The Faroe Islands are a remote moss-covered archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Thus, the only way to get here is by boat or plane. That little fact aside, as a travel destination, the Faroe Islands is known for wondrous mountains, spectacular wildlife, mystical natural surroundings, and a rich local community, which we strive to preserve for generations to come. 

The fast-paced growth in the tourism industry has yielded great opportunities and incentivises people to protect cultural heritage and the environment. Thus, making mindful choices during your stay is highly encouraged. Here is how we suggest travellers can embrace sustainable habits by being conscientious, mindful, & respectful, all the while enjoying the many natural wonders the islands have to offer:

"Protect the places you love”

1. Explore the old village paths. These are ancient footpaths that have been tread through the ages (before roads came). The Faroese would travel between the villages using these paths, e.g., to trade or visit family. Invest in a local guide or expert to ensure the utmost safety while hiking, increase local value creation, and secure working opportunities all year round. 
2. Travel off-season to delve deeper and discover the different seasons and the unique events they offer without the crowds and queues. Experience a true November rainy day nested up in a cosy cottage, join a knitting club in the spring surrounded by misty hills, or ring in the Christmas cheer at a floral decoration workshop.
3.  Dine in a Faroese home with our “Heimablídni” (Home Dining) initiative. Experience Faroese culture and traditions first-hand while supporting and enjoying local meals made with locally sourced produce.  
4. The Faroese tourism industry and providers are locally owned. Thus, make sure to use Faroese incoming and other coordinators to ensure revenue is vested in the local community once you leave. Moreover, by making accommodation and excursion bookings, you are supporting local owners and families who run community-invested or conservation businesses. 
5. Buy local food, things you need, and things that last. The Faroe Islands are rich with plenty of hand-made, locally sourced goods and unique art pieces. They also genuinely pioneer fine dining, where you'll find fresh Faroese produce blended with imaginative ingredients, achieving an authentic culinary experience. 
6. Respect your surroundings and be a kind guest. Respecting the local environment and its heritage is an essential element of responsible travel. Leave no trash behind on your hikes, and avoid picking up scarce monuments or disturbing fragile wildlife.
7. Contribute with your know-how and give back. Are you a professor, spread your knowledge at the local university; if you are a singer, sprinkle your stardust at the local bar, and if you are just another average Joe, lend a helping hand during seasonal duties to the local village or farm and on the hiking trails, pick up the wool so the birds do not get lost in it.
8. Plan with purpose and stay longer to minimize your environmental footprint. A longer stay lowers the resource consumption per day of your trip. It also provides an opportunity to connect with the locals, make more lasting impressions, and immerse yourself in life in the Faroe Islands. 
9. Engage in cultural events, concerts, art exhibitions, and fulfilling activities that deepen the understanding of Faroese culture. This will enhance your travel experience and leave a preservative value to the local event coordinators & planners. Find the event calendar on www.whatson.fo.
10. Favour airlines with newer fleets. Faroe Islands' leading airline, Atlantic Airways, has recently renewed its entire portfolio and now has one of the newest fleets in Europe of Airbus 320 family aircraft and Leonardo AW139 helicopters. They operate with lean-burning engines and efficient transportation while spewing out less CO2 (15-20% more fuel-efficient). Furthermore, with a recent total renovation of the airport facilities & landing strip, Atlantic ensures fewer layovers & therefore, unnecessary flights.  
11. Rent an electric car, take the bus (it's even free in the capital), rent a bike, or take a shared shuttle from the airport. Getting around in the Faroe Islands is mostly hassle-free, with transport networks by road, sea, and public busses running quite frequently. The best way to travel across the 18 islands is slow travel, so take your time exploring the islands and choose an environmentally friendly option best suited for your stay. 

The Faroese have really embraced tourists in the past decade. Theirs has been a cautious undertaking – there is much chat about sustainable growth – and with visitor numbers being so seasonally dependent, new restaurants and artisanal craft shops must engage the local community as well." 

Jo Ellison, Financial Times