Where are the Faroe Islands located?

Survival

The Faroe Islands have many natural attractions that every traveler should see. Here are the most interesting of them. The Faroe Islands are not the most popular tourist destination. This land is sometimes also called “the end of the world”, because not every person is able to find the Faroe Islands on the map. But the Faroe Archipelago can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful places on our planet. Excellent conditions have been created here for hiking

. And the landscapes are striking in their diversity: from rocky cliffs to heather-covered heaths; from crystal clear waterfalls to snow-capped mountain peaks.

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

By the way, the Faroe Islands and all their natural attractions are under the jurisdiction of Denmark.

1. Tindholmur Island It is a small island located between the larger islands of Vagar and Micenes. It is interesting because it has a pointed mountain peak that occupies almost the entire area of Tindholmur. A stunning view of this small piece of land opens from the settlement of Bour, which is located on neighboring island . But the best way to view Tindholmur is from a helicopter or ferry.

You can visit the island itself, but excursions to Tindihölmur are only available in the summer.

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

2. Gasadalur village

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

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

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

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

4. Chednuvuk village

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

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

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

5. Fugloy Island

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

6. Mycines Island

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in the Faroe Islands

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

Hotel Føroyar 4*. Design hotel designed by the Danish bureau Friis & Moltke in an incredible picturesque place- on the shores of the Faroe fjord. Beautifully decorated modern rooms, Koks restaurant with dishes national cuisine, various lounge areas. The center of Tórshavn is 2 km from here. But each room has a view of Nolsoy Bay.
Four-star hotels in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands - Hotel Føroyar
Hotel Havn. Modern inexpensive hotel in the area picturesque bay- the main harbor of Tórshavn. It’s a 20-minute walk from here to the center—scenic walks—even early in the morning, even under the moon—are guaranteed to you. But next to Hotel Havn There is also a public transport stop.
Inexpensive but high-quality hotel in the Faroe Islands - Hotel Havn
Hotel Hafnia 4*. The coolest four star hotel we have found. The price is not bad, and the location on the main street of Tórshavn is hard to imagine better! The rooms are very comfortable with all imaginable amenities and bells and whistles. I was pleased with the restaurant where you will have breakfast - the view of the harbor is simply superb.
The Atlantic Swan. Apartments in Tórshavn for a company of 6 people (3 bedrooms). There is a common room, a kitchen, and parking spaces. This is a great option if you can book it. These apartments are in demand and have a rating of 9.8 out of 10 on booking.com. It's worth hurrying!
Independent apartments in the Faroe Islands

Video: the most interesting places in Faroe

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

As a summary

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

and routes

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. Largest island- 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 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 living conditions for 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 exchange office 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 standards in force in the Faroe Islands mobile communications- NMT (analog) and GSM (digital). However, for last years GSM has practically replaced the analog standard, and now the coverage area covers almost the entire territory of the islands.

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

Landline communications

The Faroe Islands telephone system is of a high standard and provides all modern complex services. Public payphones from Foroya Tele (Faroese Telecom), 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 are provided with stable high-speed communications.

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

There is no “star” classification of hotels in the Faroe Islands; 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.

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 rule 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 by Løgting to be a food-free zone. nuclear weapons, 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.

Also, the mandatory kit should 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. 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). Also, GPS system receivers would be quite useful - despite small sizes islands, the terrain here is so complex that it is simply impossible to find your way around 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

Not everyone will be able to quickly show where exactly the Faroe Islands are on the map. At the same time, everything more tourists they're going there. They are mainly attracted by the opportunity to take a break from noisy resorts, vibrant cities and city dust.

Located in the Norwegian Sea between Iceland and the Scottish Islands, the archipelago consists of 18 islands, of which 17 are inhabited. The population is 48 thousand. It is noteworthy that almost half of these people live in the capital or its suburbs. The Faroe region is considered bilingual. The official languages are Danish and Faroese, which combines different West Scandinavian dialects.

To date, there are no direct air flights from Russia to the islands. Therefore, tourists have to change planes in Denmark or Norway. You can pre-book your flight ticket using the Internet. You can get from one island to another by several means of transport, including by ferry. For some tourists, it is most convenient to travel around the islands on a boat hired for an additional fee.

Although the Faroe Islands belong to Denmark, you cannot enter their territory with a Schengen visa. The refusal to join the European Union was deliberate and was associated with taxes on fishing. Therefore, to get to the archipelago, you need to apply for a visa, which will have a special note. There are special visa centers where you can do this in many big cities. However, most travelers prefer the services of travel agencies. All Required documents are transferred to the agency, and subsequently the employees transfer the finished visas to clients.

Climatic and weather conditions

The islands are located in the central part of a warm sea current known as the Gulf Stream. Therefore, this place has a constant off-season. Throughout the year, the number of sunny days does not exceed 80, and the rest of the time it rains. In addition, even in sunny weather strong winds blow. The most comfortable time to visit the archipelago will be the summer months, when precipitation is rare.

The Faroe Islands have a fairly mild climate. Average temperatures for winter range from approximately 0˚C to +4˚C. Summer temperature is 11-17˚C. The rainy season lasts from September to January on the islands. Further, the archipelago is plunged into fog, which does not allow the rays of the sun to pass through.

Another feature: the water near the islands is perfectly clear, and its temperature, even in winter, does not drop below +10˚C. This creates ideal conditions for fishing and diving in winter.

Nature

For those who prefer a holiday surrounded by pristine nature, the Faroe Islands are an ideal option. Most of the territory is occupied by peat bogs, meadows and mountain ranges. Numerous lakes and fjords, gorges, cliffs and waterfalls will not leave anyone indifferent.

There are few trees on the islands, only occasionally you can see conifers, maples or mountain ash trees. Fauna connoisseurs free time on the archipelago can be devoted to watching dolphins, seabirds, whales and seals. There are also incredibly large numbers of sheep grazing on the hills of these islands.

Sights of the archipelago

Of course, many tourists consider the main attractions in the Faroe Islands beautiful mountains and slopes with flocks of sheep, as well as compact towns and colorful roofs on houses.

Lovers of natural attractions will also appreciate the features different islands. For example, Streymoy is a paradise for fishing lovers. Here you can catch halibut, eels and even representatives of the salmon family. Nolsoy attracts tourists with its seal rookeries, and Fugloy with the fact that it is loved by millions of birds. And the northern settlement of Skarvanes is famous for a beautiful sea cliff called Tretlkonufingur, which translated means “troll woman’s finger.”

The archipelago also has a large selection of excursion programs. For example, this could be a visit to the capital and small villages or boat trips.

The capital of the islands, Tórshavn, is located in an incredibly picturesque area. Most of settlement juts out over the fjord, offering stunning views of mountains and steep cliffs. Tórshavn is very quiet city. It is noisy only in the central square and on the piers.

The main attraction of the capital is the Munkastovan Monastery, built in the 15th century. It is noteworthy that the monastery, surrounded by a stone wall, is one of the few buildings that survived the great fire that raged in the 17th century.

Many will be interested in visiting the Historical Museum. Among its exhibits are ship models, fishing gear and agricultural implements from Viking times to the present day. Also here you can see items that local residents used in everyday life. There are also exhibits that are valuable from a religious point of view.

The House of Server Countries is also definitely worth a visit. There is an art gallery there and concert hall, and on summer evenings introductory events are held for guests of the archipelago.

After a walk through Vidarlund Park, it is worth going to the Art Museum to see delightful examples of painting and sculpture.

If your trip to the archipelago is in July, you should plan your vacation so that you are sure to be on the islands on the 28th-29th. During this period, local people nationally celebrate St. Olaf's Day. According to tradition, celebrations include ceremonial religious and dance processions, art exhibitions, and rowing and equestrian competitions.

Gastronomic nuances

National cuisine has a close relationship with the climate of the archipelago. Two main ingredients used in preparation various dishes- This is lamb and fish. Gourmets visiting the Faroe Islands should definitely try local delicacies such as sheep's head and whale meat. No less interesting is ruyskjet (meat that has been dried for several months) and skärpiket – meat that has been dried for more than a year and is consumed without any processing. Often the same cooking method is used for drying fish.

Those tourists who prefer traditional cuisine should order fried lamb at the restaurant. You can also try puffins (this is the name of small birds), stuffed with sweet dough, served with potatoes and sweet berries.

It may surprise many that rhubarb is added to food everywhere here. Another one interesting feature– There are practically no fish shops on the islands. If the islanders want to cook fish, they catch it themselves, and after cooking they serve it with a side dish of rice or potatoes.

It is worth noting that the most popular drinks on the islands are coffee and tea. Locals often add herbs to tea that grow on mountain slopes. Alcoholic drinks are officially permitted from the age of 18. However, if light beer can be purchased everywhere, then low-alcohol drinks, strong dark beer and wine can only be purchased in government stores and in restaurants that have a special license.

Lunch at a regular restaurant will cost approximately $30. In higher-level establishments it will already be $45-50. The most budget-friendly snack option can be found in local cafes.

Where to stay?

After arriving in the capital, you can check into a three-star hotel. For example, it could be "Streim" or "Tórshavn". For those who like more comfortable conditions, “Hafniya” and “Feroyar” are suitable. It is worth noting that all hotels offer tourists rooms with private amenities. Transfer from and to the airport is also provided. Free access to Wi-Fi. Hotel rates start from $120. Although you can get a seasonal discount.

A more economical accommodation option is a hostel or guest house. The most popular are “Bládýpi” and “Skansin”, but you should book rooms in them several months in advance. There are also mini-hotels on the islands where you can spend the night and have breakfast. Accommodation prices depend on the time of year and start from $80.

For tourists who prefer relaxing close to nature, campsites are available. Local residents value order very much, so campers are required to maintain cleanliness and thoroughly clean before leaving.

Main types of entertainment

 There are many varieties of fish in coastal waters. Therefore, not only local residents, but also tourists are fond of fishing. By the way, according to the laws, any fish can be exported from this country if its length exceeds 30 cm.

 The Faroe Islands are extremely interesting for wreck divers. After all, you can find sunken ships here. And near Nolsoy Island, divers like to watch seals live underwater.

 Those who cannot imagine a proper holiday without nightclubs should visit the capital’s “Rex” and “Eclipse”. However, it is worth considering that only young people aged 18-25 are allowed into the second club.

What to buy?

The most popular souvenirs are items made of wool, wood and ceramics. Due to the climate, the islanders cannot imagine their life without woolen clothes and accessories. Therefore, here you can always buy a stylish sweater, hat or gloves at an attractive price.

It is worth considering that from Monday to Thursday, most stores are open from 9:00 to 18:00. On Friday, the working day is often extended by another hour. But on Saturday everything closes earlier, and Sunday is a day off.

1. The most optimal transport for getting to the archipelago is an airplane. But there's only one here international Airport– Vagar, located near the village of Sorvagur.

2. To travel around the islands, you can rent a car. It will cost at least $60 per day. To register for a rental, you must be over 20 years old and have credit card and an international driver's license.

3. Tourists who give preference public transport, can purchase maps with routes and timetables at Steinatún kiosks.

4. Traveling to the Faroe Islands is quite expensive. But when leaving the country, if you have a receipt from stores operating according to the system Tax Free, you can return VAT. But only if the purchase amount in the receipt exceeds $48.

5. It is not customary to leave a tip on this archipelago. Staff remuneration is most often immediately included in the bill.

6. You can fish if you have a license, which is sold at tourist offices. If a tourist wants to take his fishing gear, he must sanitize it in advance.

7. The climate in the Faroe Islands is very changeable, so you must take warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes with you on the road.

Visa information

To obtain a visa in Moscow, you can contact the Danish Embassy. You must have with you:

 2 photographs;
 completed application form;
 foreign passport (its expiration date must expire at least 3 months after the expiration of the visa) and its copy;
 national passport and its copy;
 insurance policy (coverage amount cannot be less than 30 thousand €);
 bank account statement;
 confirmation that the hotel has been booked;
 certificate from place of work or study.

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

A corner lost on the edge of the earth

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

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

Green oasis on our planet

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

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

Descendants of the Vikings

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

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

Whose archipelago?

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

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

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

Climate and weather

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

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

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

Administrative center of the islands

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

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

The most beautiful miraculous landmark of Tórshavn is the luxurious and high waterfall Fossa.

A unique lake on the edge of an abyss

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

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

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

Local Attractions

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

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

Nolsoy is famous a huge amount seals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Historical monuments

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

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

Diving and fishing

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

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

What else can tourists do?

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

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

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

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

Heaven's Gate of the Archipelago

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

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

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

Faroe Islands: how to get there?

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

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

Where to stay?

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

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

There are many different islands on the planet, some of them were previously coastline continent, 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. 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. total area the entire territory is 1399 sq km. Main islands: Streymoy, Esturoy, Suduroy, Voar, Sandoy, Bordoy.

The Faroe Islands are part of, but have autonomous administration, 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 around the 9th century, and the modern inhabitants 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 whole 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 the very center, hence the constant off-season, which is about 280 rainy days per 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 of the 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. The majority of residents of the autonomy communicate in a rare manner in all areas Faroese language is 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 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 are considered to be: 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 area 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 plying here bus routes red, thanks to this you can freely 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, which also form a 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

If you fly directly to Faroe Airport, you will need to provide a special visa rather than a Schengen one.
Additional tips are not accepted here; all staff remuneration is already included in the bill, usually in the amount of 10%.
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.
When leaving, you can return VAT on purchases, but only if the purchase was made in a store operating under the Tax Free system and the check amount exceeds $48.
Be aware of the local climate: you will need warm clothing and spare shoes for walks in the mountains and the coast.

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