The Faroe Islands

 

Even among seasoned travellers throughout the North Atlantic, the far-off volcanic archipelago between Iceland and Norway and northwest of Scotland’s Shetland Islands remains untouched land. Indeed, precious few apart from the Faroe Islands’ 56,000 residents have set foot on one of the 18 islands — and this is precislely why we are so thrilled to be sending Canadian university alumni and friends on this all-new adventure in June of 2027!

One this seven-day tour, stay at a single home base in capital Tórshavn and take day trips by land and sea to the most fascinating sites and islands in the first week of summer when the sun barely sets. Highlights include the parliamentary site (established in 900), the raucous seabird colony at Koltur Island, a private grotto concert in Klæmintsgjógv, the Hvíthamar Viewpoint of Funningsfjørður, lunch at a local home on the island of Skúgvoy, a storytelling walk in the village of Selatrað, and hike to see the Giant and Witch sea stacks.

Sagas and folklore play an important role in Faroese life. Hidden creatures are said to inhabitat the rocky, swindswept landscapes, while nearly every step you take retraces the footsteps of Vikings, who arrived more than a thousands years before present day.

Study Leader Natalie Van Deusen from the University of Alberta is an expert in Old Norse, making her the ideal companion on this immersive journey.