GET INSPIRED TO AN
ECO-FRIENDLY STAY
The Faroe Islands is a remote moss-covered archipelago located in the North Atlantic ocean, thus the only way of getting here is either 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 this does incentivize people to protect cultural heritage and the environment. Thus making mindful choices during your stay is highly encouraged. Here is how we suggest travelers 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”
- Explore the old village paths, these are along 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, and visit family. Invest in a local guide or expert to ensure the utmost safety while hiking as well as increase local value creation, and secure working opportunities all year round.
- Travel off-season to delve deeper and discover the different seasons with the unique events it offers without the crowds and queues. Experience a true November rainy day nested up in a cozy cottage, join a knitting club in the spring surrounded by misty hills, or ring in the Christmas cheer at a floral-decoration workshop.
- Dine-in a Faroese home with our “Heimablídni” (Home Dining) initiative, to experience Faroese culture and traditions first-hand all the while supporting & enjoying local meals made with locally-sourced produce.
- The Faroese tourism industry and providers are locally owned, thus make sure to use Faroese incoming & other coordinators to ensure revenue is vested in the local community once you leave. Moreover, by making accommodation & excursion bookings you are supporting local owners & families who run community-invested or conservation businesses.
- Favor airlines with newer fleets. Faroe Islands' main 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. Meaning 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.
- Buy local food, buy things you need & things that last. The Faroe Islands are rich with plenty of hand-made, locally-sourced goods and unique artistic pieces. As well as truly pioneering fine dining where you'll find fresh Faroese produce blended with imaginative ingredients achieving an authentic culinary experience.
- Respect your surroundings & be a kind guest. An essential element of responsible travel is respecting the local environment & its heritage. Leave no trash behind on your hikes, and avoid picking up scarce monuments or disturbing fragile wildlife.
- Contribute with your know-how and give back. Are you a professor, spread your knowledge at the local university, if you are a singer spread 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.
- Plan with purpose & stay longer to minimize your environmental footprint. A longer stay lowers the resource consumption on the environment per day of your trip. Also provides an opportunity to connect with the locals, make more lasting impressions, and immerse yourself into life in the Faroe Islands.
- Engage in cultural events, concerts, art exhibitions, and fulfilling activities that bring a deeper understanding of Faroese culture. This will not only enhance your travel experience and moreover leave a preservative value to the local event coordinators & planners.
- 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 to explore 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