Gasadalur: the Faroe Islands Village That Looks Down on the Ocean

Until 2004, Gasadalur was reachable only on foot through a mountain pass. Then a tunnel was carved through the basalt rock and the village — fewer than twenty permanent residents — opened up to the rest of the Faroe Islands. But this accessibility has not turned Gasadalur into a mass destination: the Faroe Islands themselves are still far from Europe's major tourist flows, and the village remains one of the most remote and solitary places on the continent.

The waterfall and the basalt

Múlafossur is the waterfall that made Gasadalur famous among landscape photographers: it falls directly into the sea from a height of about fifty metres, with the village of grass-roofed houses in the background. The sight is one that takes your breath away — literally, because the Atlantic wind in the Faroes is almost always present and in winter can reach impressive speeds. The cliffs on which the village stands plunge one hundred and fifty metres into the ocean, with views stretching as far as the fog allows.

The island of Vágar and its secrets

Gasadalur is on the island of Vágar, the same one that hosts the Faroe Islands' international airport. From here it is easy to arrange excursions to Lake Sørvágsvatn — whose optical illusion makes it look as if the water sits sixty metres above sea level — and to the cliffs of Trælanípa. Vegetation in the Faroes is sparse and brilliant green: grass, moss, a few rowan groves. There are no tall trees or crops, only pastures where sheep roam — outnumbering the inhabitants at a ratio of roughly seven to one.

When to go and how to get around

The Faroes are visitable year-round but late spring (May, June) and summer (July, August) offer the longest days and the most favourable weather conditions — though still unpredictable. Direct flights to Vágar depart from Copenhagen, Reykjavik and a handful of European cities. A rental car is essential to reach Gasadalur from the tunnel. Local B&Bs and guesthouses in the Faroes are welcoming and accessible, with prices between 70 and 120 euros per night.