begins in Malmo, just over the Øresund Bridge, the third largest city in Sweden. It is known for its many restaurants, especially on Lille Torget, which is the heart of Malmö’s heritage area, with buildings dating back to the 1580s. See also Malmö Castle, Malmöhus, which is even older, dating back to the 1530s. At Malmöhus you can find Malmö Art Museum and Malmö Natural History Museum. On one side of Malmöhus is Kungsparken, with its sculptures and little twisting paths. At the other end of town, is Moderna Museet, Malmö’s free modern art gallery. There is also the Turning Torso, currently Sweden’s tallest inhabited building, which is 190 metres or 623 feet tall, which we unfortunately will not be able to go up. From here we head to Jakriborg, a hidden gem built in the 21st Century but looking like it dates back to the 1600s. Then we travel to the ancient City of Lund, where the Cathedral dates back to 1145. Lund was established in the year 990, by Danish King Sven Forkbeard, as Skåne. This southern county of Sweden was part of Denmark up until 1658. We will walk around the little small streets behind the Cathedral, with houses dating back to the 1600s. We will visit Historika Museet, which tells us about the history of Lund and the university site, including Lundagårdshuset, which dates back to the 1500s. After our time in Lund, we will spend some time in Malmö and then return to Copenhagen, going back across the inspiring Øresund Bridge. What a great day out!
Day 11: Tuesday June 17, 2025 - Today we are free to spend exploring Copenhagen, the choices are numerous! Our top picks, which are all within walking distance of our hotel, are - Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens, The National Museum of Denmark, The Round Tower, or climb the tower of Our Savior's Church for stunning views, and just stroll and shop along Strøget.
Day 12: Wednesday June 18, 2025 -- Depart Copenhagen - Today we say farewell to Denmark, board our private bus and head to the airport where we will all take our flights home.
While we make every effort to follow our itinerary as set forth here in the website, occasionally due to matters beyond our control, we may have to substitute destinations, lodging or attractions other than those set forth.