In 2007, National Geographic conducted a survey of 111 island communities throughout the world. The Faroe Islands ranked as the most unspoiled island destination on the planet.

I remember reading about this on board of a flight with Atlantic Airways, while heading for the Faroes in May 2008. I was reminded once again about its pristine condition while reading this article Tread carefully on the pristine landscape of the Faroe Islands on metronews.

The article also mentioned the town of Gjógv, 67 kms from the capital of Tórshavn. In Gjógv, traditional dishes, such as the ones made with pilot whale meat, will soon be history.

A bit of Faroese paradise in Gjógv

The Faroe Islands, only accessible by plane or ship, are the most untouched destination I have ever been to. 75,000 sheep grace the islands compared to a population of about 50,000 Faroese.

The capital city of Tórshavn around 8:30 p.m. in May

For more about life on the islands, I also conducted an interview with my longtime Faroese friend, Mariann, before my trip.

To see the complete list of destinations rated by National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, which conducted this fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey (aided by George Washington University), visit National Geographic.

Among the load of photos I had received from a Faroese friend, there was also the one below, featuring a Smyril Line ship.

Smyril Line is a Faroese shipping company, linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland. Previously, it had also served Norway and the United Kingdom. But due to financial difficulties, the ship line had to change its schedule. During off-season, the route is Esbjerg (Denmark) – Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) – Seyðisfjörður (Iceland), and during peak season Hanstholm (Denmark) and return. Routes to Norway and Scotland have been taken off the program and during winter season, it is possible for only cargo to be transportated on the route Esbjerg – Tórshavn.

Take a look at Smyril Line’s travel brochure and sailing schedule for more up-to-date information.

Smyril Line ship docking at Tórshavn

On a slightly different note – these islands can also be reached by plane.

Visiting the Faroe Islands is a great experience, either way. Two years ago, I had traveled there by plane from Frankfurt via Kopenhagen using Atlantic Airways to get to the Faroes. To learn more about Atlantic Airways, I want to recommend  this podcast with Magni Arge, the CEO of Atlantic Airways, the Faroe Islands’ only airline.

Flying with Atlantic Airways was a very positive experience, and for once I even enjoyed the food. Of course, the safety factor always prevails and I enjoyed my flight with Atlantic Airways.  Nevertheless, seeing this mighty boat has me dreaming now of a trip by ship to the Faroes…

For more podcasts and other interesting tidbits about the Faroe Islands, you should also visit the Faroe Islands Podcast blog.