I went kayaking with a young couple on day three of my Faroe Islands adventure, and they said something that I was struggling to pinpoint my entire stay. "We just feel so calm," they said. I agreed. The Faroe Islands are, on the surface, incredibly beautiful. The gasp-inducing views never cease, and as you drive from island to island (in underwater tunnels) you are continually confronted with bold and verdant landscapes. And somewhere along the winding roads, you almost become desensitized to the beauty around every bend. And not desensitized in that you take it for granted, but desensitized in that your body calms and your breath slows and you move with more grace and more care because this beauty is your new reality. It feels powerful and peaceful, so much so that on your way to the airport, you may get choked up and ask yourself, why am I leaving? | | | | The perfect day in the Faroe Islands
| | | Book the mystery tour. This was my experience, and it was amazing. Hopefully, yours will be totally different in the best way (that's the point).
Morning: Eat breakfast at the hotel: some eggs, fresh-baked bread and salmon straight from the sea are the perfect way to start your day.
How to spend the day: On the mystery tour, your navigation app will have a list of five places for you to check out. But you'll get them one at a time. On this day, I started with a tour of Gamla Hoyvíkin, which is a traditional Faroese farm and museum. Afterwards, I drove to Gøta and was prompted on a thigh-burning climb to a ridge where the wind cleaned my lungs and the views awed me. Next, I was directed to Fuglaførður, a little village of black grass-roof houses, a lovely knit shop and an art gallery. I wandered into the town square, grabbed a coffee and took a post-hike rest.
| | | What we ate: Have dinner at Eitka sushi in Runavík, which is less busy than its sister restaurant in Tórshavn, on the water and with salmon pulled directly from the bay. Incredibly delicious.
After dinner: Take a walk around Toftavatn just outside Runavik. This area is protected from sheep, and the tiny pink lichens and flowers add a pop of color to the endless green. As the sun sets, the lake glows just a little, and you'll see all the neighbors walking their dogs and having a lovely evening.
Pack for the day: Put a swimsuit, a camp towel and comfortable walking shoes in your backpack and bring snacks. I picked up a sack lunch at Paname Cafe before I started the day.
| | | Photography credits: Sarah Stocking for Lonely Planet, Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld/Getty Images | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
