Image Name: The Faroe Islands’ Buttercup Routes
A journey through this remote North Atlantic archipelago offers more than just scenic beauty; it promises an epic road trip experience that combines stunning landscapes, rich culture, and the thrill of driving both over and under the ocean. Here’s everything you need to know about embarking on this unique voyage.
Discovering the Faroe Islands’ Buttercup Routes
Only minutes away from Sørvágur village on the island of Vágar, you’ll find yourself on roads that seem to lead straight into the ocean. These paths are part of the Faroe Islands’ Buttercup Routes, designed to guide you away from the main highways and immerse you in the natural beauty of this remote region. The name comes from the marsh marigold, the national flower of the Faroe Islands, which is often seen adorning road signs along these routes.
These routes aren’t just about reaching a destination quickly; they are about savoring the journey. Picture a drive that combines the charm of “Driving Miss Daisy” with the dramatic landscapes reminiscent of Middle-earth from “Lord of the Rings.” The Buttercup Routes invite you to take the scenic route, showcasing the wild, rugged beauty of the Faroes.
A map from the Faroe Islands’ Ministry of Transport outlines 13 such routes across the 18 islands, each one offering a unique travel experience. This initiative aims to prevent traffic congestion and bring road-trippers closer to the serene, untouched nature that defines life in the Faroe Islands.
Gásadalsleið: A Glimpse into the Wild Beauty
One of the most breathtaking routes is Gásadalsleið, which takes you through a dark mountain tunnel to the Múlafossur waterfall. This cascade plunges into the sea beside the village of Gásadalur, creating a scene of wild beauty. From the precipice overlooking the falls, a short walk from where you park your car, you can gaze upon the surging channel leading to Mykines, the westernmost island of the Faroes.
Gásadalsleið may be short, but it encapsulates the essence of the Faroe Islands: dramatic sea panoramas, rugged mountain crests, gossamer waterfalls, and cliffside roads. This route is just one example of how the Buttercup Routes take you on a journey of poetic destinations, from ocean-drop waterfalls and hanging lakes to silent valleys where sheep vastly outnumber people.
The Sublime Scenic Routes of the Faroe Islands
Among the 13 routes, each one offers a unique adventure. The Saksunarleið, for instance, leads to the village of Saksun on Streymoy island, stopping short of the sea at a turf-roofed church and an inlet where the water flows between two sheer cliffs. On Eysturoy island, another route zigzags above Funningsfjørður, a fjord surrounded by mountains, before descending to the harbor village of Gjógv. Here, you can stand and take in the sublime view of the island Kalsoy, its dragon-scale ridges resembling a leviathan rising from the depths.
These routes are designed to offer unexpected and breathtaking viewpoints, the kind you dream of finding on a road trip but so rarely do.
The Advent of Sub-Sea Tunnels
The road trip experience in the Faroe Islands has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of sub-sea tunnels. In December 2023, a new 10.8km sub-sea tunnel, Sandoyartunnilin, opened, connecting the islands of Streymoy and Sandoy. This tunnel, the fourth of its kind in the Faroes, reduces travel time and opens up more opportunities for exploration.
Descending more than 150 meters below the seabed, Sandoyartunnilin is more than just a passageway. It features an art installation by Faroese artist Edward Fuglø, with neon pictographs depicting Catholic knights, shepherds, fishermen, and local wildlife, all illuminated in red, blue, and white. Accompanied by an ethereal soundtrack composed by Faroese composer Sunleif Rasmussen, this art installation transforms the journey into a mystical experience.
Image Name: The Sublime Scenic Routes of Faroe
Local Culture and Sustainability
The Faroe Islands’ road trip experience isn’t just about scenic drives; it’s also about connecting with local culture and supporting sustainable tourism. In the village of Dalur on Sandoy island, the new tunnel has revitalized the community, creating new opportunities for tourism and local businesses. Locals, like Helga Hilmarsdóttir, are opening their homes to tourists as part of the “heimablídni” concept, where visitors can enjoy traditional Faroese meals in people’s homes. Early next year, her family plans to open tourist accommodations, enhancing the village’s appeal to travelers.
Tips for a Memorable Road Trip
To make the most of your road trip in the Faroe Islands, here are some tips:
- Plan Your Routes:
Utilize the Buttercup Routes map to plan your journey. Each route offers unique attractions and scenic views. - Check Local Weather:
The Faroe Islands are known for their unpredictable weather. Check forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes. - Pack Essentials:
Bring waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, and plenty of snacks and water. Some routes take you through remote areas with few amenities. - Respect Local Wildlife:
Sheep are a common sight on the roads. Drive carefully and respect the local wildlife. - Stay Connected:
Although remote, the Faroe Islands have good mobile coverage. Keep your phone charged and use GPS to navigate the routes.
Embarking on a road trip through the Faroe Islands is an adventure like no other. The Buttercup Routes offer a journey through stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and the thrill of driving both over and under the ocean. By taking the scenic route, you’ll discover the wild beauty and serene stillness that define this remote North Atlantic archipelago. Whether you’re exploring dramatic waterfalls, fjords, or the latest sub-sea tunnel, the Faroe Islands promise an epic road trip that you’ll never forget.