TORSHAVN, FAROE ISLANDS

By coach we will travel to the village of Vestmanna, where we board a boat to reach the bird cliffs. Here our senses are awakened by the sound of thousands of seabirds, which return every summer to breed, and the whispering undertone of the ocean.

For ornithologists, the Faroe Islands are a veritable paradise. Common species spotted include puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and petrels. The oystercatcher (or ‘Tjaldur’) is the national bird. During the long days of summer, many of the cliffs teem with huge flocks of birds. Cold arctic currents merge with the warm Gulf Stream in the waters off the Faroes, resulting in a particularly rich food environment for the nesting birds. By coach we will travel to the village of Vestmanna, where we board a boat to reach the bird cliffs. Here our senses are awakened by the sound of thousands of seabirds, which return every summer to breed, and the whispering undertone of the ocean. We sail along the cliff wall into a narrow gorge, where sheer rock walls on both sides rise vertically towards the sky. The boat slowly enters one of the many grottoes, and for a moment the daylight disappears. Darkness, and the sound of dripping water, surrounds us and, then, suddenly we emerge on the other side. We stop the boat for a while to enjoy the scenery and capture this wonderful experience on film. We will learn about the history and nature of the land and particularly about the many sea birds that glide over the boats, or sit on the ledges of the cliffs. After our boat trip we return to Tórshavn via the mountain road, stopping for photos at a viewpoint overlooking the capital. Please note that the boats used are not fully covered, and do not have toilet facilities. We may travel in a traditional Faroese boat or a more modern launch, boarded from a floating pier (following a walk of up to 100 metres/325 feet); there is a small ladder to climb. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. As with any boat trip, depending on the weather conditions, it may be a little choppy. We shall be at sea for approximately two hours. Wear layers of clothing that you can strip away if necessary, as even on a bright day it can be cool at sea. A rainproof jacket would be advisable. When we sail into grottoes, helmets will be supplied. Certainly bring binoculars if you have them. Coffee and tea will be served on the boat.