Vágar and Mykines: Raw nature and warm people – imagine your next meeting in this unordinary setting

Vágar and Mykines, two of the 18 islands forming the Faroe Islands, are widely known for their dramatic scenery, unspoiled nature, and charming puffin population. But what often surprises visitors is the warmth, curiosity, and openness with which they are welcomed by locals.

Fifteen years ago, if the locals of Vágar saw a tourist wandering their streets, it would soon be the talk of the village. Moreover, the visitor would be sure to be invited inside by locals curious about what brought a foreigner to their remote corner of the world. Today, this curiosity and warmth towards visitors has become one of the trademarks of the Faroe Islands. “In general, what makes the greatest impression on visitors is how friendly and open the locals are. Earlier, people would invite visitors into their homes out of both curiosity and care, and this tradition still persists today,” explains Bryndis í Dali, DMO manager at Visit Vágar.

Hospitality is embedded in the Faroese culture. Today, the tradition is organised through the concept ‘Heimablídni’ translated directly to ‘home hospitality’ where locals invite visitors into their homes for a typical everyday Faroese dinner.

At ‘Úti á Gjógv/Fiskastykkið’, seafood is their speciality’’. Photo: Klara Johannesen

Attracting a new kind of traveller

Although the Faroe Islands are, today, connected to several European cities by direct flights, it is still one of the world’s most remote and isolated modern societies. This fact has made it a bucket list item for travellers seeking raw nature and authentic culture. “Our landscape is so unspoiled; nature is everywhere, and you cannot get more than five kilometres away from the sea, and that is what attracts people – the nature, the rocky landscape, and the isolation,” explains Dali. “But many are also very taken by the art and culture they meet – we have so many talented artists and musicians that have received recognition all over the world – I think it’s because the Faroe Islands is such an inspiring place to be.”

Drawings of the front office area at Hotel Vágar.

Perhaps this is the reason that the islands have attracted a new kind of traveller. Increasingly businesses are choosing the destination for inspirational meetings and incentives. With nature right outside the meeting venues and accommodation, incorporating its uplifting effect into activities could not be easier. Indeed, Vágar has the perfect setting to elevate motivation and inspiration, with some of the Faroe Islands’ most popular attractions and hikes, such as Múlafossur waterfall, Trælanípa, Drangarnir and Trøllkonufingur, on the island.

Moreover, the island of Vágar hosts a number of interesting businesses and institutions, among those are Hiddenfjord, the only 100 per cent Faroese salmon farming company on the Faroe Islands, The Faroese Maritime Authority, and the national flag carrier of the Faroe Islands, Atlantic Airways. In 2024, Atlantic Airways Aviation Academy will welcome its first students to train in its brand-new helicopter simulator. This is only a fraction of the corporations that are of interest for business travellers, and ideal for company visits.

A unique venue for business events

With the brand-new airport hotel, Hotel Vágar, opening in February, unique meeting venues, and an experienced meetovator company on Vágar, the island is the perfect location, as it contains most of what the country can offer. “Our local meetovators, Make Travel, tailor-makes programmes for businesses. They can help organise meetings, book venues, and accommodation, and arrange activities such as boat trips with Blue Gate to sail out to Drangarnir as an energizer in complete isolation” says Dali. “They can also help book one of our unique meeting venues, we have a 100-year-old warehouse ´Úti á Gjógv’ and ‘Fjósið’ a barn that have both been turned into unique venues – it is nothing like your standard conference facility.”

However, whether you are visiting for business, or pleasure, exploring the captivating landscape of the two islands is a must. Fishing trips and hikes are among the most popular activities as is, of course, a visit to Mykines, the home of the notoriously enchanting puffin. Most of all, however, it is a requirement to pause, breathe in, and open your mind to the all-encompassing experience that is the Faroe Islands.

The old bacalao warehouse Úti á Gjógv transformed into a modern venue. Photo: Súsanna Smith

Web: www.visitvagar.fo
Facebook: VisitVágar
Instagram: @visitvagar Facts:

Located in the midst of the North Atlantic Ocean, centred between Iceland, Norway and Scotland, the Faroe Islands has a population of approximately 54.000 residents.

Located a 45-minute drive from Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, Vágar and Mykines are the most visited of the nation’s 18 islands.

There are six villages on the island of Vágar. Sørvágur and Miðvágur are the largest with around 1100 inhabitants each. Gásadalur is the smallest settlement with only 13 inhabitants.

Mykines has a population of nine permanent residents, but during summer time the Mykines Village grows significantly. Due to its status as a Ramsar area only a limited number of visitors are allowed.