12 Epic Travel Destinations for Fans of Fantasy and Science Fiction

18. Faroe Islands: Misty Archipelago of Nordic Lore

The Faroe Islands—an emerald chain of 18 volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway—look like the setting of an ancient myth. With cliffs that plunge straight into churning seas, windswept plateaus blanketed in moss, and waterfalls that tumble directly into the ocean, this remote Nordic archipelago feels like a place suspended between worlds. Turf-roofed houses cling to the cliffs, and mist rolls endlessly over the peaks, veiling the land in an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow. These islands seem tailor-made for a fantasy saga. It’s easy to imagine shieldmaidens riding across the windswept plains or sea serpents surfacing from the crashing waves. The atmosphere has inspired many creatives, from Nordic poets to modern game developers looking to capture a sense of untouched mystery. Despite their isolation, the islands boast a rich cultural history steeped in Viking heritage and folklore, where tales of selkies—mythical seal-human shapeshifters—are still told by locals. Hike to the edge of Sørvágsvatn, where the lake appears to hover above the sea, or venture to the remote village of Gásadalur, where a waterfall plunges into the ocean below a cluster of solitary houses. The Faroe Islands don’t just evoke fantasy—they are fantasy made real, rugged and raw, whispering stories on every wind.