The most jaw-dropping Instagrammable places you need to visit in the Faroe Islands

Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Iceland, this self-governed Danish bundle of 18 major pieces of land amid a total of almost 800 islands, islets, and skerries, the Faroe Islands are undoubtedly one of the most Instagram-worthy places on Earth.

Related: The Faroe Islands are an untouched hiking paradise

From majestic awe-inspiring waterfalls and beautiful hiking treks to historic villages – here's your guide to capturing some unforgettable moments and snaps.

This 60 metre-high waterfall, located just a few minutes away from the village of Gásadalur, falls from a cliff in a small stream directly into the Atlantic Ocean with an incredible backdrop, surrounded by scenery of cliffs and open water. It's one of the most famous attractions in the Faroe Islands and easily accessible thanks to a tunnel that connects the other islands to the tiny village and its surrounding area.

The largest lake in the Faroe Islands, Sørvágsvatn is situated on the edge of a cliff very close to the ocean, but with a height difference of about 40 metres, creating an optical illusion that makes it look like the lake is floating. When you arrive (it is located about 45 minutes by car from the capital Tórshavn), make sure to hike up to the clifftop. From here, you can see the lake’s outlet into the Atlantic, the waterfall Bøsdalafossur, and enjoy the awe-inspiring view over the shores of the Atlantic.

Well-known for its puffin population and colourful fauna, car-free Mykines, the westernmost of the 18 main islands, is the perfect place for a day trip. To get there take a boat from Sørvágur on the neighboring island of Vágar, but the sea conditions can be challenging so make sure to book your visit early on in your trip in case you have to reschedule. Though Mykines welcomes around 20.000 visitors each year between May and August, the island is home to less than 20 permanent residents, well, human residents that is.

Be sure to hike up to the famous lighthouse, which takes around two hours, but is a picturesque spot perched atop the cliff, and meander between the unique and quaint turf-roofed houses. And of course to spend some time with all the little puffins you will see dotted en route.

This serene, remote village with traditional turf-roofed medieval houses and green hills is another absolute must to capture on the grid during your visit. Saksun is situated right above a stunning lagoon with a backdrop of steep mountains and waterfalls, just the place to grab your phone and make a lasting memory. The lagoon was once a fjord and natural harbour, but was blocked off with sand due to a heavy storm. When the tide is low, it allows for a walk along the shore from the lagoon to the beachfront for a visit to the tiny village where you can find a little museum as well as an ancient church. With just 11 people living on Saksun this is the perfect opportunity to really get away from it all and embrace the silence.

Two of the most famous islet formations on the Faroe Islands are Stóri Drangur and Lítli Drangur (which translate to large and small sea stack), collectively called the Drangarnir – two sea stacks between Tindhólmur and Vágar. This is a must-visit during any trip to the Faroe Islands and snapping a photo of the spectacular hole that Stóri Drangur forms is practically mandatory. The islet Tindhólmur has five intriguing rock formations and spiky peaks, the highest point being around 260 metres. A truly rugged and unforgettable landscape.

This village on Streymoy is home to one of the oldest (if not the oldest) inhabited wooden houses in the world, a farmhouse that dates back to the 11th century. The house (known as “Yard of Kirkjubøur”, meaning ”King’s Farm”) is the largest farm on the Faroe Islands and legend says it is built out of driftwood from Norway that was accurately bundled and numbered, ready to be set up. Whilst you are there, any history aficionados will be pleased to discover the ruins of St Magnus Cathedral which dates all the way back to around 1300, along with St Olav's Church from 1111 and a runestone thought to be from the Viking Age in the village – undoubtedly providing you with photo opps abound.

Another iconic and must-visit piece of natural scenery to capture and keep is Fossá. Cascading 140 metres down to the ocean, this eye-wateringly beautiful spot – located near the village of Haldarsvik on Streymoy, a 45 minutes drive from Tórshavn – is the tallest waterfall on the Faroe Islands and makes for a superb hike. Soak up the epic views of this majestic double-tiered natural wonder contrasted against the dark basalt wall behind – and make sure you get right up close to it and feel the splash back in your face.