Traveler says Faroe Islands wind can be dangerous

Travel blogger Kevin Reisenbuk said he encountered extreme wind and rain during his first days on the Faroe Islands, and that strong gusts made hiking dangerous. He spoke to the ERR programme Ringvaade.

Reisenbuk said reaching the islands, an archipelago between Iceland and Norway, can be a challenge. He said around half of flights are canceled because of strong winds. His own flight was canceled, and another was delayed by eight hours. But once there, he said, the scenery was beautiful.

While hiking, he did not see anyone else. Near cliff edges, the wind was so strong he felt it could carry him away. He also slipped in the mud and slid about 30 metres down a slope, but said he was on the safe side of the ascent.

Reisenbuk visited with a friend during what he described as the year’s most anticipated local event. Residents gathered in one village for competitions, including holding a sack of potatoes. His friend signed him up, and he unexpectedly found himself on stage. He said he did not do well because the locals already had their own techniques. Another contest involved winding balls of yarn, and one participant’s hand cramped.

The islands have about 55,000 residents and even more sheep, Reisenbuk said. He described the locals as welcoming and eager to share their culture, and also visited a home restaurant. He said people spoke English well.

Reisenbuk said the islands remain an underrated destination among tourists, despite their striking scenery. He noted that costs can be high: a cheaper beer cost up to 12 euros, while a main course could cost up to 40 euros. Although the islands are “sort of under Denmark,” he said, locals consider themselves Faroese.

He recommended the islands to people who enjoy nature and hiking and want to visit less conventional destinations.