Eating My Way Through Faroe Islands’ Salmon Festival-Bryggjulaksur

If you’re anything like me, your travel itinerary is basically a list of must-try foods around the globe. Because really, what better way to savor a new culture than through its cuisine?
Food is that magical medium that lets us savor local culture, tradition, climate, and those oh-so-essential human interactions. But here’s a twist I didn’t see coming. The salmon festival in the Faroes…or the culinary festival. Or…1001 ways to eat salmon. For free.

Food in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, far from being culinary titans(they might not have culinary fame like Italy or France),they boast some of the freshest seafood on the planet, particularly salmon. Alongside Chile, they’re leading the charge in farm-raised salmon excellence.

What’s Bryggjulaksur culinary fesival?

The Bryggjulaksur festival is a sensory overload of everything salmonThe catch? It’s all free. Yes, free gourmet salmon dishes prepared by local Faroese chefs. Over 20 booths featuring every possible way of making salmon. You wach the chefs make it. You sample it right there.

I mean, how many ways can you jazz up a piece of fish?We’re talking smoked salmon, salmon soup, salmon ice cream (yep, you read that right), salmon mousses, and countless sashimi variations. Marinated? You bet.

A festival full of deliciousness, open to anyone and everyone. It’s a community gathering, a giant potluck where everyone is welcome, all on the government’s tab. The atmosphere? Electrifying. Picture locals mingling, sipping on complimentary teas and coffees, and a live band.

Bryggjulaksur: The Atmosphere

The Faroe Islands aren’t exactly teeming with tourists, which lends the festival a cozy, local feel. I spotted about five tourists in total! The atmosphere was amazing—locals coming together, socializing, sampling salmon. It was very civilized and pleasant. Drinks—sodas, juices, teas, and coffee—were also provided free. And in the evening, there’s a band. 

What’s so Special About Faroe Islands Salmon?

I love to cook, and I know a few things about flavors. I’ve often found salmon to be a bit blah. But when I first tried salmon ceviche in Chile, I was blown away—”Oh, this is how salmon is supposed to taste?!” It had nothing to do with any salmon I’d tried before. The Faroe Islands are one of the world’s top destinations for farm-raised salmon. We even got to see how they raise salmon on the farms there. It’s all about the climate and water temperature—around 8 degrees Celsius year-round, perfect for farm-raising salmon.

You won’t find fresh salmon in stores on Faroe islands…

I found it curious that we couldn’t find fresh salmon in the stores there. In one of the salmon capitals of the world, you’dexpect it to be everywhere, right? Turns out, they freeze it immediately. Even the smoked salmon, which in the US comes vacuum-sealed and ready to eat, is frozen in the Faroes. And that “frozen” smoked salmon? Absolutely divine.

Salmon should swim, not fly

Salmon boxes with a phrase: You’ll often see a phrase like, “Salmon should swim, not fly.” They mean it literally.

I left Bryggjulaksur not just with a happy belly but with a newfound appreciation for the art of salmon preparation. If you get the chance, don’t miss it. Food has this incredible ability to bring us together, crossing boundaries and cultures.