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How to See the Northern Lights FAROE ISLANDS

how to see northern lights faroe islands

Positioned above the European mainland, the Faroe Islands are isolated, icy and great for aurora chasers. Discover when and where you too can see northern lights Faroe Islands, in this travel guide.

The Faroe Islands are a popular destination for northern light hunters due to their unique location between Iceland and Norway. For those looking for a truly mesmerizing view of the elusive lights, the vistas offered in and around the Faroe Islands are unparalleled.

However, for those choosing to visit the islands during the winter, there are several important factors to take into consideration as you plan your getaway.

Best Timing for Northern Lights Faroe Islands

Without question, the best time to view the aurora borealis is during the winter months. You will be able to see amazing light displays between September and April, but it is during the peak of the winter, which falls between November and February, that you will get the best opportunities to view the elusive lights. Of course, because the nights are longer and darker during the winter months, the temperatures can be downright frigid.

Optimum Time of Year for Northern Lights Faroe Islands

SeasonMonthAurora Watching Opportunities
AutumnSeptemberGood (from late-Sept)
AutumnOctoberGood
AutumnNovemberExcellent
WinterDecemberExcellent
WinterJanuaryExcellent
WinterFebruaryExcellent
SpringMarchGood
SpringAprilGood (to early-Apr)
SpringMayPoor
SummerJunePoor
SummerJulyPoor
SummerAugustPoor

The table above outlines the best opportunities for spotting northern lights in Faroe Islands based on daylight/darkness hours. Technically, aurora is visible all year round, however, to be able to see the aurora clearly, dark night skies are required. For this reason, the aurora is easier to spot during the winter months due to the extended hours of darkness.

Related Article: Best Time of Year to See Northern Lights

Minimizing Light Pollution

Moon Cycle

Due to the snow-covered landscapes which reflect light like glass, it’s important to plan your northern lights Faroe Islands trip around the moon cycles. The intense brightness of a full moon can significantly impact your ability to view the elusive lights. Instead, you want to plan your trip during the new moon phase, which will ensure that the skies are as dark as possible. This will allow you to experience a more vivid and vibrant display of ghostly lights.

City Lights

One of the most important factors when it comes to increasing your chances of seeing the northern lights in Faroe Islands, is to minimize the amount of light pollution that can interfere with your viewing. As well as planning around the moon cycle, to minimize light pollution, you will want to get as far away from any major metropolitan area as possible. Here are some of the best destinations in the Faroe Islands where light pollution will be the lowest.

mykines island faroe islands northern lights locations
Highly isolated, Mykines Island in Faroe Islands is an excellent northern lights viewing location for those willing to brave the trip.

Where to See Northern Lights Faroe Islands

Best Places to View Northern Lights in Faroe Islands

Eysturoy Island

When it comes to the tallest mountain in the Faroe Islands, look no further than Slættaratindur, which can be found in the middle of Eysturoy Island. Make your way up to any one of the numerous viewing points, as you sit back and wait for the natural phenomenon to make its magical appearance. From the top of the mountain, you will have unobstructed views of the night skies.

Kalsoy Island

However, if you are looking for a more dramatic landscape that features remote villages and some of the most unique vantage points in the Faroe Islands, then look no further than Kalsoy Island. You’ll find plenty of excellent locations for viewing the elusive lights, without having to worry about light pollution.

Vidoy Island

Vidoy is the northernmost Faroe Island, and as a result, offers some of the most memorable experiences possible. The serene landscape provides you with an extremely dark sky, far away from any form of urban light pollution. Experience the Faroe Islands northern lights the way they were meant to be seen, without having to worry about any urban interference.

Mykines Island

If you are looking for a more remote location, where there is little chance of artificial light interfering with your viewing experience, then look no further than Mykines. Keep in mind that this island is extremely isolated, which can make it more of a challenge to reach.

best places for northern lights faroe islands Eysturoy Island
One of the best places for seeing northern lights Faroe Islands is from the high reaches of Eysturoy Island.

Important Trip Considerations for Faroe Islands Northern Lights

Weather Conditions in Faroe Islands

Unfortunately, the weather on the Faroe Islands can be downright unpredictable. In fact, the weather can change rather rapidly which is why it’s important to plan your trip far ahead. While you can’t usually plan your trip dates around the weather, you can minimize the risk of weather ruining your Faroe Island northern lights adventure by planning a longer visit, so you are more likely to have a chance of some clear nights even if you do encounter a few cloudy days. Ideally, plan for a week or longer.

Clear Skies

In order to view the elusive lights, the skies need to be clear. Any amount of cloud cover can obstruct your view, so it’s important to pay close attention to the local weather forecast and be extremely flexible with your plans. Several excellent websites and apps can provide you with real-time forecasts which will make your trip planning much easier.

Related Article: How to Choose a Good Northern Lights App

Temperature

In general, the Faroe Islands have much milder winters compared to other aurora-viewing destinations such as Finland or Norway. However, it is still very important to make sure that you dress warmly. Due to the location near the sea, not only do you want to make sure that you are wearing windproof clothing, but you will also want to make sure that it is waterproof too. The last thing you want to do is to get cold and wet while hunting for the elusive lights.

cloudy weather on faroe
The weather on Faroe Islands is highly unpredictable, and often cloudy.

Guided Tours vs. Independent Adventure

While planning your northern lights Faroe Islands vacation, you will need to make the important decision of whether to join a guided tour or opt for an independent adventure without a guide.

Guided tours are a popular choice for people visiting the Faroe Islands, as they allow you to rely on the expert knowledge of well-trained guides with all the right gear and know-how to make the experience more enjoyable. Of course, if you are the adventurous type, then you can always choose to head out on your own and explore all that the Faroe Islands have to offer.

Guided Tours for Northern Lights Faroe Islands – Advantages

Expert Knowledge

As a general rule, tour guides are well-versed in the local geography and weather patterns, which allows them to better determine the best locations in which to view the elusive lights. By choosing an expert tour guide, you will increase your chances of capturing a glimpse of the northern lights while you are visiting the islands.

Safety

Due to the rugged terrain and harsh weather, the Faroe Islands can pose some safety challenges for many aurora hunters. Guided tours will offer a safer way to explore the unfamiliar area.

Convenience

Guided tours are also extremely convenient. Not only do they provide transportation, but they also generally provide safety equipment, which makes planning your trip less of a hassle. Instead of focusing on how you are going to get out into the field, you can focus on how you’re going to capture the best photos imaginable.

Independent Adventure – Advantages

Flexibility

Choosing an independent adventure offers you more flexibility and allows you to tailor your trip to your personal preferences. You will be able to decide when and where you go based on real-time weather conditions and aurora forecasts.

Cost-Effective

Of course, we can’t forget to mention that traveling independently is also more cost-effective. This can be a crucial deciding point, especially for budget-friendly travelers. So long as you are comfortable with navigating and planning your own travel itinerary, an independent adventure could be the perfect option for you.

Personal Experience

Seeing the Faroe Islands independently, allows you to explore the more remote locations, which will provide you with a more intimate and personal connection with the islands. You will be able to get up close and personal with nature, as you hunt for the elusive lights. Keep in mind that going on an independent adventure requires more preparation and a good understanding of the rugged Faroe Islands’ terrain.

Conclusion

This wraps up our guide on how to see the Faroe Islands northern lights. Although the islands are located below the arctic circle, the dark skies as a result of its isolated position, makes it a great vantage point for the northern lights during the aurora peak years and during periods of high geomagnetic activity.

Is the Faroe Islands a good choice for a trip to see the northern lights? Generally, our recommendation is to head to a location above the arctic circle for more reliable opportunities at sighting the lights. If your main intention is to see the aurora borealis, you may like to consider nearby Norway northern lights destinations or Iceland northern lights spots instead.

However, if your aim is to combine aurora-chasing with unique nature experiences and charming premodern culture, then the Faroe Islands are an excellent choice.

Happy aurora hunting!

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