Skip Iceland, Go To The Faroe Islands: 6 Reasons To Visit And How To Get There On Miles

Thinking of a visit to Iceland?

Before you book that flight to Reykjavik, consider the Faroe Islands instead. Iceland is stunning and wonderful – but it’s also crowded and increasingly feels like a natural wonder theme park. The Faroe Islands are still pristine – and their government is paying close attention to what’s happening in Iceland to make sure it stays that way. It’s not uncommon for travelers to visit this remote island chain and never see any other tourists – while getting plenty of opportunities to interact with curious locals.

The Faroe Islands is also the most visually stunning place I’ve ever visited. And that’s after being to over 130 countries. This remote North Atlantic archipelago is a photographer’s dream and the kind of place that has to be seen to be believed. So move over Iceland, the Faroe Islands are the new ‘it’ destination in the North Atlantic.

Here are six reasons, accompanied by photos from a recent trip, why the Faroe Islands should be high on your list of travel plans. Also, I share tips on how to get to the Faroe Islands from the US on points and miles.

Note: This post is featured in my multi-post series on under-the-radar alternatives to popular travel destinations.

1. Every route is the scenic route.

Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

Do yourself a favor and rent a car when you visit. Many of the islands are connected by tunnels and the government has even designed extra-beautiful routes as “buttercup routes.” Side note – how adorable is that name?!

For those islands that can’t be reached by car, the government operates inexpensive ferries and even subsidized helicopter service. Just watch out that you don’t get stuck on an island if the weather turns!

2. Grass Roofs!

Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

You never know what you’ll see when the fog finally lifts in the Faroe Islands
Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

There’s something endearing about a country where most homes have green turf roofs. It rains 300+ days a year in the Faroe Islands and these living roofs provide insulation and protection, just as they have since the Middle Ages.

3. You can’t drive more than 10 minutes in any direction without running into a waterfall.

Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

Plus, unlike Iceland, The Faroe Islands are small enough that you could technically drive the length of the entire archipelago in a day. It’s a small impact with an incredibly diverse range of natural settings.

4. People population is 50,000. Sheep population is 70,000.

Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

There are no trees in the Faroe Islands, but there is whole lot of grass. Fortunately, there are 70,000 sheep roaming the islands keeping the grass naturally mowed.

5. Puffins!

Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

It’s impossible not to love these birds sometimes called the “Clowns of the Sea.”

6. It’s not that hard to get to.

Atlantic Airways, the national airline of the Faroe Islands Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

How To Get To The Faroe Islands On Points And Miles

Despite its remote location, a visit to the Faroe Islands isn’t that difficult – though it may be a bit more tough to get directly to the archipelago on points and miles. Thankfully, it’s a quick flight from mainland Europe.

Vágar Airport is the only airport in the country and is serviced by Atlantic Airways, the national airline, and SAS.

Routes from FAE airport
Source: FlightConnections.com

SAS operates 5x nonstop flights per week from Copenhagen, which could be booked with miles.

For US travelers however, the best option to get to the Faroe Islands is to use points and miles to travel to Copenhagen or Reykjavik and then purchase a separate connecting flight on Atlantic Airways for the final leg.

While there are many ways to book travel to Europe, one of my favorites is to transfer 88,000 (calculated from JFK) American Express Membership Rewards to ANA and book on any Star Alliance carrier. SAS, United, and Air Canada all fly non-stop from North America to Copenhagen.

Rumor has it that Atlantic Airways is considering launching a non-stop to New York at some point in the future. While I suspect this rumor is likely unfounded – it does underscore the need to visit this hidden gem of a destination before word gets out further!

Black sand beaches at the most northernly tip of the Faroe Islands Photo by Sanjay Sharma | Point Me To The Plane

The Platinum Card by American Express is currently offering a sign up bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after you use your card to make $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. I recommend pairing this card with the American Express Blue Business Plus to really amplify your earn. Also, check out our cards marketplace to find the most lucrative sign up bonus offers available today.

As always, Juicy Miles award consultants, are always happy to find and book award flights.

Related: The Faroe Islands Are Incredible — Here’s What You Need To Know If You’re Considering A Visit