Tindhólmur Sea Stack, Vágar Cliffs, Faroe Islands

Staggering crags

Sitting in the cold North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are certainly off the beaten path. Indeed, their surreal and colossal landscapes possess a transcendent, dreamlike quality. One of the best places to experience the Faroes' staggering sense of wonder is a spot just off the coast of Vágar, one of the archipelago's 18 islands. The islet of Tindhólmur is indeed spectacular, even by the Faroe's high standards: Its shape appears sculpted by a giant cleaver and it boasts not one, but five serrated peaks. The island is uninhabited and privately owned, so visitors need permission, a hired guide, and a sturdy boat to reach this otherworldly locale.