There are many different islands on the planet, some of them were previously the coastline of the mainland, some, due to their compactness, are called an archipelago for convenience. And there is nothing surprising in the fact that the larger islands, like Madagascar or Greenland, or the warm Hawaiian and Antilles islands, are better known. But few people know that the Faroe Islands exist in the world and that this is a European territory. Let's tell you more about them.

More about the islands

The Faroe Islands are gradually becoming overgrown with tourists, tired of crowded resorts and noisy, polluted cities. These are harsh, secluded and very Beautiful places, attracting even experienced and sophisticated travelers. The islands have been repeatedly recognized as the most unusual and cleanest on the planet for their local beauty. The archipelago is of volcanic origin and includes 18 islands, of which only one is uninhabited, with a total area of ​​1399 sq km. Main islands: Streymoy, Esturoy, Suduroy, Voar, Sandoy, Bordoy.

The Faroe Islands are part of the islands, but have autonomous governance, except in matters of defense and foreign policy. Discussion of these points requires the approval of the country's leadership. The capital of the archipelago is the city of Tórshavn. According to archaeological finds, the Faroe Islands have been inhabited since about the 9th century, and modern residents are real descendants of the ancient Vikings.

The autonomy is very dependent on the import of products and the quality of the transport network, but residents have been actively developing fishing and sheep farming for many centuries - these are two huge sources of income. Despite this bias in budget formation, the standard of living on the islands is very high compared to the rest of Europe.

Where are the Faroe Islands?

The little-known archipelago is located in the North Atlantic in the Norwegian Sea. The Faroe Islands lie roughly between Iceland and the Scottish Islands.

Weather in the Faroe Islands

The climate of the archipelago is directly related to the Gulf Stream, which is known to be warm. The islands are located in its very center, hence the constant off-season, which means about 280 rainy days a year. Time boundaries seem to be erased; there is no clear division into winter or summer. The climate is very mild: average summer temperatures are +11+17 degrees, and winter temperatures are from 0 to +4 degrees. The rainiest season lasts from September to January, after which comes the time of fog, when the archipelago is covered by a thick cap that practically does not let in the sun. Coastal waters are always the same temperature - +10 degrees, this has a positive effect on the development of fisheries.

Population Faroe Islands

The latest census showed that the Faroe Islands are home to about 48.5 thousand inhabitants, of which approximately 20 thousand live in the capital of the archipelago or its suburbs. Most residents of the autonomy in all areas communicate in the rare Faroese language - a mixture of Western Scandinavian dialects, but Danish is also considered the official language. The main religion is Lutheranism.

It is believed that about 98% of all residents are descendants of the first settlers.

Nature of the Faroe Islands

The local landscapes are simply fantastic: many waterfalls, lakes, gorges, fjords and silent cliffs. The islands and cliffs have a basalt base, as well as a classic glacial topography. Every photo taken here is a masterpiece. There are almost no trees on the islands; strong winds often rage here; only occasionally you can see maple, mountain ash or conifers. The islands are covered with peat bogs, meadows, and the snowy mountain peaks attract the eye. The most high mountain islands - Slattaratindur peak, located on the island of Esturoy: its height is 882 meters above sea level.

The Faroe Islands are home to real colonies of seabirds, seals, dolphins and even whales. Animals from afar happily pose and show themselves to tourists.

Faroe Islands - attractions and entertainment

The influx of tourists usually occurs in the calendar summer, when, by rights, there is the least rainfall. The most popular excursion program is sightseeing in the capital Tórshavn. The city itself is beautiful, the main part of it juts out over the fjord, where there is an excellent view of the nearby mountains and wild steep cliffs. The capital's two main attractions are the 15th-century Munkastovan monastery and the royal warehouses of Leighubün. Curious tourists are welcome at the Historical Museum, cultural heritage collected at the Art Museum, after which you can stroll through the peaceful Vidarlund Park.

The business card is a beautiful thing hanging over the ocean. If you wish, you can also visit small lonely villages or a bird market, take a walk along the water along the shore or admire the bird island of Fugloy, on the rocks of which a multimillion-dollar colony of sea birds has formed. North of the village of Skarvanes a sea cliff has formed with interesting name Tretlkonufingur, translated as “troll woman’s finger.”

One of the famous entertainments of the Faroe Islands is St. Olaf's Day, which is celebrated at the very end of July. It is dedicated to the Norwegian king who brought Christianity to Scandinavia. This is a major sports festival, which consists of horse racing and rowing competitions, residents organize dances and religious processions, and organize art exhibitions.

Faroe Islands cuisine

A kind of reflection of the harsh climate, but still traditional dishes from a variety of fish and meat are incredibly tasty and interesting. Faroese delicacies include: whale fat, dried lamb or sheep's head - there is something for gourmets to see. A popular dish among tourists is puffins (small birds) stuffed with sweet dough and served with berries and potatoes. You will certainly find something new and unusual for yourself in the Koks restaurant at the Feroyar Hotel. Original Scandinavian dishes with incredible presentation and controversial desserts.

There is also traditional food on the archipelago; you can easily find fried lamb or grilled fish on the menu, as well as the cuisine European countries, Mediterranean, South America and even Asia. We recommend visiting Restaurant Hereford for an excellent selection of simple steaks, meat and fish in Klaksvik.

It is strict here with alcohol: strong drinks, as well as dark beer, can only be sold by state monopoly stores or licensed restaurants.

Where to stay on the islands?

Visitors are especially fond of the various capital hotels, usually three-star ones, which can offer rooms of different classes and comfort. All hotels have good Wi-Fi coverage, breakfast and optional transfer from the airport and back.

Budget options are considered guest houses and hostels, but in the most popular establishments it is recommended to book rooms at least 2-3 months in advance. In case you do not plan to stay in one place for a long time, there are mini-hotels on the islands in the “bed and breakfast” format, but the prices here directly depend on the tourist season and time of year.

For those who like to spend the night in a tent in nature, there are several campsites on the Faroe Islands, but a strict rule applies to all vacationers: keep clean and remove all rubbish before leaving.

Shopping in the Faroe Islands

When thinking, remember that here, due to the harsh weather, woolen clothing is at a premium. Hats, berets, gloves, fashionable sweaters and scarves made from natural wool can be bought cheaper than in similar European stores.

Fans of arts and crafts willingly make and serve trinkets made of wood or ceramics. The main condition: never bargain anywhere, this is bad manners here.

Transport

The capital of the Faroe Islands has a well-established infrastructure. There are four red bus routes here, so you can easily get to almost any part of the city. On average, movement intervals are 30 minutes, which increase in the evening to an hour.

Ferries run between the islands, but there are also blue bus routes that also form transport network between the islands. Maps of stops and schedules of all transport in the Faroe Islands can be freely purchased.

How to get to the Faroe Islands?

On the territory of the Danish autonomy there is only one, located on the island of Vagar near the village of Sorvagur. Air travel is the fastest and convenient way get to little known northern islands. Regular flights operate from cities in Norway, Iceland and the UK. Further, to travel around the Faroe Islands themselves, tourists often rent a car.

You can get to this strange land by ferry from Denmark, from the city of Hirtshals, from the Scottish Islands, from Iceland, and in the summer even from Bergen, Norway. Of course, if you are the owner of your own yacht or vessel, you can use the coordinates yourself.

Tips for tourists

1. If you fly directly to Faroe Airport, you will need to provide a special visa rather than a Schengen one.
2. Additional tips are not accepted here; all staff remuneration is already included in the bill, usually in the amount of 10%.
3. To fish, you need to buy a license for a specific body of water or fishing in the sea, and if you take your fishing rod with you, it must be disinfected according to the instructions before visiting the islands.
4. When leaving, you can return VAT on purchases, but only if the purchase was made in a store that uses the system Tax Free, and the check amount exceeds $48.
5. Be aware of the local climate: you will need warm clothing and spare shoes for walks in the mountains and the coast.

The Faroe Islands are ideal for sophisticated travelers who want to take a break from vibrant cities and noisy resorts. Archipelago located in the Norwegian Sea - the northern part Atlantic Ocean, between the Scottish Isles and Iceland - attracts even travelers with extensive experience with its beauty.

The local nature is extraordinary: gorges, lakes, numerous waterfalls, fjords, graceful rocks - all this captivates at first sight. There are practically no trees, but you can endlessly admire the snow-capped mountain peaks towering over the lands of the archipelago. Most high point these places is Slattarathindur peak located on the island Esturoy and is 882 meters above sea level.

The Faroe Region is an internal autonomy of the Kingdom of Denmark, independently managing almost all issues, excluding the topic of defense and foreign policy. The archipelago includes 18 islands, 17 of which are inhabited. Of the 48 thousand local residents, about 20 thousand live in the capital or in the suburbs.

There are two official languages ​​on the islands - Faroese and Danish. Moreover, the vast majority of residents are native speakers of the Faroese language, which is a mixture of Western Scandinavian dialects and is widely used in almost all spheres of life.

Capital	Tórshavn
Population	48,500 people
Population density	35 people/km 2
	Faroese, Danish
Religion	Lutheranism
Form of government	constitutional monarchy
	Faroese krone, Danish krone
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

The Faroe Islands are located at the very center of the warm Gulf Stream, which causes a constant off-season: there are 280 rainy days per year. Despite the fact that the islands seem to have no boundaries to the seasons, the climate is quite mild. In winter, the average monthly temperature ranges from 0 °C to + 4 °C, and in the summer - from +11 °С to +17 °С. The rainy season falls from September to January, and then the archipelago is covered with fog, preventing the sun's rays from reaching the surface.

Thanks to the warm sea current, the water on the islands has almost the same temperature - +10 °С — all year round, which creates all the conditions for the development of fishing.

Nature

Holidays in the Faroe Islands are a holiday in the lap of nature in its original form. Due to frequent strong winds, the islands are mostly treeless; sometimes you can find mountain ash, maple, and conifers. A significant part of the islands' territory is occupied by peat bogs, meadows, and mountain ranges.

In their free time, fauna lovers can diversify their vacation on the islands by observing colonies of seabirds, seals, whales, and dolphins.

There are a huge number of sheep in the archipelago. The latter were once brought to the local hills by the Celts. The local endless pastures have attracted the attention of sheep, and today there are two sheep for every local resident.

Attractions

The Faroe Islands are best visited during the summer months, when there is little rainfall and the weather is warm.

The excursion program in the Faroe Islands is varied: visits to the capital Tórshavn, small villages, bird colonies, a boat trip in coastal waters.

The capital of the islands, the city of Tórshavn, lies in a picturesque area. The main part of the city juts out over the fjord, offering amazing views of the wild mountains and steep cliffs. It's very quiet here, the only noise is central square and piers, where continuous work is in full swing. Streets far from the center are usually small and cramped.

The main attraction of Tórshavn is Munkastowan Monastery, built in the 15th century and surrounded by a stone wall. Muncastowan is one of the few buildings that escaped the great fire of 1673. Another building that also survived the fire is the Leighubün ​​royal warehouse.

Curious travelers will be interested in a trip to the Historical Museum, which has in its collection ship models, household items of local residents, fishing gear and agricultural tools from Viking times to the present day, as well as items of religious value.

Taking a walk in the park Vidarlund, you can go to the Museum of Art and enjoy magnificent examples of sculpture and painting.

Available in the Faroe Islands and "Bird Island"- Fugloy, which got its name from its majestic cliffs inhabited by millions of seabird colonies.

To the north of the settlement of Skarvanes there is a beautiful sea cliff Tretlkonufingur ("troll woman's finger").

At the end of July (28-29), the Faroese celebrate their main holiday - St. Olaf's Day. These days, usually reserved locals go on a wild rampage of emotions. The festival is named after Olaf II, who, as King of Norway, introduced Christianity to Scandinavia and began the fight against paganism.

Traditional celebrations include rowing competitions, horse racing, dance and religious processions, and art exhibitions.

Nutrition

to his national menu The inhabitants of the Faroes owe it to the harsh climate of the islands. Traditionally, local dishes consist of meat and fish. Faroese delicacies - sheep's head, whale fat and skerpiquet(dried lamb) - a must-try for gourmets. Well, lovers of traditional cuisine will be happy to serve fried lamb in local restaurants. Tourists have the opportunity to taste exquisitely stuffed with sweet dough dead ends(these are birds) served with sweet berries and potatoes. Rhubarb, which is widely eaten, will also be new to many people.

Alcoholic drinks can officially be consumed on the islands from the age of 18. Light beer is sold everywhere, but strong dark beer, low-alcohol drinks and wine are sold only in state monopoly stores major cities and licensed restaurants.

Lunch at local restaurant will cost a tourist an average of $30, in higher-level establishments - $45-50 excluding alcohol. You can have a snack at a local cafe for much less.

Accommodation

Upon arrival on the islands, you can stop in the capital's three star hotels"Torshavn" or "Streim" or in more comfortable "Hafnia" And "Feroyar", All hotels offer tourists rooms with private amenities, transfer to/from the airport, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The cost of living is quite high - from $120, but there are seasonal discounts.

More budget option will become guest houses and hostels. The most popular of them are Skansin and Bladýpi, but you need to book rooms several months in advance. There are also mini-hotels operating on the principle "bed and breakfast". Prices here start at $80 and depend on the time of year.

For travelers who prefer outdoor recreation, there are campsites located in specially designated areas. The Faroe Islands have a very strict attitude towards order, so campers in tents are required to remain clean and thoroughly clean upon departure.

Entertainment and relaxation

There are many varieties of fish in local waters, so fishing is very popular among locals and vacationers. By the way, local law allows you to export any fish longer than 30 cm from the country, which has long been prohibited in most European countries.

The Faroe Islands are interesting for wreck divers: You can find sunken ships in the local coastal waters. Near Nolsoy Island it is interesting to watch the underwater life of seals.

Lovers nightlife can spend time in the capital's clubs Rex or Eclipse. The latter allows visitors no younger than 18, but no older than 25.

Purchases

Of the Faroese souvenirs, the most interesting are the numerous woolen products, ceramic and wooden crafts.

Due to the rather harsh climate, woolen clothing is held in high esteem among the islanders. Here you can always buy a fashionable sweater, gloves or hat at attractive prices.

Most shops are open from 9:00-10:00 to 17:30-18:00. On Friday, many remain open until 19:00. On Saturdays, all retail outlets operate on a reduced schedule - from 9:00 to 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00; on Sundays they are usually closed.

Transport

The Faroe Islands have a developed bus system. route network, ferries run between the islands. The capital has red local buses with four routes, which can reach almost all areas of the city. The waiting interval is half an hour in the morning and daytime; in the evening it increases to one hour. Blue buses Bygdaleiðir are the connecting transport of the islands. Maps of routes and traffic schedules passenger transport can be purchased at kiosks Steinatún.

The best way to get to the islands themselves is by plane. The only one international Airport Vágar is located on island of the same name near the village of Sorvagur. Tourists can rent a car to travel around the islands. In order to rent, you must have an international driver's license, a credit card and be over 20 years old. Rental prices start from $60 per day.

Connection

Standard mobile communications on islands - GSM. There is also an analogue version, but it has almost been replaced by the digital format.

Local mobile operators - Foroya Tele and Kall P/F. Roaming in their networks is available to subscribers of the main mobile operators in Russia.

Tourists can purchase a SIM card for local mobile communications at Teleshops, hotels, post offices and gas stations.

In the Faroe Islands, there are sufficient numbers of public telephones (they work on credit cards and coins). When calling abroad, you need to dial 00, the national code and the number of the called subscriber.

You can use the Internet in an Internet cafe. Most hotels provide wireless connections on their premises.

Safety

When traveling around the islands, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your property - the crime rate here is extremely low. In order not to spoil your holiday, it is enough not to leave personal belongings unattended, not to take large sums of money with you, to be polite to local residents and not to abuse night walks. If necessary, the police are always ready to help.

If during your trip you need medical assistance, you can rest assured that it will be provided promptly. high level. The central hospital is located in the capital and has an excellent medical base.

Business climate

Registering a business in the Faroe Islands takes only a few days. The most common forms are the joint stock company, suitable for large companies, and the limited liability company. In order to start your own business here, you need to have a legal address on the islands. Another condition is a resident of the Kingdom of Denmark as one of the participants in the case.

The minimum authorized capital for a joint stock company is approximately $85,000, for a limited liability company - about $20,000. For registration you will also need a draft memorandum of association, articles of association and an application.

Foreign companies can enter the Faroese market by opening branches. A resident of the islands or Denmark must also be appointed as the head of the branch.

From the point of view of taxation, business legislation, and accounting standards, the Faroe Islands provide optimal conditions for the development of companies. Legal regulation business activity is similar to Danish and adheres to EU standards.

The main business in the archipelago is concentrated in the services sector and the fishing industry.

Local investment websites offer offers for entrepreneurs willing to invest in new ways to develop the fishing industry. At the same time, the Faroese are very interested in high-tech businesses that can offer environmentally friendly solutions for production.

Real estate

Purchasing real estate abroad is rightfully considered one of the most promising and long-term investments. The Faroe Islands can be an excellent place for both temporary and permanent residence. They become especially attractive to people who love comfort and privacy, and who strive for order. Offers on the real estate market are varied - from a small studio apartment to a solid large house. The prices are quite attractive. A house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large surrounding area will cost approximately $130,000.

However, those who decide to make such a deal should keep in mind that local banks do not provide mortgages for housing in the absence of a residence permit. In addition, local legislation requires appropriate permission from the Ministry of Justice for the acquisition of property by a foreigner.

Traveling to the islands is not a cheap pleasure. The price level here is quite high and is equal to the average European one. However, when leaving the country, tourists can make a VAT refund if they have a receipt from a store operating under the Tax Free system. The corresponding inscriptions are present at the entrance to the retail facility. To qualify for a tax refund, your one-time purchase must exceed $48.

Tipping is not accepted on the islands; the service staff's remuneration is usually already included in the bill.

Fishing is only permitted in certain bodies of water on the basis of a license sold at tourist offices. If a tourist intends to take fishing gear with him from home, then it must be sanitized before arriving on the islands. Instructions for fishermen can be found in tourist brochures. In streams and streams, the fishing season is open from May 1 to August 31, in the sea - all year round.

When traveling, you should not forget about the local changing climate. On vacation, it won’t hurt to have warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes for moving through mountainous terrain and trips to the sea.

Vaccination before travel is not required. Emergency phone number is 112.

Visa information

To obtain a visa, you must contact the consular department of the Danish Embassy in Moscow at the address: Prechistensky Lane, 9.

Anyone wishing to obtain a visa must provide a visa application form, 2 photographs, a foreign passport (valid for at least three months after the expiration of the requested visa) with a copy, a national passport with a copy, confirmation of a hotel reservation, a certificate from the place of work (study), an insurance policy covering everything risks (the amount of insurance coverage should not be less than 30,000 €), a bank account statement or travel checks (at the rate of 50 € for each day of stay).

More information about the package of documents can be found in consular section on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00.

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. Second by size locality Faroe Islands - Klaksvik (4773 people).

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

The distance to Iceland is 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 rugged 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 woman: 2.15 children.

The active working population is 24,760 people.

Climate

The climate of the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime, with warm winter 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 living conditions for 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 scientific world Faroese 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 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

Faroe islands ( Faroe Islands) - a group of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (Great Britain), from which they are located almost 400 km north, and Iceland, which is 420 km northwest of the Faroe Islands.

The Faroe Islands are an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since 1948, the islands have independently managed almost all matters except defense and foreign policy.

The capital and main port of the islands is the city of Tórshavn, located on the south-eastern coast of the island of Streymoy.

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.

The distance to Iceland is 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.

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.

Climate

The climate of the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime, with cool 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.

Last changes: 10/23/2009

Population of the Faroe Islands

The population is 48,856 people (2009), of which: 91.7% are Faroese; 5.8% - Danes; 0.4% - Icelanders; 0.2% - Norwegians; 0.2% are Poles.

Age structure of the population: 0-14 years: 21.6%; 15-64 years: 64%; 65 years and older: 14.4%.

The Faroese population professes mainly Lutheranism (80%). Lutheranism is a Protestant movement in Christianity.

The official language of the islands is Faroese (a modified version of Old Norse), almost all residents understand Danish, and English is widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of the Faroe Islands is the Faroese krone. 1 Faroese crown is equal to 100 øre. The Faroese krone is equivalent to the Danish krone, meaning the exchange rate is the same. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 crowns, coins in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 crown, 50 and 25 öre.

The islands' currency is issued by the National Bank of Denmark and is considered a variant of the Danish krone. Therefore, it does not have an official ISO code and is not convertible. In most cases, to avoid confusion, it is called the Danish krone (DKK), since the local currency is strictly tied to this unit. Formally, the Danish kroner itself is not accepted in the Faroe Islands; only the local currency is used.

The best place to exchange currency is at banks and exchange offices; exchange fees are small. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 16:00, on Thursday - until 18:00, and banks are closed on weekends.

You can exchange money in banks or at the exchange office of Vaugar Airport (open from 10.00 to 2.00). Typically, banks charge fairly small commissions for exchanges, but for the most part they only work with euros and Danish krone.

Credit cards from the world's leading systems (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) are widely accepted.

Travel checks can be cashed at many banks and hotels or used to pay at most restaurants and stores.

Last changes: 10/23/2009

Communications

International code: +298.

Internet domain: .fo.

In case of emergency, call 112. For information, call 118.

How to call

In order to call the Faroe Islands, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 298 - number of the called subscriber (no need to dial the area code).

mobile connection

Officially, there are two mobile communication standards in use in the Faroe Islands - NMT (analog) and GSM (digital). However, in recent years, GSM has practically replaced the analog standard, and now the coverage area covers almost the entire territory of the islands.

SIM cards from Faroese operators can be purchased at Teleshops kiosks, petrol stations, post offices, hotels and tourist offices.

Landline communications

The Faroe Islands telephone system is of a high standard and provides all modern complex services. Foroya Tele's (Faroese Telecom) public payphones, located in many public places, operate using both coin and credit cards.

Internet

Although the Faroe Islands are a major hub for many telecommunications systems linking Europe and North America, the level of network services here is relatively poor. Only large business centers, hotels and post offices.

The public Internet cafe Telecentre (Teledepilin) ​​can only be found in the capital (Niels Finsensgota, 10). However, it is also possible to take advantage of the numerous access points located at the tourist information offices.

Last changes: 05/18/2010

Shopping

Most shops open at 09:00 or 10:00 and are open until 17:30. On Fridays, some close only at 19:00. On Saturdays, shops open at 09:00 and are open until 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00. On Sundays all shops are closed. Kiosks and shops at gas stations close at 23:00.

Travelers can receive a partial VAT refund (25%) when leaving the country. If in any store that has the announcement “Tax-free for Tourists” on the window, the purchase amount exceeds US$48, you must take a receipt, which will reimburse approximately 15% of the cost of the goods at customs at the airport.

The price level on the islands is slightly higher than on the mainland and is comparable to Norway, so traveling to the Faroe Islands cannot be called a cheap event.

Almost all industrial goods are imported and therefore are not cheap, but food (especially fish), wool and leather goods, and some alcoholic drinks are quite inexpensive.

Fresh vegetables are available all year round, as many islanders get them from their gardens, and most of them also go to store shelves. The assortment of fruits is somewhat lower, but also meets all international standards.

There are enough shops in Tórshavn, whose assortment differs little from the goods sold in some small town in Europe.

Last changes: 10/23/2009

Where to stay

In the Faroe Islands there is no “star” classification of hotels; the following classification is used: “Deluxe”, “Superior”, “Standard”, which approximately corresponds to the European classification of 5, 4 and 3 star hotels. A special classification was introduced due to the specificity local hotels located on small islands with limited infrastructure, where accommodation is offered in bungalows or cottages no higher than 2 floors. When choosing, you should carefully read the specific list of services provided by a particular hotel.

Most local hotels are small private guesthouses; there are no super-expensive rooms at all, and you can always find accommodation at very reasonable prices ($10-15 per night). Mid-level hotels ask for their services $20-70 per day, higher-class hotels - from $70 and above.

Sea and beaches

The Faroe Islands are best visited during the summer months, when precipitation is unlikely and the weather is warm and comfortable.

On the coast at the foot of Mount Tindur there are beaches consisting of black basalt sands.

Superb beaches from the dark volcanic sand are also located near the town of Skalavig.

Last changes: 09/01/2010

History of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands were known to Irish monks from about 500. In the period between 700 and 800, people from Scotland settled on the island, but left the islands at the beginning of the 9th century, when Viking campaigns reached the Faroe Islands. Starting from the 9th century, the Faroe Islands became a link in the system of transport communications between Scandinavia and the Viking colonies, which were located in Iceland, Greenland and, for a short time, North America.

From the 11th century until 1380, the Faroe Islands were part of Norway; during this reign, the local population converted to Christianity. When Norway entered into an alliance with Denmark, two powers began to govern the islands, and in 1814, after Norway left the union, Denmark became the sole owner of the islands.

The strategic position of the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic prompted British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to decide on April 11, 1940 to station the cruiser in the port of Tórshavn. The islands came under British military control in April 1940, during the Second World War, following the German invasion of Denmark. British occupation of the islands ended in September 1945.

In September 1946, as a result of a closed plebiscite and vote, the Faroe Islands parliament announced the islands' secession from Denmark. This decision was ratified by parliament, which voted 12 votes in favor and 11 votes against. The island of Sudurø, the third largest in the entire group, announced that it remains part of Denmark. The Danish government declared the results of the plebiscite invalid and temporarily suspended the Faroese parliament. Another public opinion poll revealed a slight majority in favor of not secession from Denmark, and a parliamentary delegation was invited to Copenhagen for further negotiations.

In 1948, an agreement was reached under which the Faroe Islands received limited sovereignty; the Danish government continued to be in charge of the islands' foreign policy. Two representatives of the islands serve permanently in the Danish Parliament.

Since 1984, the Faroe Islands have been declared a nuclear weapons-free zone by Løgting, but the islands are home to a Danish naval base and a NATO radar complex.

Last changes: 04/28/2013

It is completely unacceptable to bargain, and in any establishment, regardless of size and form of ownership.

Alcoholic drinks are sold only to persons over 18 years of age. Light beer can be bought in shops, restaurants and cafes. Strong beer, wine and other types of alcohol can only be purchased in specialized stores in large villages (indicated by the Government Monopoly sign) and in licensed restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, etc.

Fishing is only permitted in some waters and only on the basis of a fishing license, which can be purchased at all tourist offices. All gear and equipment, including fishing rods, floats, lines and baits, must be disinfected before arriving in the Faroe Islands (previously this parameter was carefully monitored at customs; currently the Faroese leave this rule to the conscience of the tourist). Instructions and rules for fishing in local lakes (the islanders call them in the Scottish manner - “loch”) are printed in all tourist booklets and prospectuses and must be strictly followed. The fishing season in streams and streams lasts from May 1 to August 31. Sea fishing is permitted all year round.

In the Faroe Islands, fortune-telling based on the footsteps of the Norns is common. Norn marks are spots that appear on the nails. They are interpreted according to their shape, color and the place where they appeared.

These islands are also famous for their hand-knitted shawls made from the wool of local sheep. They have an unusual butterfly shape and, unlike other types of shawls and scarves, due to their design they lie firmly on the shoulders, even if they are not tied.

Since the weather on the islands is very unpredictable, special requirements are placed on clothing. A waterproof and windproof jacket is a must here at any time of the year. It is also recommended to have a warm sweater and vest, a strong pair of boots with thick soles and good ankle support, light scarves, hats and gloves, especially when traveling to the sea (which is everywhere here). Light boots or athletic shoes for walking around populated areas will also be useful.

The required kit must also include Sunglasses with glass filters, since the level of ultraviolet radiation here is quite high.

When moving around the islands, you should take with you a small backpack with a set of clothes and linen, a small supply of drinking water or a hot drink (coffee, tea, cocoa), as well as high-calorie food (chocolate, dried fruits, etc.).

Be sure to take a detailed map of the area with you and inform the local tourist office about the route and time it will take place. In case of frequent fogs here, you should not look for the road on your own - it is recommended to stop in the place where you find it and wait for help. Particular care must be taken when moving along the coastline and coastal cliffs.

Any journey longer than 3 km should only be undertaken with a local guide and with means of communication (cell phone or walkie-talkie). GPS receivers will also be quite useful - despite the small size of the islands, the terrain here is so complex that it is simply impossible to navigate yourself without knowing the local signs.

A detailed booklet describing the most interesting routes can be purchased at any of the local tourist offices for 10 CZK.

Last changes: 01/20/2013

How to get to the Faroe Islands

The easiest way to get from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is by SAS airline with a transfer in Copenhagen (Denmark). Aeroflot and SAS have daily flights from Moscow to Copenhagen (2 hours). SAS also flies six times a week from St. Petersburg (2 hours).

Island-based airline Atlantic Airways (part of the SAS airline system) flies from Iceland, Norway, Denmark and the UK to Vágar Airport in the Faroe Islands. Several other small companies serve these same areas.

Daily flights to the Faroe Islands are operated only from Danish Copenhagen - usually 2-3 times a day; from other countries, flights are performed once every few days, and may be stopped altogether in the winter.

In addition to the plane, you can also get to the islands by Smyril Line ferry. It runs once a week from Tórshavn to Huntsholm in Denmark, the British Shetland Islands and Seyðisfjörður in Iceland. In summer it also visits Bergen, Norway.

Last changes: 04/28/2013