Discovering the Faroe Islands’ Waterfalls — A Photographer’s Guide to Fossa and Múlafossur
If there’s one thing the Faroe Islands excel at, it’s jaw-dropping waterfalls. They’re EVERYWHERE! Among the many waterfalls scattered across the islands, Fossa and Múlafossur stand out as must-visit locations for any photographer. Let me share with you why these two spots are so special and how you can capture them at their best.
Fossa Waterfall — The Tallest in the Faroe Islands
Located in northern Streymoy, Fossa is the tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands, cascading down 140 meters in two dramatic tiers. If this waterfall were anywhere else in the world, there’d be a car park, a restaurant, and definitely a gift shop. On the Faroe Islands however? Waterfalls are pretty common, so there’s pretty much just a lay-by to park a few cars and a picnic bench.
Fossa, Faroe Islands (edited with my Black Frost preset)
How to photograph Fossa
Best Time to Visit: Fossa is stunning in both sunny and rainy conditions, but overcast, rainy days add a dramatic flair that’s perfect for long exposure shots. If there’s been heavy rainfall on the previous day, it’ll be a lot more dramatic too!
Angles and Composition: You can capture both tiers of the waterfall by hiking to the first ridge, or use a drone to get a unique perspective. There’s also a decent viewing opportunity accross the fjord a little bit further back. But personally I like to get up close and personal. It’s such a powerful thing to witness up close, even if you can only see the first tier from the bottom. Try including people in your shots to help convey the scale of the falls.
Long Exposure: There’s a handy bridge at the bottom of the falls which makes a perfect spot to stick a tripod and take some long exposures. I can never be bothered lugging a tripod about, personally, but the stability of leaning on the bridge means I could get some handheld long exposures really easily too!
Practical Tips: take a microfibre cloth or ten to the Faroe Islands. You will likely get rain or waterfall drops on your lens. I like to sort of wipe, shoot, wipe, shoot, wipe, etc. When you’re not taking photos make sure to keep your lens pointing to the ground, and make sure your kit is weather sealed if you want to get close to the falls.
Múlafossur Waterfall — THE iconic view!
Múlafossur is located on the island of Vágar. It’s arguably the most famous waterfall in the Faroe Islands. I bet if you’ve been researching a trip to the Faroe Islands you will have seen plenty of photos from this spot.
It’s one of those locations that looks incredible in every condition—whether bathed in sunlight or shrouded in mist. I’ve been here many, many times, because it’s beautiful and there are also some Bonus Puffins there of an evening. Plenty of bang for buck!
It’s one of those places that will just look completely different as the weather changes. I could honestly stay and look at this spot for hours.
Photographing Múlafossur
Best Time to Visit: Like with Fossa, the weather plays a huge role. Sunny days offer brilliant contrast, while misty conditions give the scene a mystical quality. Late afternoon to evening is also great for puffin spotting nearby.
Composition Tips: Capture the waterfall with Tindhólmur (the spiky island) in the background for a classic Faroe Islands shot. The path leading to the viewpoint makes a great leading line in your composition.
Zoom in on the water: I managed to photograph a rainbow in the falls one time! So taking a longer lens can be really beneficial, even if you’re just there to shoot the landscape.
Wildlife Bonus: Keep an eye out for puffins! With the right timing, you can include them in your waterfall shots, adding a dynamic element to your photos.
So much more to see!
Both Fossa and Múlafossur offer incredible opportunities to capture the wild beauty of the Faroe Islands. Whether you’re after dramatic landscapes or the perfect waterfall shot, these locations won’t disappoint.
But there is so much more to see in the Faroe Islands! I’ve been on two long photography trips there now, and I’ve made a handy dandy guide that will teach you everything I’ve learned about this magical place.
The guide includes 48 pages of tips, the best photography spots, general holiday tips, and so much more. Check it out below and get planning your dream photography trip to the Faroe Islands!
