Faroe Islands - Explore the Magnificence of Nature
Article by Photographer and Timelapse Artist Francis So
In the North Atlantic halfway between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands is an archipelago consisting of 18 major islands and part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since it was covered in a National Geographic’s article titled “One of the most underrated islands on Earth” in 2015, the Faroe Islands becomes the new travel destination for photographers. With similar terrain and climate as Iceland, the Faroe Islands is where you can go for a chance to view aurora between October and March. There are flights flying daily to and from Copenhagen of Denmark and Reykjavik of Iceland, as well as direct flights to various European destinations such as Portugal, Spain, Norway, Scotland and Greece.
I went to the Faroe Islands in early April for 11 days. It was a bit difficult exploring the scenic spots due to the vastly changing weather, but I was so amazed with the natural wonders when these spectacular places finally unfolded to my eyes. The Faroe Islands has a rich terrain, and I very often needed to climb up to a higher vantage point for photography. To travel as light as possible, I recommend to bring a ultra-wide angle lens such as EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM and a standard lens which can come in handy. The chance to use a telephoto lens is relatively low. Bring it only if you are physically tough.
In the North Atlantic halfway between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands is an archipelago consisting of 18 major islands and part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since it was covered in a National Geographic’s article titled “One of the most underrated islands on Earth” in 2015, the Faroe Islands becomes the new travel destination for photographers. With similar terrain and climate as Iceland, the Faroe Islands is where you can go for a chance to view aurora between October and March. There are flights flying daily to and from Copenhagen of Denmark and Reykjavik of Iceland, as well as direct flights to various European destinations such as Portugal, Spain, Norway, Scotland and Greece.
I went to the Faroe Islands in early April for 11 days. It was a bit difficult exploring the scenic spots due to the vastly changing weather, but I was so amazed with the natural wonders when these spectacular places finally unfolded to my eyes. The Faroe Islands has a rich terrain, and I very often needed to climb up to a higher vantage point for photography. To travel as light as possible, I recommend to bring a ultra-wide angle lens such as EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM and a standard lens which can come in handy. The chance to use a telephoto lens is relatively low. Bring it only if you are physically tough.
Major Shooting Spots
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM • 1/100s • f/8 • ISO 100
Many terrains on the Faroe Islands will give you an optical illusion. One of those is this small valley of Gjogv town. Do you see a deep valley way below the sea surface in this photo?
Many terrains on the Faroe Islands will give you an optical illusion. One of those is this small valley of Gjogv town. Do you see a deep valley way below the sea surface in this photo?
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM • 1/500s • f/8 • ISO 100
Another scenic spot that plays the visual trick is Sørvágsvatn, the “Mirror of the Sky”. It’s like a lake on a highland when viewed from afar
Another scenic spot that plays the visual trick is Sørvágsvatn, the “Mirror of the Sky”. It’s like a lake on a highland when viewed from afar
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM • 1/400s • f/8 • ISO 200
The cliffy and spectacular coastline
The cliffy and spectacular coastline
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM • 1/400s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
Also known as “The Island of the Sheep”, there are more sheep than human on the Faroe Islands. The interesting scene of sheep eating grass is not uncommon
Also known as “The Island of the Sheep”, there are more sheep than human on the Faroe Islands. The interesting scene of sheep eating grass is not uncommon
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM • 1/100s • f/4 • ISO 1600
I met this sheep farmer couple on the trip. They had over 80 sheep and even invited me to visit their sheep shed!
I met this sheep farmer couple on the trip. They had over 80 sheep and even invited me to visit their sheep shed!
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM • 1/80s • f/5.6 • ISO 125
The fishing industry accounts for a dominant share of the local economy. The colorful huts in this photo are where the fishermen store their boats
The fishing industry accounts for a dominant share of the local economy. The colorful huts in this photo are where the fishermen store their boats
EOS M6 • EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM • 1/320s • f/8 • ISO 100
Most of the houses on the islands have Green Roofs. This design can not only help regulate the indoor temperature and reduce polluting air particles, but is also nice looking by blending the house into the environment
Most of the houses on the islands have Green Roofs. This design can not only help regulate the indoor temperature and reduce polluting air particles, but is also nice looking by blending the house into the environment
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM • 1/60s • f/8 • ISO 100
Cliffs formed by wave erosion are very common on the islands. Cliffs and rocks eroded into different shapes by waves over the years contribute to the unique landscapes of the Faroe Islands. Wondering if there are names for these two rocks?
Cliffs formed by wave erosion are very common on the islands. Cliffs and rocks eroded into different shapes by waves over the years contribute to the unique landscapes of the Faroe Islands. Wondering if there are names for these two rocks?
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM • 1/800s • f/8 • ISO 200
Although the Faroe Islands isn’t green and blooming in springtime, the golden grassland and snow mountain instead make it more fascinating!
Although the Faroe Islands isn’t green and blooming in springtime, the golden grassland and snow mountain instead make it more fascinating!
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM • 0.3s • f/11 • ISO 100
The waterfall at Gasadalur is the most iconic spot on the islands. You can see a rainbow if you are lucky
The waterfall at Gasadalur is the most iconic spot on the islands. You can see a rainbow if you are lucky
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM • 1/500s • f/8 • ISO 100
The weather changes quickly here. It can be sunny at one moment but rainy the next minute. So it’s not difficult to capture a rainbow photo like this
The weather changes quickly here. It can be sunny at one moment but rainy the next minute. So it’s not difficult to capture a rainbow photo like this
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM • 1/250s • f/8 • ISO 200
The Trøllanes town is not-to-be-missed if you like cliffs. A further 1.5-hour walk will take you to the Kallur Lighthouse. This is my favorite photo of the trip. Although not bright and colorful, the gloomy weather adds to the magnificence of this cliff. This is a place where you can soak in the nature in addition to shooting
The Trøllanes town is not-to-be-missed if you like cliffs. A further 1.5-hour walk will take you to the Kallur Lighthouse. This is my favorite photo of the trip. Although not bright and colorful, the gloomy weather adds to the magnificence of this cliff. This is a place where you can soak in the nature in addition to shooting
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM • 1/640s • f/8 • ISO 100
If time is allowed, I recommend a day trip to the southern island. The single trip to the southern island by ferry (vehicle is allowed on ferry) takes 3 hours, so my suggestion is to go early in the morning and return in the afternoon. You can enjoy a real escape from the city with a wide-open view of the Atlantic Ocean at the southernmost tip of the island
If time is allowed, I recommend a day trip to the southern island. The single trip to the southern island by ferry (vehicle is allowed on ferry) takes 3 hours, so my suggestion is to go early in the morning and return in the afternoon. You can enjoy a real escape from the city with a wide-open view of the Atlantic Ocean at the southernmost tip of the island
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM • 1/500s • f/8 • ISO 100
Renting a car is strongly recommended as there are many scenic routes on the islands. Except the remote islands which are far away from the main island that require a ferry ride, there are tunnels and bridges connecting the islands so it’s very convenient to drive. Just be aware of the sheep on the road when you drive. Those who don’t have a driving license can join the local tours
Renting a car is strongly recommended as there are many scenic routes on the islands. Except the remote islands which are far away from the main island that require a ferry ride, there are tunnels and bridges connecting the islands so it’s very convenient to drive. Just be aware of the sheep on the road when you drive. Those who don’t have a driving license can join the local tours
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM • 1/125s • f/4.5 • ISO 100
Klaksvík is the second largest city on the Faroe Islands and an important harbour. Do you spot the sheep in the photo? No wonder the Faroe Islands is also called “The Island of the Sheep”
Klaksvík is the second largest city on the Faroe Islands and an important harbour. Do you spot the sheep in the photo? No wonder the Faroe Islands is also called “The Island of the Sheep”
Traveling Tips
If you are fascinated with the nature and landscape photography, the Faroe Islands is a destination you will love. Same as other northern European countries, the living standard there is high. Take lunch as an example. It costs around HK$200 for a pasta and coffee, and around HK$100 for a pizza or hamburger. You can save some money if you book an apartment where you can cook for yourself. One final reminder is never buy an international prepaid SIM card or rent a pocket Wi-Fi in Hong Kong as they don’t work there. Just buy one from the local telecoms when you arrive.
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