Day 6 - From Saksun to Trælanípan

The Faroe Islands never cease to amaze with their rugged beauty and ever-changing weather. Day 6 brought us to some of the most iconic spots on the islands, starting with Saksun and ending with the jaw-dropping views of Trælanípan (the Slave Cliff). Wind, rain, and muddy trails made the day challenging, but it also added a sense of adventure to every moment.

Morning at Saksun

We began the day with a drive to the isolated and picturesque village of Saksun. The journey itself was an experience, with winding roads leading us deep into the dramatic Faroese landscape. Nestled away from main roads and other villages, Saksun’s seclusion gives it a timeless charm.

The weather, however, was far from ideal. Wind and heavy rain showers had us darting in and out of the car to grab shots whenever the rain let up. Despite the difficulties, the moody skies and stormy atmosphere added incredible drama to our photos.

While photographing, we encountered another photography group led by an Irish guide now based in Scotland. Despite this being his fourth visit to the Faroe Islands, he remarked that this was the worst weather he’d ever experienced here—a true testament to the islands’ wild and unpredictable nature.

After an hour, we left Saksun and made our way toward the day’s primary goal: Trælanípan.

Pit Stops on the Way

Hósvík Boathouses

Our first stop was in Hósvík, where charming boathouses provided a picturesque scene. These traditional structures, surrounded by the moody landscape, made for some striking compositions.

Trøllkonufingur (Witch’s Finger)

Next, we stopped at the trailhead to the Trøllkonufingur, an iconic rock pillar on the island of Vágar. On the way, we captured a classic Faroese scene: a black-painted house in a grassy field, with the ocean and the island of Koltur as its backdrop. This quintessential shot perfectly encapsulates the Faroe Islands' rugged charm.

Reaching the Trøllkonufingur viewpoint was an adventure in itself. The fierce wind made standing upright a challenge, let alone setting up a tripod. Nevertheless, we managed to capture some incredible shots of the towering pillar and surrounding landscape.

Trælanípan: The Lake Above the Ocean

By midday, we reached the parking area for Trælanípan, a spot famed for its unique optical illusion of "the lake above the ocean." After Richard paid the entry fee, we began the 45-minute hike to the cliff’s edge.

The trail, though scenic, was muddy and slippery due to days of rain, making every step a careful calculation. Along the way, we were treated to stunning rainbows, their vivid colors slicing through the gray skies—a photographer’s dream.

Finally, we arrived at Trælanípan. The view was mesmerizing, with Sørvágsvatn lake appearing to float above the ocean thanks to the cliff’s sharp drop. The dramatic cliffs, roaring waves, and distant sea stacks created a scene that felt almost otherworldly.

While we photographed, a South Korean TV crew filming a travel documentary approached us. They conducted brief interviews: me as a local and Richard as a first-time visitor. Sharing our perspectives on the Faroe Islands was a unique and unexpected highlight of the day.

Bøstalafossur Waterfall

From Trælanípan, it was a short 10-minute hike to Bøstalafossur waterfall, a stunning cascade tumbling down a cliffside. The scene included an imposing sea stack and dramatic coastal cliffs, all amplified by the stormy weather.

We stayed at Bøstalafossur until after sunset, hoping for golden-hour magic, but the sunset colors eluded us once again. As darkness fell, we relied on our head torches to navigate the muddy trail back to the parking lot.

A French Hotdog and Home

Back at the car, tired but exhilarated, we made a quick stop at the nearest gas station for the obligatory French hotdog—a now-beloved tradition. Once home, we settled in for some well-deserved rest, spent the evening editing photos, and planned our next day of adventure.

Reflections on Day 6

Despite the relentless wind and rain, the day was a resounding success. From the timeless charm of Saksun to the iconic views at Trælanípan and Bøstalafossur, we experienced the Faroe Islands at their most dramatic. These challenges remind us why the Faroese landscape is so captivating—it’s raw, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Stay tuned for more as our journey through the Faroe Islands continues!