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Travelers are fickle. One minute we’re looking for winter sun, and the next we’re totally cool with packing extra layers, as long as we can witness the Northern Lights, enjoy the delights of the Christmas market, or hit the slopes in a magical mountain town.
Iceland may not tick the latter box as a ski destination, but it has long been both mystical and mysterious to travelers around the world, largely thanks to easier connectivity over the past decade.
As such, more and more travelers could no longer suppress their wanderlust impulses and eventually flocked to Iceland’s beautiful waterfalls and famous Blue Lagoon and explored the charming, vibrant streets of Reykjavik.
I had a blast the first time I visited Iceland, and I still consider this wonderful island my favorite country.
But on my second trip… let’s just say the magic was lost as I shared space near waterfalls and black sand beaches like I was a fish swimming upstream against the tide of selfie sticks.
The good news is that there is a perfect alternative. Just as captivating with similar culture, otherworldly landscapes and yes, unpredictable weather (so be prepared), lies Europe’s lesser-known Faroe Islandsjust now emphasized by Yardbarker as a must visit in 2025.
Europas Best alternative to Iceland
The Faroe Islands have the same charm as Iceland, with the exception of a few quirks such as Reykajvik’s museum dedicated to male anatomy.
But like Iceland, there are also some shared quirks, such as folkloric legends about hidden elves living in the society and endless streets with unpronounceable names like Tinghúsvegur.
As for similar attractions, expect to find unimaginably beautiful waterfalls Mulafossurrolling landscapes reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings movie, hobbit-like houses, and yes, you can even get really close miniature horses.
One notable missing piece compared to Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon, but as a visitor myself I’d say you can skip this in favor of Iceland’s new hotspot Akureyri, where spa entry fees are halved.
The Faroe Islands don’t have any geothermal spas, but you can take a look Varmakeldaknown as ‘The Healing Spring’, which is said to ‘increase love and passion’ if you’re into that woo-woo stuff.
Some other notable positives for The Faroes include:
- Saksun has black sand beaches similar to Iceland’s Vik
- There is no ‘ring road’ like Iceland, but it is impressive Eysturoy tunnel connecting islands
- For cheap eats, try a Faroe Islands French style hot dogsimilar to the staple product of Icelandic gas stations
- Deep-rooted Viking heritage; check out The National Museum of the Faroe Islands ($11 admission)
- The capital Torshavn; a striking image of the multicolored rows of beautiful streets of Reykjavik
Getting to the Faroe Islands and where to stay
The Faroe Islands perhaps blush brighter than their vibrant, postcard-worthy red cityscape.
Following in the footsteps of Iceland, their flagship airline Atlantic respiratory tract launched the first-ever direct flight to the United States in 2023, but has since been discontinued due to lack of interest.
You could say that serving the lesser-known New York Stewart International Airport was a mistake, but the historic route never took off like Iceland’s Play Airlines.
The good news is that there are still several ways to reach the Faroe Islands, including Atlantic Airways, with popular connecting hubs such as London, Paris, Barcelona and yes, even Reykjavik, to double dip in similar destinations.
The Faroe Islands welcomed their first branded hotels in 2020, so you can use your points at Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands or opt for a more authentic feel, like the one mentioned above hobbit-like houses.
If I don’t redeem Hilton points, I would choose The view in Bøurwith stunning water views in traditional houses with sod roofs.
The beautiful coastal villages of the Faroe Islands
Torshavn makes an excellent base, just as Reykjavik would in Iceland, but a visit to the small villages of the Faroe Islands could be the highlight of your trip.
Anyone who has done in-depth research on where to go in the Faroe Islands must have done so Gjógv at the top of their list.
Named after a 200-meter-long, sea-filled gorge, this spot marks the map as an impressive natural beauty as one of the best photo-worthy spots in the autonomous nation of Denmark.
It would be next Nolsoyan island in itself just a half hour ferry ride from Torshavn, with epic mountain views.
Mykines (open from late spring to summer) is home to a prolific puffin population, a popular excursion both here and in Iceland.
The coastal town is for the adventurers Tjørnuík is known as a surfing paradise. Pack a wetsuit!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
