Where are the Faroe Islands? History of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a small territory within Denmark located in the North Sea. Faroese means sheep and is so called because until the 19th century the main occupation of the islanders was raising sheep. They were sheared en masse and the wool was sent for export to the metropolis. That is, Denmark. During the colonization of Iceland, Greenland and North America by the Vikings, these islands were a necessary intermediate base where the longships of settlers and traders entered.

Faroe Islands from satellite

The language of the islanders, of whom there are about 50 thousand people, dates back to Old Norse and differs from Danish approximately as Russian differs from Ukrainian. Residents of the Sheep Islands sincerely believe that their basalt volcanic homeland is the remains of the sunken Atlantis. This encourages the population to actively dive in the surrounding waters, although the cold, harsh ocean conditions are little conducive to this. As soon as someone finds a flat stone at the bottom, joyful excitement grows. Yep, they found Atlantis. However, geologists debunk it over and over again, wearily explaining that these are pieces of basalt and nothing more.

Sheep wool continues to be mined on the islands. There are 80 thousand sheep for 50 thousand people, but, of course, this is not the main income of this region. The Faroe Islands have an impressive fishing and merchant fleet; accordingly, they actively fish in the surrounding waters, and also trade fishing licenses. Many more foreign companies register offshore companies here. And in general, the islands have a very impressive income. 45 thousand dollars per capita.

An area undeservedly forgotten by Russian tourists, characterized by a harsh climate, is located at the very edge of the world, but vacationers who have been here admit that for the sake of amazing scenery it is worth dropping everything and going on an exciting journey.

A corner lost on the edge of the earth

However, not every person will show where the Faroe Islands are located on the world map. Even though they are part of Europe, most people won't find them on the globe. Such remoteness from civilization benefited the place, lost in the Atlantic Ocean, which has preserved its pristine nature and originality.

Finding the Faroe Islands on a world map is quite difficult, especially for those who have never heard anything about them. Located between Iceland and Great Britain, they are in the North Atlantic. Officially belonging to Denmark, the Faroe Islands are a small state with an area of ​​1,399 km2. The archipelago consists of 34 municipalities, and the islands are home to more than 100 towns and villages.

Green oasis on our planet

Repeatedly, the Faeroe Islands, which have virtually no trees, have been recognized as the cleanest on the planet. Emerald meadows and a unique landscape attract not only brave tourists, but also photographers who capture the amazing beauty that just begs to be featured on magazine covers.

The archipelago, recognized as the most picturesque in the North Atlantic, is a rocky area. The steep banks are steep and very high, but it is the numerous hills that attract travelers and collectors who photograph unusual landscapes.

Descendants of the Vikings

It is known that the first settlements appeared in the territory where the Faroe Islands are now located in the 8th century. Initially, the Scots lived here, but they soon left the region due to raids by Old Scandinavian warriors. For many centuries, the area served as a transit point for the Vikings, who considered that this region was very suitable for them and took root here. The modern inhabitants of the Sheep Islands (and this is how the name of the archipelago is translated) are the descendants of glorious heroes who have inherited the will and strong character from their courageous ancestors. The Faroese cherish ancient traditions and lead a unique way of life. They are even proud of their old-fashionedness: instead of lawnmowers, they have sheep, and the men cover the roofs of their houses with turf with green grass.

The population of the Faroe Islands is almost 49 thousand people. These are people who have maintained a good relationship with nature and care about it.

Whose archipelago?

In the 19th century, the lost corner for which Denmark and Norway fought became Danish. After World War II, the islands wanted to gain independence, but the government of the southernmost Scandinavian country granted them partial sovereignty.

So who owns the Faroe Islands? No researcher will give a definite answer to this question. Formally, the Queen of Denmark is considered the head of the archipelago, but all processes taking place on the islands are led by the High Commissioner. In terms of international law, the Faroe Islands are not an independent entity. The local parliament (Løgting) consists of 33 deputies who are vested with special powers. Representatives of six political parties decided not to join the European Union.

The Kingdom of Denmark, in whose parliament two representatives from the archipelago sit, helps the islands financially, resolves issues of justice and defense, and the Faroese government independently deals with issues of public policy, except for foreign ones. To this day there is talk of gaining independence from Denmark.

Climate and weather

As noted earlier, not every person accustomed to comfortable holiday conditions can withstand the harsh nature of an exotic place. The weather in the Faroe Islands will not be to everyone's liking. The sun rarely shines here, it often rains heavily, but even in clear weather strong winds blow. Maximum precipitation falls between September and January, but snow is a very rare occurrence in the archipelago.

In summer, the temperature does not rise above 17 o C, and lovers of the sun and warmth will be disappointed with their vacation. Therefore, for those who prefer to soak up the snow-white beaches, it is better to go to the Maldives or the Bahamas. The water around the islands does not warm up above 10 o C, and fashionable swimsuits and sunglasses are not useful here.

In winter, the cold reigns, which penetrates to the bones due to high humidity, so at this time tourists do not visit the archipelago, where the weather changes so often.

Administrative center of the islands

Tórshavn, the main port of the archipelago, is the capital of the Faroe Islands, home to about 20 thousand inhabitants. Without visiting her, acquaintance with this amazing region will be incomplete. The Old Town is considered the most interesting place, and tourists admire the pretty colorful houses that transport you into a real fairy tale.

The administrative center, founded in the 10th century, is located on the island of Streymoy, and here you need to stay at least for a few days. Art galleries, a historical museum, cozy cafes and restaurants, fashion stores - all this will allow you to experience the amazing flavor of the capital of the Faroe Islands.

The luxurious and tall Fossa waterfall is recognized as the most beautiful miraculous landmark of Tórshavn.

A unique lake on the edge of an abyss

The main attraction of this lost corner is considered to be its virgin nature, which is perfectly preserved due to the harsh climate and remoteness from the civilization of the Faroe Islands (Denmark). High cliffs, emerald fields, endless ocean, gray mists and lacy clouds almost touching the ground leave no one indifferent. Even the most discerning travelers speak with admiration of the landscapes of this wonderful region.

Vagar Island attracts the attention of tourists with an amazing body of water, the beauty of which defies description. Located on a stone platform, it seems to float in the air without falling off the edge of a high cliff. Hanging Lake Sorvagsvatn (Faroe Islands), located above sea level, is a sight that is difficult to forget. Travelers who admire a natural monument only in photographs often think that this is a professional photomontage, and in fact the body of water lies on different planes with the Atlantic Ocean. And only after visiting the attractive region do many understand the uniqueness of this masterpiece.

The clear waters of the lake flow into the ocean through a waterfall hidden in the rocks with the unpronounceable name Bossdalsfossur.

Local Attractions

The Faroe Islands consist of 18 islands, one of which is completely uninhabited. There are no people living on Tindholmur, although scientists suggest that many centuries ago they did live here.

Streymoy Island, which is the largest, is loved by all fishing enthusiasts.

Nolsoy is famous for its huge number of seals.

Sandoy delights tourists with its luxurious landscape: there are beautiful sand dunes here.

Fugloy, whose name translates as “bird island,” is indeed a favorite of birds. Various representatives of birds settle on high cliffs.

Mycines Island is famous for the fact that only 13 people live on it. This is the quietest corner you can only dream of.

Esture is a picturesque place connected by a bridge to the island of Streymoy. Deep fjords create an unforgettable landscape. Mount Slattaratindur rises here with a height of about 900 meters.

On Rinkusteinar, the main natural attraction is two huge stones rocking on the waves. Local residents believe that the boulders are Viking longships, and that once upon a time an evil sorceress turned warships into boulders.

Kalsoy is an island whose coastline consists of rocky cliffs. All settlements here are connected by numerous underground tunnels. To the north is the famous Katlur Lighthouse.

Historical monuments

Munkastovan Monastery is the oldest architectural monument of the Faroe Islands. The landmark survived a terrible fire that raged in the city in the 17th century. Munskastovan survived only thanks to the stonework.

Local residents call the historical fortress Skansin the most peaceful on our planet. The defensive structure protected against pirate attacks, and now delights tourists with an excellent panorama that opens from the observation deck.

Diving and fishing

Divers flock here to explore the underwater world. Where the Faroe Islands are located, there are several dozen dive points, as well as the only diving center, and even beginners can test their strength here.

Fishing is a real passion of the indigenous population, and many tourists head to the water in the company of locals who offer valuable advice. This is an unforgettable experience and a unique opportunity to see magnificent landscapes. You can go out to sea on a fishing boat and cast a fishing rod where you can never reach from the shore. This is a real adventure that remains in the memory forever.

What else can tourists do?

You can go on a boat tour of the caves and attend a concert of local musicians in the underground kingdom.

Extreme sports enthusiasts who want to tickle their nerves choose scuba diving or kayaking.

Where the Faroe Islands are located, hiking trails are very popular. However, be careful, because in dense fogs you can get lost, falling behind the group, or fall off a steep cliff. There is even an old legend that says that lonely travelers are thrown off the cliff by the so-called hidden inhabitants - huldufolk. Mystical creatures in gray clothes that merge with the stones live in the rocks and are unkindly disposed towards the lost.

In summer, a large number of tourists come to the islands to watch the colorful event and take part in it. At the end of July, the cheerful Olafsöka festival takes place, coinciding with the archipelago's national holiday. Residents dressed in beautiful costumes take to the streets of Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), musicians give concerts, and there is a cheerful atmosphere everywhere.

Heaven's Gate of the Archipelago

In the 60s of the last century, the archipelago was occupied by Britain, and the airport built on the Faroe Islands was used for military purposes. For more than 40 years, the spacious building stood abandoned, and only at the beginning of this century it was modernized: the capacity of the heavenly gates is now 400 thousand passengers per year.

Located a few kilometers from the village of Sorvagur, on the island of Vágar (Voar), the airport operates both domestic and charter flights to Europe. In addition, it is connected by helicopter to the entire archipelago.

The building has a waiting room, a medical room, luggage storage, several cafes, and a duty-free shop. You can also rent a car here.

Faroe Islands: how to get there?

Russian tourists dreaming of enjoying the delightful landscapes of untouched nature should know that there are no direct flights from Moscow to the archipelago. First you will have to fly with a transfer to Norway or Denmark, and only then get to the islands’ only airport. Despite the remoteness, it is very easy to get to the Faroe Islands from the megacities of Northern Europe: the flight takes only two hours. And there is a ferry between the islands, the services of which you can use, and a helicopter will help you get to the most remote places.

To visit the Faroe Islands, which is an autonomous region, Russians require a special island visa (Schengen is not suitable). Despite the fact that the exotic place officially belongs to Denmark, the islands live by their own laws. To ensure that your trip is not overshadowed by anything, you will have to take care of a visa in advance. Its processing is handled by authorized visa centers in Moscow, Vladivostok, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Samara and other large cities. The consular fee is approximately 1,500 rubles, but depending on the exchange rate of the Danish krone, its cost may increase. The visa processing period ranges from eight days to two months. If you use the services of a travel agency, its employees will prepare all the documents themselves.

Where to stay?

The Faroe Islands, where time flies unnoticed, provide tourists with comfortable conditions for relaxation. You can stay in three-star hotels offering comfortable rooms, or choose more budget options in hostels and guest houses. Those who like to live in tents will be able to settle in special campsites, but they will have to remove all garbage before leaving. In addition, there are convenient accommodation options for those who come for several days: bed and breakfast hotels.

Those who are planning to travel on their own should book rooms 2-3 months in advance. Prices depend on the tourist season, as well as the time of year. But don’t forget about warm clothes and special shoes for walking in the mountains.

Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands- a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (Shetland Islands) and Iceland. They are an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since 1948, the Faroe Islands have independently resolved almost all state issues, with the exception of defense and foreign policy.

Geographical data

The capital and main port of the islands is the city of Tórshavn (population approximately 19,200 in 2005), located on the southeast coast of Streymoy. The second largest settlement in the Faroe Islands is Klaksvik (4,773 people).

The Faroe Islands archipelago consists of 18 islands, 17 of which are inhabited. Main islands: Streymoy, Esturoy, Suduroy, Vagar, Sandoy, Bordoy. The largest island is Streymoy (373.5 km²). The total area of ​​all islands is 1395.74 km².

Distance to Iceland - 450 km, to Norway - 675 km, to Copenhagen - 1117 km. The economic maritime zone off the coast of the Faroe Islands is 200 nautical miles.

Administratively, the Faroe Islands are divided into 34 municipalities. There are 120 towns and villages in the Faroe Islands.

The highest point of the islands is the peak of Slattaratindur on the island of Esturoy - 882 m above sea level. The Faroe Islands are dotted with numerous fjords and have an indented coastline. The islands, for the most part, are treeless due to constant strong winds, although there are plantations of strong conifers, maple and mountain ash.

Population of the Faroe Islands

Population: 47,511 (July 2007)

The main language is Faroese.

Age structure of the population:

0-14 years: 20.6% (males 4882/females 4904);

15-64 years old: 65.3% (men 16,353/women 14,668);

65 years and older: 14.1% (men 3041/women 3663);

Average age: 35 years. for men: 34.8 years. for women: 35.3 years.

Average life expectancy: 79.49 years. for men: 76.06 years. for women: 82.93 years.

Number of children per 1 woman: 2.15 children.

The active working population is 24,760 people.

Climate

The climate of the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime, with warm winters and cool, humid summers. The coldest month is January, temperature from 0°C to +4°C, the warmest month is July, temperature from +11°C to +17°C. The annual precipitation is 1600-2000 mm, precipitation (mainly in the form of rain) occurs approximately 280 days a year, most of it falls from September to January, fog is frequent.

Thanks to the tropical Gulf Stream, the water around the islands has a temperature of about +10°C all year round, which softens climatic conditions and provides ideal conditions for the life of fish and plankton.

Flora of the Faroe Islands

The islands, for the most part, are treeless due to constant strong winds, although conifers, maple, and mountain ash are sometimes found. Mosses and lichens are widespread.

Vegetation mainly consists of meadows, peat bogs and heathland.

On the Faroe Islands, the climate is similar to the south of South America and Tierra del Fuego, from there several species of Nothophagus (Antarctic, birch) and Maytenus Magellanicus were introduced.

Fauna of the Faroe Islands

The fauna of the Faroe Islands is quite diverse. Of primary interest are the colonies of Arctic birds and the waters rich in fish (herring, halibut, cod) and sea animals that wash the Faroe Islands. The island is also home to the Faroese breed of sheep.

Colonies of guillemots settle on the Faroese cliffs.

There are harp seal rookeries on the Faroe Islands.

The science

The Faroes have their own university in Tórshavn, as well as the Faroese Academy of Sciences.

The University of Faroe was created in 1965 on the basis of the Faroese Scientific Society (1952) and includes three faculties: Faroese Language and Literature, Science and Technology, History and Social Sciences. The university prepares masters and bachelors of science. There are only 142 students studying at the university. The university budget is DKK 19 million per year.

The most famous representatives of the Faroese scientific world were:

• Niels Ryberg-Finsen(Niels Ryberg Finsen) - an outstanding physiologist and physician, Nobel Prize laureate;
• Wenceslaus-Ulrik Hammersheimb(Venceslaus Ulricus Hammershaimb) - famous philologist, creator of the modern orthography of the Faroese language;
• Suymun av Skyari(Símun av Skarði) - Faroese teacher, founder of the Faroese Folk School;
• Jens-Christian Svabo(Jens Christian Svabo) - Faroese linguist and ethnographer.

Currently, active geological exploration is being carried out on the North Sea shelf. The subject of research by Faroese and foreign scientists is the Faroese ecosystem, as well as certain species of animals and plants in this region.

National holidays

• January 1 New Year
• movable date in March - April Maundy Thursday
• movable date in March - April Good Friday
• movable date in March - April Clean Monday
• April 25 National Flag Day (Flaggdagur, working only in the first half of the day)
• moving date in April-May - Fourth week of Easter
• moving date in May - Ascension
• moving date in May - Trinity
• moving date in May - Spiritual Day
• June 5th Danish Constitution Day (working only in the first half of the day)
• July 28 St. Olav's Eve (working only in the first half of the day)
• July 29 St. Olav's Day (Ólavsøkudagur) - National Day of the Faroe Islands
• December 24 Christmas Eve
• December 25th Christmas
• December 26th Day of Gift Offering
• December 31st New Year's Eve

The Faroe Islands have many natural attractions that every traveler should see. Here are the most interesting of them.

The Faroe Islands are not the most popular tourist destination. This land is sometimes also called “the end of the world”, because not every person is able to find the Faroe Islands on the map. But the Faroe Archipelago can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful places on our planet. There are excellent conditions for hiking here. And the landscapes are striking in their diversity: from rocky cliffs to heather-covered heaths; from waterfalls with crystal clear waters to snow-capped mountain peaks.

Faroe Islands - attractions

We have found 6 places and points of attraction, which will definitely be enough for your first visit to see the most interesting places in the Faroe Islands. And get your own impression of the grandeur and beauty of the archipelago, located in the ocean - somewhere halfway from Denmark to. By the way, the Faroe Islands and all their natural attractions are under the jurisdiction of Denmark.

1. Tindholmur Island

It is a small island located between the larger islands of Vagar and Micenes. It is interesting because it has a pointed mountain peak that occupies almost the entire area of ​​Tindholmur. A stunning view of this small piece of land opens from the settlement of Bour, which is located on the neighboring island. But the best way to view Tindholmur is from a helicopter or ferry. You can visit the island itself, but excursions to Tindihölmur are only available in the summer.

The pointed peak of the island of Tindhölmur - the symbol of the Faroe Islands

2. Gasadalur village

It is located next to Vagar airport. This is one of the most popular and interesting places in the Faroe Islands. Despite this, you will never meet more than three people here. The small houses of this village are located on the top of a cliff next to a waterfall, the waters of which fall directly into the ocean. This place will seem like a paradise for introverts and people who love silence and solitude.

Coast of the village of Gasadalur on the island of Vágar (Faroe Islands)

3. Lake Sørvågsvatn

It is impossible not to pay attention to another attraction of the Faroe Islands, also located in close proximity to Vagar Airport. Tourists can see this lake even during landing. Local residents also gave Sørvågsvatn another name - “hanging lake”. This is due to the fact that the lake is located almost above the ocean. And if you look at it from a certain angle, it creates the illusion that the lake is hanging above the ocean surface.

Lake Sørvågsvatn is one of the most interesting places in the Faroe Islands

4. Chednuvuk village

A small village located on the territory of the island of Streymoy. The village is located in a beautiful harbor, which is surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks. Here you can see another attraction of the Faroe archipelago - two sea cliffs, the name of which, translated into Russian, sounds like “The Giant and the Witch”. Against the backdrop of the mountains, these stones may seem just tiny, but if you get closer to them, you will find that their height reaches 70 meters! Now think about how high the neighboring rocks then reach.

On the way to this beautiful village you can also see the Fossa waterfall, which is the largest in the Faroe Islands.

What else to see in the Faroe Islands? Island life, in the village of Chednuvuk!

5. Fugloy Island

This is a place where you can experience and understand what Faroese life is like. The streets here are usually deserted. You can meet local residents only at those moments when the ferry approaches the pier, and almost the entire village comes out to meet it. The rest of the time, loneliness and tranquility reign here. It may seem that the surrounding houses are empty, and you are the only person on this earth. But this does not cause a feeling of fear, only peace and melancholy.

6. Mycines Island

Like other attractions of the Faroe Islands, it can be called a real pearl of the archipelago. In the summer, photographers and simply nature lovers from all over the world flock here. Firstly, the island is attractive with its beautiful scenery. Numerous paths lead directly to high rocks and mountain cliffs. For many, this is already enough to visit the Faroe Islands. But there is another reason.

There are huge colonies of birds here. The most attractive of them are puffins, which absolutely everyone loves. There are so many of them here that nests can be seen at every step.

Bird colonies on Mycines Island - is it possible to pass by such beauty?

Another attraction of the island is a very old lighthouse (see on the cover of the article), which was built a hundred years ago. Actually, the lighthouse is located on the island of Mychinesholm, but nowadays a bridge has been built between it and the main island. Before the lighthouse was automated, a keeper and his family lived in it. Now create a picture of their life in your imagination. They were cut off from the rest of the world, and only ships brought them food and news from the mainland.

Stories like this add a little magic to places like this...

Where to stay in the Faroe Islands

So, where is the best place to book a hotel to make it convenient to go on excursions, visit and photograph the sights of Faroe Islands? Oddly enough, the most convenient place is in the capital - from there you can buy tickets for ferries in all directions. Therefore, all the hotels that we have selected for you are located in Tórshavn:

• Hotel Føroyar 4*. A designer hotel designed by the Danish bureau Friis & Moltke in an incredibly picturesque location - on the shores of the Faroe fjord. Beautifully decorated modern rooms, Koks restaurant serving national cuisine, various lounge areas. The center of Tórshavn is 2 km from here. But each room has a view of Nolsoy Bay.

  

  Four-star hotels in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands - Hotel Føroyar

• Hotel Havn. Modern inexpensive hotel in the area of ​​​​the picturesque bay - the main harbor of Tórshavn. It’s a 20-minute walk from here to the center—scenic walks—even early in the morning, even under the moon—are guaranteed to you. But next to Hotel Havn There is also a public transport stop.

  

  Inexpensive but high-quality hotel in the Faroe Islands - Hotel Havn

• Hotel Hafnia 4*. The coolest four star hotel we have found. The price is not bad, and the location on the main street of Tórshavn is hard to imagine better! The rooms are very comfortable with all imaginable amenities and bells and whistles. I was pleased with the restaurant where you will have breakfast - the view of the harbor is simply superb.

  

• The Atlantic Swan. Apartments in Tórshavn for a company of 6 people (3 bedrooms). There is a common room, a kitchen, and parking spaces. This is a great option if you can book it. These apartments are in demand and have a rating of 9.8 out of 10 on booking.com. It's worth hurrying!

  

  Independent apartments in the Faroe Islands

Video: the most interesting places in Faroe

Video journey from Alex Stead to the most famous attractions of the Faroe Islands.

As a summary

The Faroe Islands are a whole world away from civilization. Her crazy pace of life. Here you are surrounded only by high mountains, vast open spaces and the ocean. Nothing is holding you back: neither city high-rises, nor traffic lights, nor traffic. You can go where your heart wants. This is why people in the Faroe Islands have a kind and big heart, because this is what helps them live in these wild places, surrounded only by rocks and a raging ocean.

• and routes

The Faroe Islands are an autonomous region and are an island group in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between and Scotland. Legally they belong, but since the second half of the 20th century they have been independent, transferring powers only in terms of defense, foreign policy, police and justice. Area 1,395 sq. km, population about 51 thousand people, capital Tórshavn.

The Faroe Islands are an island group 400 km north of Scotland and 420 km southeast of Iceland. There are a total of 18 islands in the archipelago, 17 of which are inhabited. The largest island is Streymoy (373.5 sq. km).

The economic zone from the coast is 200 nautical miles. The highest point of the island group of volcanic origin is the peak of Slattaratindur (Esturoy Island), whose height is 882 m. The coasts of the islands are rugged and consist of numerous fjords. The islands have constant strong winds, so there are no forests here, although there are plantations of coniferous trees, ash and maple.

The climate on the islands is temperate maritime - winter and summer are cool and humid. In the coldest January the temperature is around zero, in warm July - up to +17 °C. Precipitation, mainly rain, falls up to 2,000 mm per year. Thanks to the warm current, the temperature of coastal waters stays at +10 °C all year round, providing conditions for the life of numerous species of fish and plankton.