Z05-27: Discover the Faroe Islands | Sailing Through Europe’s Most Spectacular Archipelago

The Faroe Islands are without doubt one of Europe’s most spectacular sailing destinations. Steep green mountains rise almost vertically from the North Atlantic, waterfalls plunge hundreds of feet into the sea and tiny villages with traditional grass-roofed houses lie hidden between deep fjords. The landscape is wild, unspoilt and unlike anywhere else in Europe. A veil of mist is almost always drifting between the mountains, while the ever-changing light gives the islands a mysterious, almost magical atmosphere. It is no surprise that the Faroes are often called “Little Iceland” – yet for sailors they may be even more rewarding.

Thanks to the countless islands, sheltered fjords and narrow sounds, beautiful sailing routes are possible even when the weather is changeable. Because the skipper knows the Faroe Islands inside out, we can adapt our route each day to the wind, weather, mist and tides. Although the tidal range is relatively small, powerful tidal streams develop around headlands and at the entrances to the narrow sounds. Careful timing is therefore essential. This flexibility allows us to choose the most beautiful route each day, ensuring you experience the Faroe Islands at their very best.

During this sailing holiday we aim to visit as many different islands as conditions allow. Every island has its own unique character, from dramatic seabird cliffs and rolling green mountains to colourful fishing villages where life seems to move at a different pace. Traditional turf-roofed houses, thousands of free-roaming sheep and the complete absence of forests give the archipelago an almost fairy-tale appearance.

One of the absolute highlights of the voyage is sailing beneath the spectacular Vestmanna Bird Cliffs. Towering basalt cliffs rise hundreds of metres above the sea, while caves carved by the Atlantic swell provide nesting places for thousands of seabirds. Puffins, fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes and many other species can often be seen soaring only metres above the yacht.

Another unforgettable passage takes us around Tindhólmur and past Drangarnir, the famous sea arch that has become the iconic landmark of the Faroe Islands. Seen from the water, this extraordinary natural monument is perhaps at its most beautiful when the jagged peaks slowly emerge from the drifting mist.

There is also plenty of time to explore ashore. Depending on the weather and our chosen route, we may hike to the famous waterfall at Gásadalur, one of the most photographed places in the Faroes. Afterwards we can enjoy coffee and homemade cake in a cosy café in a village that, until only a few years ago, could be reached only by boat or on foot across the mountains.

Another unforgettable walk leads to the spectacular cliffs of Trælanípa. According to local legend, Vikings once pushed unwanted slaves from these cliffs into the sea below. Nearby lies Leitisvatn, also known worldwide as the “Hanging Lake” or “Lake Above the Ocean”. The lake drains into the Atlantic via the dramatic Bøsdalafossur waterfall. The combination of the seemingly suspended lake, towering cliffs and the vast Atlantic Ocean creates one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Faroe Islands. Throughout the walk we are rewarded with panoramic views across the ocean, dramatic cliffs and endless green mountain landscapes.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also feel completely at home here. Puffins, fulmars, great skuas, guillemots and white-tailed eagles are regular companions throughout the voyage. With a little luck we may even encounter dolphins or whales. At this time of year darkness barely falls, leaving long summer evenings to enjoy the islands after a wonderful day under sail.

This sailing voyage combines relaxed daily passages with spectacular offshore sailing, breathtaking scenery and memorable hikes. It is the perfect holiday for adventurous travellers who enjoy nature, peaceful surroundings and discovering places far from the crowds. No two voyages are ever the same, making this one of the most rewarding sailing holidays in our programme.

Daily sailing distances range between 10 and 30 nautical miles.

The itinerary depends on weather, wind and tidal conditions. Whenever necessary, the route will be adjusted to make the most of the prevailing conditions.

Land excursions are not included in the price and are of course not mandatory.

Read more about our sailing holidays around the Faroe Islands

Information about this sailing holiday

Participants of this sailing holiday

Sailing holidays Prices 

The price is the rental cost for the ship with crew, including food and drinks on board, hence full board. The price mentioned is per person.

Included in the price:

– Food and drinks on board.
– Fuel, water, shore power, harbour fees and tourist tax.
– 1 towel set and bedding incl. duvet and, of course, a life jacket.
– For after sailing there is also wine and beer on board, based on average use. Should we run out, then you can purchase more yourself.

Not included:

– Your transfer, meaning your journey to and from the ship
– Sailing clothes and boots, you can rent these from us if you would like.
– Possible shore excursions such as renting a van, or visiting a museum etc.
– Food and drinks ashore, the last evening we will go out for dinner and this will be at your own expense. ( Should you wish to treat the crew as a thank you for a lovely sailing holiday, it would of course be greatly appreciated!)
– Optional tips. These are, of course, entirely voluntary, but always appreciated. Any tips are shared between the skipper and crew, because the skipper is just as much a part of the team that makes the voyage possible. Contrary to what many guests assume, the Bosun/cook on board Cherokee is actually the highest-paid member of the crew.

Duration & Time on Board

The listed trip duration refers to full calendar days. Since you embark on the first evening and disembark on the final morning, your actual time on board is on average about 1.5 days shorter. We use this format to keep our trips comparable with other providers – but we like to be transparent about the real time you’ll spend on board.

Sailing holidays discount

Customer Discount:
If you book a second sailing holiday with us within a year, you’ll get 2.5% off the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays group discount:
If you book a sailing holiday as a group (more than 3 passengers), you will receive 2.5% discount per person on the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays youth Discount:
If you are under 29 years old, you will get 5% discount on the ‘board price’.

Sailing holidays discounts can not be combined with each other.

Bonus Discount:
€25 extra discount when you choose a vegetarian menu on board.

Private charter

You can also rent the ship and crew for a privat charter. Then multiply the price with 7. For a private charter, you can choose one of the offered sailing holidays, provided there are no other bookings for that sailing journey. If you would like more information on private charter, please contact us.

Sailing holidays with your own private cabin

If you are a solo traveler and would like the comfort of a private cabin (room), you can reserve it for 1.6 times the price (for crossings, it will be 1.9x).

Extend your sailing holidays with an extra day B&B

On some of our sailing holidays, it is possible to book an extra overnight stay on board based on Bed & Breakfast (B&B, so without dinner) for € 125 per person. This automatically applies when booking multiple trips in a row.

Sailing holiday categories

Category A:
Offshore crossings, includes also sailing throughout the nights. Passengers will also be grouped in the watch system.

Category B:
Offshore sailing holidays, there will be no sailing throughout the nights, but occasionally a late arrival at the harbour (or an early departure), depending on the weather.

Category C:
Relaxed sailing holidays with shorter sailing distances, including more time for sightseeing and sometimes a nice land excursion.

Category D:
Sailing holiday specials, from ‘Sailing holidays with Yoga’ up to expedition sailing. Not every season available.

Category E:
Sailing holiday’s with extra sailtraining.