Faroe islands Dubbed an introvert's paradise by travelers and the friendliest island community in the world. As of June 2019, 51,783 thousand residents live here, representing more than 70 nationalities. There are only three traffic lights on the 18 islands, which are located in the capital. Let's tell you more about this unusual place.
Faroe Islands: how to get there, history, weather
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago with an area of more than 1.4 thousand km², located in the Norwegian Sea. Consists of 18 large and several small islands. Of these, only 17 are inhabited.
Here are the most important information about this region:
- History of the Faroe Islands.
Vikings from Norway settled here since ancient times. Archaeologists have identified two "Norse periods" - 400–600 and 600–800 AD. Recent discoveries have allowed historians to claim that people settled on the islands even before the arrival of the Vikings.
One of the first written mentions of the island is found in “The Voyage of St. Brendan the Navigator,” a legendary Irish monk who lived at the end of the 5th and beginning of the 6th centuries. A source that appeared several centuries after Brendan's death tells how the saint visited the "Isle of Sheep."
This name is still associated with the Faroes. Here, according to approximate data, 80 thousand sheep live, which is almost 30 thousand more than the registered population. In Faroese schools, classes still teach how to cut up the carcasses of these animals, and sheep's head is one of the national dishes.
Another source about the early history of the Faroe Islands is the Icelandic Faroese Saga, dating from the 13th century. It contains a story about the settlement of the island.
Until the 14th century, the island was part of the Kingdom of Norway. Then, after the unification of Norway with Denmark, it was under the joint administration of the two states. In the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden but retained jurisdiction over the Faroes. They became a county in the Danish kingdom.
In 1940, the Nazis occupied Denmark and Norway as a result of Operation Weserubung. The British occupied the strategically important Faroe Islands. Thanks to the British occupation, the only airport appeared on the islands.
In 1946, residents of the islands voted for independence in a referendum, but Denmark did not recognize the results, citing violations of regulations. In 1948, the Faroe Islands Act was passed, according to which they became autonomous within Denmark. Denmark subsequently joined the European Union, but the Faroe Islands refused to join the EU.
- Weather.
The Faroe Islands, where the weather, according to the locals themselves, changes every five minutes, is located not far from the Arctic Circle. But thanks to the Gulf Stream, which washes almost all the islands of the archipelago, the temperature here in winter does not fall below +3–4 °C, and in summer it does not rise above +10 °C. Precipitation falls here more than 200 days a year.
- Transport.
For the query “Faroe Islands how to get there,” Google returns 275 thousand results. Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the local economy. Therefore, the islands have an established air service system with dozens of countries. The only airport is located on the island of Voar. Regular flights are operated by two airlines - Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Faroese Atlantic Airways.
Those wishing to travel to the Faroe Islands are advised to do so through Denmark. Planes fly from Copenhagen to Voar three times a day. In addition, Smyrill Line operates ferry services to the islands from Hirsthals, Denmark.
The islands themselves have been connected by a single road network of highways, bridges and tunnels since the 1970s. In addition, between the islands there is an organized ferry crossing. Also, the government of the islands, in order to save the environment and force residents to use cars less, organized free buses between populated areas.
- Peculiarities.
Having found the Faroe Islands on the map, a tourist is surprised at how diverse they are and how unevenly populated they are. For example, on the island of Voar, where the only international Airport, is home to 2.8 thousand inhabitants, and on the most populated island - Streymoy - 23.6 thousand. The city of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, is also located here. It is home to 19 thousand people. Only one person and 160 sheep live on the island of Koltur.
The island of Stora Duimun, which is approximately the same area as Koltur, is home to 10 people. According to 2018 data, 10 people lived on the island of Mycines, which is almost five times larger in area than Stora Duimun and Koltur.
While generally sparsely populated, the Faroe Islands have one of the highest fertility rates in Europe - 2.4 children per woman.
The Faroe Islands are islands where the locals don't know what it means to lock your house. There is peace here and there is not a single prison. Those who have committed offenses are sent to Denmark for trial.
Faroe Islands: attractions
The Faroe Islands, whose photos attract tourists from all over the world, are not a place for spontaneous tourism. It is advisable to plan your trip carefully. It is quite developed here public transport, but experienced tourists advise renting a car.
Here, payment cards are accepted in many places, but difficulties may arise when converting currencies.
Among the attractions that experienced tourists recommend seeing are the most common:
- Mycines is a bird island.
Half of the island's population, which is five people, are employed in the tourism sector. The island attracts bird watchers from all over the world. Here you can find more than 300 species of birds, or 90% of those that fly across the Atlantic for the winter.
You can get to the island by helicopter or ferry. Tourists are warned that the terrain here is difficult and are advised not to walk alone.
On neighboring island laid pedestrian bridge 35 meters long. After crossing it, you can see another local attraction - the lighthouse.
- "Lake over the ocean" on the island of Voar.
Having arrived at Voar, the only airport in the Faroe Islands, tourists are advised not to immediately move to other islands. The island is home to Lake Sørvågsvatn, which seems to hang above the ocean at an altitude of more than 100 m. This visual effect is created due to the difference in height between the ocean and the surface of the lake.
The lake is almost 60 m deep and stretches 6 km from south to north. In the south, water flows from the lake into the ocean, forming the Bösdealafossur waterfall. To get to it, a tourist needs to walk more than 2.5 km.
The island is also home to the picturesque village of Gasadalur. A mountain separates it from the rest of the island. To get to the outside world, residents had to walk 400 m along mountain paths. In 2004, the authorities built a road tunnel, and the village became a more attractive tourist destination.
- Streymoy Island and the capital of the islands.
Almost 50% of the Faroese population lives on the island of Streymoy. The capital Tórshavn is located here. Translated from Faroese - ‘city of Thor’.
The city has the only three traffic lights in the Faroe Islands. The main attractions are also located here: the harbor, the largest cathedral and church on the islands, a museum, as well as historical Center, where you can see traditional Faroese houses with turf roofs.
The village of Chednuvuk is also located on Streymoy, surrounded by rocks that resemble columns. Not far from the village is the Fossa waterfall.
Also 5 km from Tórshavn is the village of Kirkjubor, where tourists will see one of the main attractions of the islands - a thousand-year-old house. It was built in the 11th century. There is a museum of folk life here. Since the 16th century, the house has been owned by one family, the Paturssons, for 17 generations. The village also has the medieval church of St. Olav.
The Faroe Islands are not an easy place to get to. This is a unique part of the world where there is precipitation more than 200 days a year. It's incredible here beautiful nature and very few local residents. The islands are ideal for those seeking tranquility and unity with nature.
The Faroe Islands are considered part of Europe, but many do not even know exactly where they are. In Russia, the archipelago attracts attention on those rare occasions when the Russian national football team plays the Faroe Islands in World Cup or European Championship qualifiers.
On the territory of an archipelago consisting of 18 volcanic islands with a total area of about 1,400 square kilometers, 50 thousand people live today. The indigenous inhabitants of the island, about 98% of the population, speak one of the rarest languages in Europe - Faroese, related to Icelandic and Old Norse. The second official language in the Faroe Islands is Danish.
Until the end of the 19th century, sheep farming, which gave the islands their name, played a major role in the life of the Faroese, and sheep's wool was the main commodity in trade with Denmark. However, for more than a century, the main income for the inhabitants of the archipelago, located in the very center of the fish-rich Atlantic region, has been provided by fishing. Locally caught cod, salmon and halibut account for more than 99% of local exports.
This is not surprising if we remember that, according to the classic of Faroese literature William Heineson, the capital of Faroe, the city of Tórshavn, is, in fact, the famous “navel of the earth.” For the Faroese, Tórshavn is one of the most important places on earth, the very place where everything happens.
45 thousand Faroese believe that the archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic is the legendary Atlantis, which sank into the depths of the ocean many centuries ago. The exclusivity is evident.
Ancient history of the Faroe Islands
Modern Faroese are descendants of the Vikings, who at the end of the 9th century. they did not want to put up with the Zheto rule of King Harald Fairhair and sailed here, where previously brave sailors had visited only on visits. In the 11th century Christianity was brought here from Norway and for a short period the islands were subjugated to the Norwegian king Olaf Tryggvason. After his death, Norway's power over the islands was purely nominal, and in 1380, when the Danish-Norwegian Union was concluded, the islands became dual subordinates. When Norway dissolved the union in 1814, the islands remained with Denmark, which became the sole owner of the islands. The inhabitants of the islands have Scandinavian roots, and the Faroese language is a descendant of the Old Norse language.
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 the 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.
Faroe Islands in World War II. British occupation of the Faroe 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. More than 8,000 British soldiers took part in the occupation.
Post-war history of the Faroe Islands
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 Suduroy, 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 1940 the Faroe Islands were occupied by the British fleet, and in 1948 the status quo was restored. 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. 2 representatives of the islands permanently serve in the Danish Parliament. The Faroese, although they do not particularly feel the Danish “oppression”, do not let the metropolis forget about them. For example, the islands are not formally part of the European Union, having rejected this proposal in a referendum. National clothing and customs largely preserve the era of the sagas, when people believed in the stern Odin, the strong Thor and the gentle Freya. Monuments here often date back to the early Middle Ages. Tórshavn - in the capital of the Faroe Islands, it is worth taking a look at the Skansapakkusio building, the Munkastovan monastery, the Historical Museum and the Listaskalin art gallery.
Kirkuber - Among the town's attractions are Magnus Cathedral, St Olav's Church, the ruins of St Brendan's Church and Roykstovan Farm. Saksun is a small village in the vicinity of which there are lakes Pollur and Saksunarvatn, Saskun Church and the Duvuvarur farm.
The Faroe Islands have been declared a nuclear-weapon-free zone since 1984, but the islands are home to a Danish naval base and a NATO radar complex.
To enter the Faroe Islands, Russian citizens require a visa issued by consular department Danish embassy.
The Faroes are a beautiful and rich country, with its own wonderful culture, in addition, the people here are closely connected with each other, now family and friendships mean a lot to the Faroese.
The difference between Danish and Faroese society is not obvious at first, but it is there. So, for example, in Denmark people value their employment first of all; there it is customary to call first, notifying you of your arrival, and even agree on the time of the visit. In the Faroes, friends and acquaintances easily, without ceremony, drop in to see each other just to say hello. So I think the main difference is that Faroese people make time for each other to be together.
In the Scandinavian countries there is the “Jante Lofven Code”: no one has the right to put themselves above society, the most important rule of the Code is “don’t think that you are anything of yourself. And everyone obeys this unwritten rule, from the monarch to the mere mortal. There is something similar in the Faroe Islands. In this regard, things with public morality here are exactly the same as elsewhere in Scandinavia.
At the end of 2006, Faroese society was gripped by debate over the rights of sexual minorities to protection from persecution. Most local politicians opposed the adoption of the anti-discrimination law, considering it contrary to the Christian tenets on which Faroese society is based. Another significant event last year in the life of the Faroese was that the local ethics council banned the screening of the famous film “The Da Vinci Code”, considering the interpretation of the role of Christ blasphemous and contrary to the canons of Christianity.
The Faroe Islands are a very religious country, a religious society. But it should be borne in mind that in all religions there are radical movements, and there are such Christian extremists in the Faroe Islands. Of course, extremists are extremely negative about the law protecting people of non-traditional sexual orientation, but they do not express the opinion of the majority of the Faroese population. In Denmark, by the way, there are also ultra-Orthodox Christians, united in the Internal Mission organization; they are very similar to the Orthodox from the Faroe Islands, but in both cases we are not talking about the majority of the population. In fact, the Faroe Islands are a very open society; it may seem closed, closed in on itself, but in fact it is not. The people here are very friendly, generous and hospitable. And foreigners arriving in the Faroe Islands as tourists or moving here for permanent residence, they can confirm that they are received very kindly here. After all, the Faroese are sympathetic to everything new that comes into their lives.
Faroe Islands (Faeroerne, Faroe Islands) - a possession of Denmark, occupying over 20 islands in the northeast Atlantic Ocean in the Norwegian Sea. total area possessions - 1.4 thousand sq. km. 48.2 thousand people live on the islands, mainly Faroese. They have their own language, which is the official language here along with Danish. The Faroes have their own coat of arms and flag and enjoy internal autonomy, although they are subordinate to Denmark. Administrative center Faroe Islands - the city of Tórshavn with a population of 15.6 thousand people. The islands are divided into 8 regions.
The Faroe Islands are of volcanic origin, up to 882 m high. The shores of the islands are heavily indented by fjords. The Faroese landscape is characterized by meadows, peat bogs, and heathlands. The Faroe cliffs are a favorite place for bird colonies.
The economic potential of the Faroe Islands is based on 260 fishing vessels. The fishing industry employs the majority of able-bodied Faroese. The second most important sector of the economy is livestock farming, specializing in raising sheep and producing milk. Local transportation is carried out by road and sea transport. In terms of living standards, the Faroe Islands are among the most prosperous countries in the world; they are reluctant to welcome visitors here, but tourists are shown hospitality..
The name means "Sheep Islands" in the local dialect. Sheep farming is very important for local residents, and wonderful blankets, sweaters and other products are made here from high-quality wool. The tourist season is during the warm summer months from June to September. The Faroe Islands calendar has about two dozen official holidays. On June 28 and 29, the country celebrates National Olavsok Day, named after St. Olav, who preached Christianity in ancient Scandinavia. For two holidays in the capital of the Faroe Islands - Tórshavn - exhibitions, sports competitions, horse races, festive masses and noisy folklore performances are held. Around the same time, the Westanstevna festival, which is almost identical in program, takes place in the Western Faroe Islands.
Mainly eco-tourists come here. Skalafjörður, a picturesque fjord considered the best harbor in the Faroe Islands, will be of interest to lovers of hiking. Mykines is a tiny island in the northwest of the archipelago. Knukur Peak, Steyiskogurin Rock Garden and Holmgyogv Canyon are located here.
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 common.
Vegetation mainly consists of meadows, peat bogs and heathland.
The Faroe Islands have a climate similar to the south South America and Tierra del Fuego, from there several species of Nothofagus (Antarctic, birch) and Maytenus Magellanicus were introduced.
Hatchet(lat. Lunda cirrhata), or Long-crested puffins (lat. Fratercula cirrhata) is a bird of the auk family. It has a bright appearance - a powerful red-orange beak, flattened on the sides, white cheeks, and tufts of long yellowish feathers behind the eyes. The color of the plumage is monotonous, black and brown. Paws are red.
They live on the Asian and American coasts of the northern part Pacific Ocean, south to California. They are most often seen flying along the shoreline close to the surface of the water in search of food for their young.
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.
In the Faroes, the Faroese crown (FrK) and the Danish crown (DKK) are in circulation. Faroese banknotes, like Danish ones, are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 500 and 1000 kroner. The islands do not mint their own coins. There are Danish coins in denominations of 25 and 50 øre (1 øre = 1/100 kroner), 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kroner.
The exchange rate of the Danish krone to the US dollar was - 5.560 (2008), 5.9468 (2006), 5.9969 (2005), 5.9911 (2004), 6.5877 (2003), 7.8947 (2002).
Up to 15% of Faroese GDP comes from subsidies to the metropolis.
The main sectors of the Faroese economy are fishing, sheep breeding, and light industry. The main products exported are fresh, frozen, filleted and salted fish, gelatin made from fish swim bladders, lamb, sheepskin, astrakhan fur and wool products, eider down and petrel down. About 2% of the land is cultivated.
Until the mid-19th century, sheep farming was the main source of income for the Faroes. Currently, the sheep population numbers about 80 thousand heads.
Like these ones Interesting Facts writes Klara Kulikova about the Faroe Islands:
I've been to the Faroe Islands probably ten times. I have many acquaintances there, whom I am glad to see, regardless of the presence or absence of business. Acquaintances who, over the years of communication, have turned into friends.
I really like this place. First of all, I like my people. Contrary to the hysterics of whale defenders, the people there are very open, pure and virginal in many matters.
1. In the Faroe Islands, houses are not generally locked. The last time, instead of a hotel, we rented the top floor of a house: the owners lived on the ground floor, their daughter on the first floor, we took the top floor with three bedrooms, a separate bathroom and toilet. "Will we get the key?" – I asked the hostess. "No!" – she was quite surprised, why do you need him?
“You really don’t lock houses?” – I asked my old friend Birgir. “Why lock them?” - he, in turn, was surprised, - “I have five children, they always lose their keys, so we don’t lock our house!”
2. There is virtually no crime in the Faroe Islands. During the Cold War, the United States stationed on the islands military base. In recent years it has been mothballed: only a few people were constantly there. Now, on the territory of the base there is a prison where local violators are placed for a short period of time, usually for drunk driving. At the time of our arrival, there were already four people in the “prison”, the names of all four are known to all the islands. If you throw a bicycle on the side of the road, no one will touch it. If you drop your wallet on the road, it will be returned to you with a 99.9% probability, or it will be left in the nearest cafe/shop/shopping center.
3. On the question of whale hunting: the Faroese continue to live the same way they lived five hundred years ago. Civilization has changed them little. In addition to whale hunting, the Faroese slaughter their own sheep (a lot of people keep sheep). It's hard for a European to believe, but Faroese schools teach some pretty shocking science lessons.
A week before our arrival, Birgir’s twelve-year-old daughter brought a live sheep to class, killed it right in the classroom with a special air pistol, and gutted it in the classroom. The rest of the children helped her as best they could: in the Faroes this would not shock anyone.
“But why, Birgir?”– I asked in bewilderment. "What do you mean why? Not all children know how to do this now, she just taught them!”
4. Sheep's head is an exquisite delicacy in the Faroes. “What’s in it?” – I asked another friend of mine. "Like what? Eyes, brains, cheeks! Yes all!"
Frozen sheep's heads can be bought in the central supermarket of Torshavn (called SMS) and also in some small shops. For convenience, the head is sawn lengthwise, frozen and packed in a vacuum bag.
5. To your great surprise, the Faroe Islands have a pretty good selection of products (unlike “hungry” Norway, whose supermarkets make you cry). Most of the products are frozen (and made in Denmark), but they are available. On sale there is delicious venison, a lot of seafood, as well as fresh locally caught fish. Smoked salmon is also locally produced and is also absolutely incomparable: I can say with full responsibility that neither in Ukraine nor in Russia they know how to make such fish.
6. In the Faroe Islands (unlike Denmark, to which the Faroe Islands de jure belong) there are very strict requirements for the sale of alcohol. There is only one store in Torshavn that sells beer of “regular” strength, as well as wine and vodka. Everything is very expensive. For some inexplicable reason, beer is only sold in multiples of six. That is, six, twelve, eighteen and so on cans or bottles. The limit applies to both packages (which actually contain six cans or bottles) and individual cans/bottles.
The question “if there are only five bottles left, won’t you sell them?” puts store workers into a specific stupor. Nobody seems to think about it there.
All other stores (including the largest supermarket in the Faroe Islands) sell light beer with an alcohol content of no more than 0.2%&
A similar situation with alcohol in the Faroe Islands was initiated back in the thirties of the last century. Alcohol was sold uncontrollably, many fishermen drank themselves to death, but in the thirties, men carelessly gave women the right to vote in elections.
The first (!) thing the women did after receiving their license was to push through a ban on the sale of alcohol on the islands. Complete ban.
The men tried to protest, but it was too late: the fisherwomen grabbed their husbands tightly by the balls.
The return of alcohol to any kind of sale continued for decades. And it continues to this day.
7. At the same time, the Faroe Islands produce a very good and very specific aqua vitamin, which is called HAVIÐ, with a strength of as much as 50.1 degrees. Such a fortress is the result of a marketing strategy, the essence of which is unknown to me.
8. Also, despite the prohibitions and restrictions, the Faroe Islands produce very good beer, and the “Black Sheep” variety is generally beyond praise.
9. One of my acquaintances in the Faroe Islands created an ideal business: he collected waste from fish processing plants (mainly pollock heads), then dried it, pressed it and sold it to poor countries in Africa. Why an ideal business? The raw materials are free, the market is huge, the idea is super, what can I say.
10. The Danish krone is in use in the Faroe Islands, but the piquancy of the situation is that the Faroe Islands have their own Danish krone, with a very special design. From my own experience, I can say that I have never held more beautiful money in my hands.
Tindholmur Island- one of the islands of the Faroe archipelago. Area - 6500 sq.m. The highest point is 262 m. Each of the small peaks has its own name: Ytsti, Arni, Lítli, Breiði, and Bogdi.
The island is uninhabited, but archaeological evidence suggests that people once lived on it.
Every year, the Faroe Islands catch and kill whales and pilot whales (black dolphins) in a traditional hunt known as "Grindadrap". The sea in the Faroe Islands becomes as bloody and creepy as the cruel ritual itself.
Faroese men often say that being involved in whaling makes them feel like real Faroese. Despite criticism from animal rights groups and the International Whaling Commission, the Faroe Islands population continues to kill thousands of whales year after year.
A mob of hunters drive whales and dolphins into a bay and then snap their spines, leaving the animals to slowly bleed to death. According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), some whales struggle in agony for several hours. “Whales and dolphins are very intelligent creatures and they are capable of feeling pain and fear, just like us. They are forced to watch their relatives die in the blood-red water, awaiting their own death.”
Hundreds of pilot whales or black dolphins, as they are sometimes called, become victims of the Faroese every year. I don’t even know what definition to give to this bloody process... Some say, killing whales for the population of the Faroe Islands - a national pastime, others - a tradition, others - a vital necessity. I’ll probably focus on the tradition - don’t judge, as they say, lest you be judged. This event is on a national scale. On a certain day, I don’t know which one, apparently, when the meat supplies run out, Faroese men slaughter pilot whales, and women and children happily gather on the shore and look at this picture. In short, the entire population is involved - no one is indifferent.
Whaling has existed on the “remains of Atlantis” since at least the tenth century, and it is not regulated by the International Whale Commission, but by the Faroese authorities, due to - quoting Wikipedia - “the presence of disagreements over the competence of the commission in relation to small cetaceans.” I don’t know how to put it easier, because I didn’t really understand the meaning myself. It turns out that traditional, with a centuries-old history pilot whale massacre in the Faroe Islands smoothly developed into some semblance public holiday. At least, according to eyewitness accounts, this is exactly what it looks like.
I don't know how to judge all this. On the one hand, it’s scary, creepy, disgusting, low and vile, and on the other hand, surely somewhere in Africa there are tribes in which people devour each other, but no one condemns them: well, there is, and there is, what can you do if This is their way of life.
Here's what eyewitnesses write:
Killing whales is a national pastime
In order to feel like men and breadwinners, the Faroese carried out mass slaughter of whales. The entire population took part in this. Men catch, and women and children watch and support.
Unfortunately, this cruel tradition continues to this day. But now whale hunting has become something of a national holiday on the islands. Not for the sake of food, but for the sake of blood, thirst for profit and satisfaction of their barbaric instincts.
They hunt here for pilot whales or, as they are also called, black dolphins. Pilot whales swim in a flock that blindly follows the leader. Once you lure him alone, everyone else will follow him to certain death. The whales are driven into shallow waters in special bays. They surround them with boats and drive them to the shore with stones, sticks, and harpoons.
The first time I learned about this “holiday” was soon after arriving in the Faroe Islands. Once I came to pick up my children from kindergarten and saw the excited faces of the teachers. Happiness and satisfaction were written on them. Gesturing excitedly, they said that today they went to watch how dolphins were slaughtered and took all the children there. They liked everything very much, and the children were absolutely delighted.
After that, the children in the kindergarten spent the whole week drawing pictures about how dolphins are slaughtered, how they are pulled out, killed, and pools of blood. The more terrible the picture, the more honorable place it was on the wall. The exhibition of children's works hung for a long time and was frightening in its appearance.
My children suffered deep psychological stress. One day they grew up and realized that death exists and walks nearby in the form of a Faroese man with a harpoon and a spear.
No one asked permission if it was possible to take the children to look at this horror. They were simply taken away because it was cool. Because many Faroese sincerely believe that the slaughter of whales is one of the most beautiful spectacles. And in the future, children were taken to this slaughterhouse more than once, although they were warned that they could not be taken there. But the teachers forgot everything at the moment of excitement from the upcoming action.
Through the eyes of an eyewitness
I do not know of a more barbaric spectacle that occurs with the approval of the government and with the participation of almost all people, young and old. This is real horror.
As soon as a pod of whales approaches the island, the Faroese drop everything and run to fish. People learn from the radio, from mobile phones and just from each other - today they are beating whales.
They run as fast as they can, just to be on time, just not to be late. They run with crazy eyes. Everyone is running, even pregnant women and young mothers, who grab their children, put them in strollers and also rush to the shore. Other children are dangling underfoot, they are being knocked down, now there is no time for children - whales are being beaten. Kindergartens and schools are brought there so that everyone can participate in the process and look at the bloody mess. How innocent animals are killed.
Just a couple of hours ago, kind and sweet Faroese people become wild animals. They make sure that the whales cannot escape from the shallow waters. With wild faces they throw stones at them, hit them with spears and knock them into a chaotic mass. Wounded animals become frantic and rush around in search of freedom. People rush towards them from the shore and finish them off right in the water. The whales, which are still alive, are stuck with hooks and sticks and dragged to the shore, where their throats are cut.
Women and children support the men, running through pools of blood. There is blood all around. The Sea of Blood is completely red. The entire coast is covered in the blood of innocent victims of Faroese cruelty. People's faces, hands, clothes - everything is covered in blood. Satisfaction on faces, smiles, joy, pleasure, buzz - this whole range of feelings can be read on all faces.
Thirst for blood plus thirst for freebies. After all the whales are dead, the cutting of prey begins right on the shore. Children are very often involved in the process. They are allowed to tinker with the intestines and entrails. Shops in the Faroe Islands are overwhelmed various types meat, but whale meat is not sold there. Because it is given out for free at this slaughterhouse. Lists of those interested are created in advance on a special website. Why go to the store and pay money when you can get meat and satisfy your barbaric instincts.
On this moment There is no need to slaughter whales. Faroese people do not die of hunger. The supply of food to the islands is well established, but, as the Faroese themselves explain, this is their sport. Yes, that’s exactly what they call this nightmare with pride and approval.
Photographs of the killing of whales are placed in newspapers, in advertising brochures for tourists, devoting entire spreads to this and publishing the most horrifying scenes. They make videos about the killing of whales and then watch them with pleasure on long winter evenings, eating whale meat and lard at the same time. There is no regret, only delight that everything will happen again soon.
I would like to mention that this is not the only murder in which children are involved in the Faroes. Sheep farming is very common on the islands, and the slaughter of sheep is a family event in which all family members also participate. In front of the children, the sheep is cut and butchered, and the children then fiddle with the guts with a smile on their faces. They take video and photographs of the process. For a long time, a book with a detailed photo report about this was very popular in the Faroe Islands. It happens that they do similar things in kindergartens. Probably so that those children whose parents do not have sheep do not feel deprived. They bring a sheep or some kind of sea animal to the kindergarten and butcher it together with the children. The children are given trophies - guts and so on. Once on the embankment, sailors set up a small open aquarium. Various sea animals swam in containers filled with water - crabs, sea stars, fish, octopuses and others. They could be taken out and touched. Some children watched the animals with interest, while others simply picked them up and tore off their limbs, enjoying how they writhed and tried to escape. Parents looked at their children with approval and smiles, without making any comments to them and fully supporting these tortures. My children clung to me in horror and asked: “Mom, is this really possible?” Why don’t parents tell their children not to torture animals?” What could they answer to this?
Dolphins have long been considered the patrons of shipping and sailors. All sailors know the sign - before a storm, dolphins try to go to the depths and not appear on the surface, which sailors regard as a warning of an impending storm.
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Where does such unimaginable inquisitorial cruelty towards these creatures come from among the inhabitants of the Faroe Islands?
In fairness, it must be said that in modern world not everyone shares the romantic view of dolphins, considering them dangerous wild animals.
However, the final point in dolphin research has not yet been reached, and no matter what conclusion scientists come to, people have no right to the bloody barbarity occurring in the Faroe Islands.
Many centuries ago, during the times of the Vikings, the ancestors of the islanders lived in completely different conditions and different customs - these were cruel times of wars, deprivation, lack of food, and the terrible custom that arose in those days may have been a forced way for their survival.
But now, in modern conditions, with supermarkets littered with food, this barbaric “diet” of the Faroese is blasphemous.
“True Faroese” should remember that “cruelty cannot be the companion of valor” (Cervantes).
As the descendants of the brave Normans, it does not suit the Faroese to assert themselves through the bloody massacre of defenseless animals; a much more courageous act would be to decide to stop this bloody massacre as historically outdated and immoral. What do you think?
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.
Most high point 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.
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 all year round has a temperature of about +10°C, which softens climatic conditions and provides ideal conditions for the life of fish and plankton.
Last changes: 10/23/2009Population 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: 10/23/2009Communications
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 located on high level 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
Despite the fact that the Faroe Islands are a major intermediate point for many telecommunications systems linking Europe and North America, the level of network services here is relatively low. 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.
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: 10/23/2009Where 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 quite 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.
Excellent beaches of dark volcanic sand are also found near the town of Scalavig.
Last changes: 09/01/2010History 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 the 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: 04/28/2013It 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 published in all travel brochures and prospectuses and must be strictly observed. 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: 01/20/2013How 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: 04/28/2013Sheep are considered the symbol of the Faroe Islands; they are also the most common animal on the islands. The Faroese coat of arms also features an ram.
The Faroe Islands are a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland and Iceland. The Faroe archipelago consists of 18 large islands (17 of them inhabited) and many small islets and rocks. The largest island is Streymoy, its area is 373.5 km². The Faroe rocks have a basalt structure.
The islands are dotted with numerous fjords, most of them are treeless due to strong winds, although many of them have plantations of mountain ash, maple and coniferous trees.
State symbols
Flag– a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 8:11 with a red Scandinavian cross with a blue border on a white background. The red cross on a white background is a modified version of the flag of Denmark (white cross on a red background), whose autonomous region is the islands. The blue border may have been added to indicate that the islands were formerly part of Norway. The flag was approved on April 25, 1940.
Coat of arms– the current coat of arms was finally adopted in 2004. It depicts a silver ram in a defensive pose with golden hooves and horns. The blue background color matches the blue of the Faroe Islands flag.
Sheep are a symbol of the Faroe Islands, their name goes back to them (Far. Føroyar in translation “Sheep Islands”). Sheep are the most common animals on the islands.
State structure
Faroe islands - autonomous region of Denmark. They have their own legislature (Faroese Løgting) and their own executive body (Faroese Landsstüri), consisting of a chairman and members. The highest representative of the royal power (Ombudsman) performs a purely supervisory function in the Faroese Parliament.
The Faroe Islands are not an independent subject of international law: Faroese international treaties are signed jointly by the Danish leadership (represented by the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark or the Queen of Denmark) and the local Faroese Government.
Head of State- Monarch of Denmark.
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital– Tórshavn.
Population– 48,500 people. Faroese make up 91% of the population, Danes - 5.8%, British - 0.7%.
Climate– moderate marine, with warm winter and cool, humid summers. Fogs are frequent. Climatic conditions softened by the tropical sea current of the Gulf Stream, the water around the islands has a temperature of about +10° C all year round, which provides ideal conditions for the life of fish and plankton.
Economy. The main sectors of the economy are fishing, sheep breeding, and light industry. Export: fresh, frozen, filleted and salted fish, gelatin made from fish swim bladders, lamb, sheepskin, astrakhan fur and wool products, eider down and petrel down. Import: finished products – 36%, materials and semi-finished products – 32%, mechanical engineering – 29%.
About 2% of the land is cultivated. Main agricultural products: milk, potatoes, crop products, fish, sheep products.
At the beginning of the 21st century. A unique farm for artificially breeding halibut has been built in the Faroe Islands.
Currency– Faroese and Danish crowns.
Religion– mainly Lutheranism. 
Official languages– Faroese, Danish.
Sport– football, handball, volleyball, swimming, rowing are popular. The Faroe Islands are a member of FIFA and UEFA.
Flora
Most of the lowland area is occupied by meadows and thickets of heather, there are few trees, there are no forests, mostly only plantings. There are four species of willow. IN mountainous areas grassy willow is common; the other three species (filicolea willow, hairy willow and arctic willow) have become rare due to active grazing by animals. Herbs, mosses, and lichens are abundant.
The only non-introduced evergreen plant of the Faroe Islands is the common juniper. 
Fauna
The fauna of the Faroe Islands is much more diverse than the plant life. Colonies of Arctic birds, a lot of fish (herring, halibut, cod) and other marine life live here. The island is home to the famous Faroese sheep breed. It is mainly used for meat production, but the wool is used to knit traditional shawls in the Faroe Islands. 
Colonies settle on the Faroese cliffs guillemot(seabirds common in the northern hemisphere. During the nesting period they live on rocky coasts. They settle in large colonies that form “bird colonies”). 
Rookeries are being established in the Faroe Islands harp seals.
Culture
The distinctive culture of the Faroes is basically an interweaving of Faroese and Danish traditions. This applies to music and literature. The music features a variety of styles: from folklore to Viking Metal. The Faroese round dance is still popular; it has become one of the traditional components of Faroese festivals.
The main Faroese holiday is Ólavsøka. It takes place on July 28-29. The festival is named after St. Olaf, who introduced Christianity to Norway. During the festival there are rowing competitions in which villages compete with each other; horse racing; art exhibitions; dance and religious processions. In mid-July, the western part of the Faroese archipelago hosts the annual two-day Vestanstevna festival, in Klaksvuik on Northern Isles– Norðoyastevna, and on South Island Suuri – Jóansøka.
A jazz festival is held regularly.
The islands are 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.
Traditional whale slaughter in the Faroe Islands
From about the 10th century. There is whaling in the Faroe Islands. It is regulated by the Faroese authorities. About 950 are slaughtered annually grind(black dolphins). Pilot whale fishing is organized by communities and anyone can participate. Whalers surround pilot whales with boats, placing them in a wide semicircle. The boats then slowly drive the pilot whales into the bay or to the bottom of the fjord.
The Faroese consider the pilot whale fishery an important part of their culture and history. But animal rights activists say the fishing is cruel and unnecessary.
Famous Faroese
Niels Ryberg Finsen (1860-1904)
Faroese-Danish scientist and physiotherapist, Nobel Prize winner in physiology or medicine. He was born and spent his childhood in the Faroe Islands, where his father held the position of amtmann - governor of the Danish crown. Developer of the scientific foundations of light therapy. In 1903 he became the first Danish Nobel Prize laureate.
William Heinesen (1900-1901)
One of the most famous writers of the Faroe Islands. Wrote in Danish. Known as a composer and artist.
Christian Mattress (1900-1988)
Faroese linguist and poet; the first Faroese to receive the title of professor. He made significant contributions to the study of Faroese literature and culture, as well as the Faroese language. Considered one of the most prominent Faroese poets.
Sights of the Faroe Islands
Fugloy ("Island of Birds")
The island's majestic cliffs are home to millions of seabird colonies.
There are two villages on the island: Kirkja south coast islands and Hattarvik in the east. 
Kalsoy Island
The most mountainous of the Faroe Islands. West Coast consists almost entirely of steep cliffs. However, there are four small settlements here east coast, which are interconnected by a whole system of tunnels. The island got its nickname Flute (“flute”) for its many underground galleries and caves.
Katlur Lighthouse on the northern tip of the island has a natural sea arch and dramatic cliffs.
Trötlkonufingur ("Troll Woman's Finger")
A beautiful sea cliff north of the settlement of Scarvanes.
Sandoy Island
The least mountainous of the islands of the Faroe archipelago, it is known sand dunes. On the terraces above Skopun there are two beautiful lakes. On the island there is a church in the village of Sandur.
Munkastovan
Old monastery in Torshavn. The monastery was built in the 15th century. It is surrounded by a stone wall, which helped it survive the fire of 1673, when many city buildings (about a third of all buildings) burned down. The monastery was built according to the canons of the Gothic architectural style.
The capital of the Faroe Islands is Tórshavn
The population of the city is 12,393 people. Founded in the 10th century. The city is named after Thor, the god of thunder and lightning. Tórshavn literally means "Thor's harbor". 
Today, most of Tórshavn is built up with one- and two-story stone and wooden houses - exactly the same as those that can be found in any Faroese village or farm. Against the backdrop of the bright green hills surrounding the capital and the black coastal cliffs, these buildings painted in blue, dark blue, red, and orange, randomly scattered along narrow roads, are reminiscent of illustrations from fairy tales about gnomes and trolls. This impression is further strengthened by small trees and bushes sticking out on the roofs of some houses - according to tradition, the roofs of buildings in the Faroe Islands are covered with birch bark. A thick layer of turf is applied to the birch bark.
The history of the capital dates back to the first Viking settlements. Old buildings of the 17th-18th centuries. at the peak of the peninsula are the houses of the government of the Faroe Islands. The Parliament House in the city center was built outside the city in 1865.
Tórshavn today combines centuries of history with the amenities of a modern city.
West Church (Tórshavn)
Lutheran Church in Tórshavn. Its height is 40.5 m - this is the most high building in the Faroe Islands. The church was built in 1975. In 2006, a monument to Sigmundur Brestisson, who initiated the Christianization of the islands and was killed in 1005, was erected in front of the church. The author of the monument is Hans Pauli Olsen.
History of the Faroe Islands
Initially, immigrants from Scotland lived on the islands, but at the beginning of the 9th century. Vikings began to visit the islands, and the Scots left them.
Until the end of the 14th century. The Faroe Islands were part of Norway, and after that the islands were owned by Norway together with Denmark, which in 1814 became the sole owner of the islands. The Faroese language is a descendant of Old Norse.
The Faroe Islands' strategic position in the North Atlantic attracted British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. On April 11, 1940, he decided to station the cruiser in the port of Tórshavn. The islands came under British military control during World War II following the German invasion of Denmark. British occupation of the islands ended in September 1945.
In September 1946, the Faroe Islands parliament announced the islands' secession from Denmark. Denmark did not agree with this. Only on April 1, 1948, an agreement was reached under which the Faroe Islands received limited sovereignty, but the Danish government continued to be in charge of the islands' foreign policy. 2 representatives of the islands permanently serve in the Danish Parliament.
Since 1984, the Faroe Islands have been declared a nuclear-weapon-free zone, but the islands are home to a Danish naval base and a NATO radar complex.
