Several months ago, one of our intrepid travelers asked if we could design a few days for them in the Faroe Islands – hopscotching from captivating Copenhagen. The dramatic windswept islands have recently appeared in numerous travel articles. National Geographic, in a poll of well-known travel experts, rated the islands number one among a group of 111 different islands.

We accepted this request with great glee, partly focused on the famous knitted mitten pattern our client had discovered. Mittens and almost anything associated with wool from their abundant flocks of sheep, the Faroese have a multitude of phrases to describe sheep wool. We found a local knitter to specially knit the charming cat face pattern on comfy mittens for our client and her daughter. With a diet of mostly mutton, the locals have created a myriad of methods of preparing, and drying the meat and then using the skins for rugs, furnishings and clothing.

Situated in the heart of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands lie northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway. The word Faroe is derived from two Faroese words which describe ‘sheep’ and ‘islands’.

The Islands have 700 miles of rugged coastline; the ocean and the wind dominate weather. No matter where you explore, you are never more than three miles from the sea. Generations of families live on the islands, the total population is 48,000 and the capital Torshavn has 16,000 residents. Sparse villages dot the islands, many with colorfully painted buildings. The Faroese are of Scandinavian origin, descendants of Vikings who came from Norway.

Fresh fish is the main industry, wild sheep, small villages, and exotic beautiful birds are the main attractions besides the sometimes ferocious seas and breath taking windswept cliffs. The remoteness is a magnet for migratory birds soaring over the North Atlantic. Close to 300 species have been recorded, among the birds is the Puffin, which are not at all shy.

A sampling of some of the activities we organized. The terrain is well suited to hiking and mountain biking; one can meander for hours on beautiful trails. Our bike guide shares the best routes guaranteeing phenomenal views of jaw dropping cliffs and stunning waterfalls.

One morning, driver and guide whisked the couple from the hotel to the airport for a magical journey to the islands of Vagar and Mykines. A short helicopter flight traveling with the locals to Mykines, where our guide met them and escorted them to a humble summer home for the night.

There are no cars on this island; you walk a few steps into the quaint village of Mykines towards the little summerhouse where they spent the night. Enjoy lunch at the guide’s home and head out to hike the trail towards the heart of Puffin paradise. Following lunch, walk on the trails of the adorable birds and get up close & personal with them and hopefully also catch a glimpse of the Gannet birds, known as the King of the Faroese birds, who only breed on Mykineseholm.After an enchanting excursion, continue hiking down and around the mountain to a small bridge that crosses the Atlantic Ocean and uphill towards the lighthouse; one of the most beautiful lighthouses on all of the islands. Take a seat and soak up the unbelievable panoramic views.

Hike back down and up the mountain with our guide back to the village and relax in the perfectly humble summerhouse for the evening. Later enjoy a traditional Faroese dinner at the home of our local guide. Take a charming hike around the island and make your way back to the summerhouse retreat for the evening, just you and the glorious birds!

Enjoy one last hike at dawn and then depart by helicopter back to Tórshavn Føroyar. On arrival, head to the local fishing village, Vestmanna, to experience a stimulating day out at sea, with a local well-known fisherman and seaman, a layer of local life. Of course the boat is beautifully built in the old Faroese style.

Sail the seas with spectacular vistas of the majestic Vestmanna Sea and the numerous rocky bird cliffs. A water perspective affords the most scenic view of nature at its purest, spotting phenomenal sea bird colonies and exploring the rugged coastline of carved rocks and cliffs.

You need hard hats to sail into deep grottoes and secretive caves and marvel at the wonders of these towering cliffs. Peer for the sheep, grazing on the steep cliffs at a near 90-degree angle, well nearly.

Return back to shore where you will be welcomed to the home of the fisherman and together you prepare, cook and eat your catch of the day – all done the traditional Faroese way.

A late afternoon visit to picturesque Torshavn and the Nordic House, for a musical concert by local Faroese musicians, traditional summer experience. Don’t miss a beer tasting at Okkara, a local brewery that brews traditional Faroe Island beer. Long hours of summer light lend to late evenings, pop in to meet locals and view the art at Arts Gallery.

Make your way back to the hotel and enjoy an evening of Nordic culinary genius at Chef Leif Sørensen’s well-respected restaurant KOKS, one of the top 5 restaurants in Denmark. Enjoy exquisitely fine Nordic cuisine with the best Faroese ingredients.

One more day of mountain bike riding or hiking and return home, or as this couple did, fly to Copenhagen for more fine dining, music, cooking classes, strolling and boating among the waterways.

Long bright summer nights seem endless in this part of the world.