(TGA) - I would like to visit the Faroe Islands and then move onto Aland Island, Finland and Gotland Island, Sweden. Does anyone have any recommendations for accommodations and transporation for any of these? (I prefer off-the-beaten-track rather than visiting an island where all the tourist traffic goes. And I like nature, cycling and hiking/walking.)
many thanks,
j
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When I was in the Faroes in 2000, the helicopter service offered inexpensive flight-seeing if there was space. For something like US$50 (no credit cards then, only Danish money), I flew with them from Torshavn to Klaksvik (one other passenger), and then on to the NE Island where all the remaining seats were taken by the locals getting their Sunday entertainment, a few kilometer ride between the two villages on the island that were connected by road, and then back to Klaksvik for refueling and on to Torshavn. So for most of the flight I was the only passenger. Excellent flight seeing with my two "private" pilots, and about two hours of helicopter time. This service was heavily subsidized by Denmark.
I think that in the Faroes you may prefer to be where the tourist traffic goes, there isn't much of it, and most from forced stays when the passengers have to leave the ferry when it goes to Norway or Denmark. Also, make sure to visit the vertical 2000 feet high sea cliffs out of Vestmanna, they are spectacular and going in the crevices and caves is nice.
As to getting there, except by flights, the only way is by the ferry Noronna (spelling?) which makes a weekly roundtrip between Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Torshavn; Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland; Bergen, Norway; and Esbjerg, Denmark. You might consider changing your island destinations to some of these places if you want to simplify your trip.
My three days in the Faroes while waiting for the ferry to go to Denmark and return were some of my favorite for any vacation.
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This summer the Faroese flight company is actually starting flights between the Faroes and Sweden (Stockholm). Most people travelling from the US fly from US to Iceland and from the to the Faroes. The off beaten track is actually almost everywhere in the Faroes as long as you don't take part in the bustrips that are running every day in high season (June, July, August).
Sandoy is usually meant to be very good for cycling, it is not as hilly as the other islands and is very beautiful. Sandoy is also not flooded with tourists. Skúvoy is also an island that runs in the off-beaten-track-thingy, and has some interesting sights.
You should find the tourist guide for the Faroe Islands, their site has hiking brochures available online I think.
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My favorite island during my trip in the Faroes was Mykines. Year-round population is about 18, but there was a guest house when I was there in 2001. Definitely off the beaten track - took the helicopter there and the boat back. Traveled to Svinoy and Kalsoy on the postal boat. Buses, boats and ferries are all covered by the weekly travel passes available for purchase at the airport. The Faroes are great for hiking as the scenery is absolutely breath-taking.
Dress warmly, pack your rain gear and enjoy!
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There still is a guesthouse in Mykines, and it is a beautiful island. And the weekly travel passes (called SL Travel Card in the Faroes), are still available, valid for either 4 or 7 days.
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