Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
Faroe Islands

I'm thinking of visiting the Faroe Islands for a week in late July 2013. I've read the tourist board sites and looked at their photographs and it looks a beautiful, rugged and relaxing place to visit. What are your opinions and experiences of the islands? I know it won't be cheap, the ferry crossing from Denmark alone will come in at £500, but is there enough there to keep me amused and justify the expense?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Apr 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
Hiya

My wife and I stopped over (3 nights end of Aug) on the way to Iceland in our camper, so as such I think there was no extra cost in doing so?

We stayed at a camper stopover which was just a tarmac car park with no facilities but still £15 (although electric hook up for the camper was there for more £, but locked until the guardian arrived late that night) Camping is only allowed in the few designated places around the islands. The only campsite in Tórshavn at least was comparatively excellent, but maybe isn't big enough to take everyone when the ferry arrives in peak season.

We looked at some of the Viking ruins which were well worth it. The tunnels getting onto the other islands are too expensive so we didn't. We wanted to use the helicopter taxi since you could get on just next to the Tórshavn campsite and stay on for the whole loop (£130 each, two hours, 2011) to get a good look round the whole group of islands, fog, cloud, wind, rain, snow permitting . Trying to buy tickets at the tourist info by the ferry the lady said we couldn't since its only for locals The campsite owner said we could, but thought you could only buy tickets from tourist info :confused1: So we waited at the helipad (helpful phone numbers not answered), expecting the office to open just before the timetable said the helicopter would arrive so we could get tickets. No-one came, it landed, then took off again :confused1: If we had prebooked it, and accomodation/activities on other islands then maybe we would have had better luck and more fun.

Several times on Iceland we received a less than warm welcome as we had turned up at advertised things but without booking, partly out of season (Sept!), and sometimes felt like we shouldn't be there. Us plus cash are clearly not a reason for them to provide a service, and we felt this more on the Faroes If you prebook stuff well before arrival at least you know what to expect perhaps?

The chinese buffet in Tórshavn is well worth it though! And even if you are on a Denmark direct to Iceland ferry you can still walk (and maybe drive, there was one Swiss Landy who did for some reason) off if you ask and wander round the town for an hour or two which is worth it

How much more for you to get to Iceland instead? Everyone we spoke to said they were glad to have visited the Faroes as they were passing anyway, but wouldn't go back. Having spent a fair time in the Scottish Highlands and islands, and then visited Iceland, I don't think I'd have missed too much by not going? Sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear, but I'd be interested if anyone else fared better

Jason

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
Thanks Jason, an interesting insight that might have saved me some disappointment and a few hundred quid. I don't fancy Iceland because you have to do gravel tracks to get the most out of the interior of the island. I'm on a Harley so don't want to go off tarmac so I thought the Faroes would give you a taste of that sort of scenery with the bonus of decent roads. There is no mention anywhere of tolls for roads or tunnels, they probably save that treat until you get there. What sort of price were the tolls?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Apr 2012
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
We were forced to stop off in the Faroes for 3 days on our return from Iceland to Scrabster in Scotland in 2007. I personally didn't like it, but my mates did a brewery tour which they enjoyed (I recall the brewery man(ager) was apparently very welcoming). They also liked the Faroes as a whole. We (4 of us) rented an apartment for the 3 days.

It rained the whole time we were there, except the last morning when we were re-boarding the ferry. I recorded a video. Please, I don't want this thread to become a discussion for the pros/cons/ethics of hunting pilot whales.



Chris
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Apr 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
2010 I stopped there for 3 days when returning from Iceland.
If you are doing Iceland - Faroe trip, go to the Faroe islands at first. If you do it like I did, then nothing feels interesting anymore after Iceland
Tunnels are free for motorcycles, so only cars need to buy tickets.

I went through almost all islands during the 3 days.
In good weather there are nice places to visit and photograph, but unfortunately it was raining most of the time when I visited this them.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Apr 2012
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tourider View Post
Thanks Jason, an interesting insight that might have saved me some disappointment and a few hundred quid. I don't fancy Iceland because you have to do gravel tracks to get the most out of the interior of the island. I'm on a Harley so don't want to go off tarmac so I thought the Faroes would give you a taste of that sort of scenery with the bonus of decent roads. There is no mention anywhere of tolls for roads or tunnels, they probably save that treat until you get there. What sort of price were the tolls?
When I took the boat to Iceland there were +/-80 bikes in the hold of the ship, most of them "dual sport" style. You'd think they were intending to do the same as me: tour the interior of the country: I headed inland on the mainly easy gravel roads and in 11 days riding only saw 1/2 dozen other bikes. I presume the rest rode on the paved main road round the island and the many other paved roads going off it.

You'll get to see plenty of the country by just riding tarmac. If there's somewhere "interesting" you don't want to take your HD, there'll be a tour bus/truck to take you there.

IMHO, the Faroes are like Iceland, but without the good bits...

Some pics/vids to motivate (?) you to visit Iceland: Iceland TBSdotCom

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Apr 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
You ride a Harley (so must be tough!) but don't want to get it dirty?!

The map we had said which roads were tarmac and which weren't, so you could fork out a small sum for a map before deciding Iceland will eat your bike?

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
Hello Grizzle;
Thank you for your friendly and informative response. I notice on your profile you haven't made any friends yet, quelle surprise!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Apr 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381


I was going to see if I could find my map and offer to post it to you, but now...

But you could certainly see if you could plan a decent tarmac Iceland trip by getting one? (Which is what I meant in the above post)

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The Adventure Begins... Tejas A La Tierra troyfromtexas Ride Tales 197 22 Apr 2014 19:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:38.