Klaksvik, Faroe Islands 30th July 2018 – 01 August
30th July
Left Vestmanna for Klaksvik – we were realising the islands are so small we could have stayed in one place. Planning from afar and coming from a huge continent moving around seemed to make sense. The accommodation changed our minds – and this little boathouse was fantastic.
Once here it was good to experience the different islands and our accommodation at Klaksvik was special. On approach we were concerned – parking on the roadside just out of a tunnel and looking across at a small group of sheds. Once inside – our boat shed on the water – right over the water -was perfect, tiny but perfect. Even when waking to a storm outside it was wonderful to cosy up and watch the rain lash the sea.
Between Vestmanna and Klaksvik I took Chris on a tour of the highlights he had missed – first stop Gjorgv.
Gjogv – a picture perfect town with a waterfall and a gorge cutting inland to the town. Hiking up the hill along the cliffside we had a birdseye view down on the gorge and the little town, the surrounding hills, sheer cliffs and jagged islands seaward.
The road past the highest mountain in the Faroes ### this time we did not climb it but enjoyed the incredible scenery along the route. Sharply rising cone shaped hills more green that seemed possible and mostly misted.
After settling into our new home we began by walking the town and around the port and harbour – a long narrow harbour with the town spread along both sides surrounded by sharply rising mountains. The following days were spent exploring the surrounds and islands close by including:
31st
Island of Bordoy where Klaksvik is the main town. Early morning we discovered a misty walk and curved Basalt cliffs – a group of energetic young hikers were setting off into the hills. With a light rain falling and mist all around we opted for a short walk accompanied by a number of small Icelandic style horses who wandered over to meet us.
Island of Vidoy which required a drive through narrow lengthy tunnels and a long causeway.
Videreidi on Vidoy is the Northern most town in the Faroes. Home to – Elizabeth’s restaurant serving traditional food recommended by the tourist information person. We stopped for fish meal simple, delicious, expensive.
Earning our lunch we had a walk around the town and out to the coast – mist surrounding rich green hills.
1st August
Late start today after waking to rain driving into the window of our tiny boatshed. and feeling like bed was the cosiest place to be.
After a slow start and late breakfast the rain cleared and out we went.
Our first stop – an abandoned village that has no permanent residents now but appears to have holiday stayers. This was one of the first settlements on the Faroe Islands – being mentioned in records during the 14th century.
A local favourite is the clifftop walk to Yviri a Gjotanga a short walk on a blustery day. Walking out to the gorge it was hard to imagine people had once collected birds eggs here by being lowered down the cliff face. As we walked out to the cliff a small moss framed waterwall spilled down the hill towards the sea.
The days drive as always brought narrow roads, scary tunnels, stunning countryside and colourful villages.
2nd August
Reluctantly we left our little boat shed and drove back to Torshavn where with a sigh of relief we dropped the big black car off. Fortunately for us an honest fellow traveller had rung the car hire place and confessed they had opened their car door onto ours putting a small dent in one side.
Having left our bags at our new accommodation we visited (for me revisiting) the theatre centre### where we had a Scandinavian style buffet lunch. And afterwards the Listasvan Foroya which gave me the luxury of another meander through the art
Walking down into town we walked along a small stream and down through the town to the Tourist information centre. As we have come to expect – excellent service and tips. Including the magnificent trip to Stora Dimun ###our blogpost we did in coming days.
After doing some food supply shopping we checked in to our lovely apartment in Torshavn. Enjoying the traditional feel of it and the broad view of Torshavn.
