Alessio Mesiano
VÁGAR AND MYKINES
See map of towns, villages and infrastructure on page 14
VÁGAR AND MYKINES
The village of Gásadalur on Vágar is surrounded by the island's highest mountain
Vágar and Mykines are the two western islands of the Faroes. Vágar hosts the modern international airport, which is situated on a level plain outside Sørvágur.
SØRVÁGUR Faroe Islands from the air ■ The island of
MYKINES An absolute ‘must-see’ ■ Throughout the
Vágar welcomes airline passengers to the Faroes. It was here, between the mountains near the village of Sørvág during World War 2, that the British occupying force chose to build the island’s only airport. In good weather, the approach to the airport gives a fantastic view over the island's beautiful landscape. Next to the airport is a three star hotel and conference centre.
summer, tourists flock to the island to experience the beauty and drama. An absolute ‘must-see’ is the massive bird population. Many people choose to take the boat one-way and the helicopter the other way in order to experience the island by sea and air. There are several possibilities if you want to stay overnight on the island. Besides the island’s mysterious beauty, the stone forest in Korkadalur, the idyllic village with its white church, the cemetery’s metre high angelica plants, the house where the island’s famous artist Sámal Joensen - Mikines grew up and the small stream that runs from the cattle trail through the island’s ice-cold swimming pool; there is also the exciting trip out to the islet which draws the tourists. Tourists are advised to plan their trip to Mykines at the beginning of their holiday as weather conditions can prevent departure from the island for 1-2 days.
The island’s largest sandy beach ■ The village of Sørvágur was originally situated higher up on one side of the bay’s mountainside, whilst the current old town with church and museum, is situated in the ‘El Dorado’ between two creeks at the bottom of the bay and straight out to the sandbanks which border the islands largest sandy beach. There is a vast difference between high and low tides, so it is advisable to keep a watchful eye if you decide to take a walk out to see Sørvág from the sea side.
Faroe Islands exclusive gannet colony ■ The path to the islet passes over green slopes and
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