The Faroe Islands are located in the north of the Atlantic, in the open ocean, significantly north of Scotland. Officially, they belong to Denmark, but in fact life in the Faroe Islands is subject not so much to the Danish crown as to its own laws and rules. Tourists are not waiting here for azure waters, chic hotels and well-trained bartenders serving colorful cocktails to vacationers on the beach. The nearest inhabited coast is Icelandic, and it is located 450 km. But if you are looking for a place to escape from everything, then the Faroe Islands are the perfect place for this.
In one of its publications, National Geographic magazine called the Faroe Islands the best islands in the world. It seems that even their inhabitants themselves more than agree with this characterization.
How to get to the Faroe Islands
By plane to Torshavn with a transfer through Denmark (Copenhagen) or Norway (Bergen or Stavanger). The most popular local transport in the Faroe Islands is, of course, water, and you need to travel between the islands by ferry. In the summer, you can also take a ferry from Bergen to Tórshavn.
Visa
The Faroe Islands are not part of the Schengen area. To visit these territories, it is necessary to obtain a national Danish visa, valid for entry into the Faroe Islands, in addition to the regular Danish Schengen visa. If the tourist already has a valid Schengen visa of another country, it is enough to apply for a national Danish visa with a note about entering the Faroe Islands. The list of required documents and the process of obtaining a visa to the Faroe Islands is identical to the process of obtaining a Schengen visa to Denmark.
Search for flights to Copenhagen (nearest airport to Faroe Islands)
A bit of history
In total, the Faroe Islands include 18 islands, and people live on all but the last, Small Dimun. The first inhabitants appeared on the islands around the 8th-9th centuries; then the islands saw the Vikings and for some time served as a staging post in their sea expeditions. Once the Faroe Islands were divided between Norway and Denmark, but at the beginning of the 19th century they were completely taken over by the Danes. During the Second World War, the islands were occupied by Great Britain in response to the capture of Denmark by the Germans (this did not affect the course of the war in any way). The next year after the end of the war, the Faroe Islands were about to secede from the Danish kingdom, but it was not there: the maximum that the islanders achieved was partial sovereignty.
In one of its publications, National Geographic magazine named the Faroe Islands the best islands in the world (this is a consolidated expert assessment of half a thousand specialists in the tourism industry). It seems that even their inhabitants themselves more than agree with this characterization. Despite the fact that the economy of the islands rests, figuratively speaking, on sheep and herring, the weather is gloomy, and fuel and other essential items have to be purchased on the mainland for five hundred kilometers, the standard of living in the Faroe Islands is one of the highest in the world. And almost all the islanders are ardent patriots who optimistically paint their houses in different colors in spite of gloomy weather and gray skies.
Due to unacceptable fishing taxes for local residents, the Faroe Islands have not yet entered the European Union.
Faroese cuisine
The traditional dishes of the Faroes, dense and simple, are all rather curious, but by modern standards they cannot be called healthy. Although local dishes, for obvious reasons, are often prepared from fish, the Faroese themselves prefer fatty and unsalted meat, in particular lamb, and potatoes from vegetables. However, more and more European establishments have recently been opened in large settlements. So you need to look specifically for traditional restaurants to try smorrebrod for breakfast (sandwich with butter and meat eaten with cutlery), for lunch - dried cod and lamb kidney soup, and for dinner - puffin meat pie, rhubarb and potatoes.
Weather in the Faroe Islands
The climate here cannot be called mild: in summer it usually does not get warmer than +15 ° C, it rains about 280 days a year, and the winds blow almost constantly. Therefore, there are few trees on the islands - solid rocks and moss, but there are a lot of carved picturesque fjords, bays, bays and mountains.
In winter, the islands are very wet and particularly cold. But the Gulf Stream washing them does not allow coastal waters to freeze and even maintains their temperature at about +10 ° C. This season, when there are no people around, and the water is especially clear, is considered ideal for diving enthusiasts.
3 things to do in the Faroe Islands:
- Buy and bring home to your grandmother a few hanks of local first-class sheep's wool for knitting. This can be done in almost any grocery store.
- Get to the town of Skopun on the island of Sandoy, where the largest mailbox in the world is located. This is a huge blue building of several human heights, against which you should definitely take a picture (alas, the box is non-functional).
- Try local meat and fish dried-cured snacks: whale meat and lamb in the Faroe Islands are dried in a dozen different ways, sometimes for a year.
Entertainment and attractions of the Faroe Islands
The main city of the Faroe Islands is Torshavn on the island of Streymoy, and it is quite picturesque and specific. But, of course, those who travel to the Faroe Islands do not come for city sightseeing. The main thing for which people come to the Faroe Islands is the amazing nature, solitude and the feeling that you are on the edge of the earth.
Torshavn
The capital of the islands, Tórshavn, has a mixed atmosphere: part port, part metropolitan, part even some kind of rural. Here it is worth visiting, first of all, the ancient Munkastovan Monastery, built in the 15th century and surrounded by a stone wall. In the 17th century, a major fire raged in the city, but the monastery escaped destruction. The main museum on the islands is also curious - the historical one, which contains various examples of applied art and worship, traditional household utensils and household items of villagers, fishermen and sailors. The main cultural center of Tórshavn is the Nordic House, where a conference hall, a concert hall, a library and an art gallery are open. On summer nights, special introductory events for tourists are organized here.
Faroe Islands: Fugloy, Kalsoy, Sandoy
The sights of the Faroe Islands are each island separately, each with its own special nature, pretty rural houses under colorful roofs (and often covered with turf and grass), coastal cliffs in a foggy haze. On some you will find old Lutheran churches, on most - numerous flocks of sheep in green meadows, and on all - the purest air and cold blue skies, not polluted by industrial enterprises, which are not here.
Many of the islands have earned special fame due to the peculiarities of the landscape, climate, flora or fauna. So, for example, on the island of Fugloy (“Bird Island”), sea birds nest in huge numbers. Here, high, more than half a kilometer cliffs, favored by millions of birds, crash into the water. The even more mountainous Kalsoy (“pipe-island”) is surprising, however, not with mountains, but quite the contrary - with underground passages and caves. And the most “flat” of all Sandoy is famous for others: here you can admire wide sand dunes near the coast, and two beautiful lakes are located on a hill.
Faroe islands
Leisure
On the island of Vioy is one of the highest cliffs in Europe, Enniberg, which climbers have been unsuccessfully trying to conquer for many decades. And to the north of Skarvanes, on the island of Kalsoy, the cape ends with a sharp prong sticking up - Tretlkonufingur, "Troll's Finger". Amateur fishermen should go to the island of Streymoy, where the most fertile lake Pollur in terms of fishing is located: there you can fish not only banal salmon, but also large halibut and eels. Vagar Island is famous for the Slave rock with a lake located high in the mountains: the water from it overflows over a rocky cliff near the village of Gasadapur and breaks straight into the ocean, and together with a rocky ridge in the background and a village in the middle, all this is such a sight that is certainly worth see. And on the island of Nolsoy there are large seal rookeries - also an incredible picture.
Vagar Island is famous for the Slave rock with a lake located high in the mountains: water from it overflows over a rocky cliff near the village of Gasadapur and breaks straight into the ocean.
Culture and customs of the Faroe Islands
The own culture of the Faroe Islands developed far from European civilization and therefore has largely retained its exclusivity to this day. This is a bizarre interweaving of Danish and its own cultural heritage, which is well reflected in local folk festivals. For example, Faroese round dances are a very special phenomenon, without which not a single entertainment event can do. You can look at them, for example, at the festival of St. Olaf (Olafsek), who once baptized Norway, at the end of July, as well as at traditional rowing competitions between villages, equestrian competitions, and painting exhibitions. Oulavsöka embraces all the islands with fun, without exception, but other parts of the archipelago also host other festivals throughout the year - July Vestanstevna in the west, Noriyastevna in the north, Jouansjoka in the south.
One of the specific traditions of the islanders, which causes at least an ambivalent attitude among the guests of the Faroes, is the summer slaughter of whales.
Whaling
For more than a millennium, the inhabitants of the Faroe Islands have been fed to a fair extent by whaling. Having found a flock of whales (or rather, dolphins) that have entered the bay, they are surrounded by boats, driven to the shore and there, in the literal sense of the word, they are slaughtered with knives, which is why all the water near the shore changes color. The tradition is resented by animal rights activists, but it is as characteristic of the local culture as dances, and at the same time much more urgent for the region, whose only sources of income are in fact fishing, sheep breeding and agriculture. Whale meat - a traditional and very favorite dish on the islands - is neither exported nor sold: it is eaten by the miners themselves, as in prehistoric times.
The Faroe Islands has many natural attractions that every traveler should see. Here are the most interesting ones.
Faroe Islands - this is not the most popular place among tourists. This land is sometimes also called the "end of the world", because not every person is able to find the Faroe Islands on the map. But the Faroe archipelago can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful places on our planet. There are excellent conditions for hiking here. And the landscapes are striking in variety: from rocky cliffs to wastelands covered with heather; from crystal clear water waterfalls to snow-capped mountain peaks.
Faroe Islands - attractions
We have found 6 places and points of attraction, which will definitely be enough for the first visit to see the most interesting places in the Faroe Islands. And get your own impression of the grandeur and beauty of the archipelago, located in the ocean - somewhere halfway from Denmark to. By the way, the Faroe Islands and all their natural attractions are under the jurisdiction of Denmark.
1. Tindhölmur Island
It is a small island nestled between the larger islands of Vagar and Michenes. It is interesting in that it has a pointed mountain peak, which occupies almost the entire area of Tindhölmur. A stunning view of this small piece of land opens from the settlement of Bour, which is located on a neighboring island. But Tindhölmur is best viewed from a helicopter or ferry. You can visit the island itself, but excursions to Tindikholmur are held only in summer.
The pointed peak of Tindhölmur is 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.
The coast of the village of Gasadalur on the island of Vagar (Faroe Islands)
3. Lake Sørvogsvatn
It is impossible not to pay attention to another attraction of the Faroe Islands, also located in the immediate vicinity of Vagar Airport. Tourists can see this lake even during landing. The locals gave Sørvogsvatn 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 side, it creates the illusion that the lake is hanging over the ocean surface.
Lake Sørvogsvatn is one of the most interesting places in the Faroe Islands
4. Village Chodnuvik
A small village located on the island of Streymoy. The village is located in a beautiful harbor, which is surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks. Here you can see another attraction of the Faroe archipelago - two sea cliffs, the name of which in translation into Russian sounds like "The Giant and the Sorceress". Against the backdrop of mountains, these stones may seem just tiny, but if you get closer to them, it turns out that their height reaches 70 meters! Now think about how high the neighboring rocks reach then.
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 Chodnuvik!
5. Fugloy Island
This is a place where you can feel and understand what Faroese life is. The streets here are usually deserted. You can 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. You may get the impression 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. Mykines Island
Like other attractions of the Faroe Islands, it can be called a real gem of the archipelago. In summer, photographers and just nature lovers from all over the world flock here. Firstly, the island is attractive with beautiful landscapes. 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 turn.
Bird colonies on the island of Mykines - 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. In fact, the lighthouse is located on the island of Michinesholm, but today a bridge has been built between it and the main island. Before the lighthouse was not automated, the caretaker 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 only ships brought them food and news from the mainland.
Stories like these 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 so that it is convenient to go on excursions, visit and photograph the sights of the Faroe Islands? Oddly enough, but it is most convenient 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 Foroyar 4* . A designer hotel designed by the Danish bureau Friis & Moltke in an incredibly picturesque location - on the shores of the Faroe fjord. Beautifully decorated modern rooms, the Koks restaurant with national cuisine, a variety of lounge areas. Tórshavn city center is 2 km away. But on the other hand, each room offers a view of the Nolsoy Bay.
4 star hotels in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands - Hotel Føroyar
- Hotel Haven. A modern inexpensive hotel in the area of a picturesque bay - the main harbor of Tórshavn. The center is a 20-minute walk from here - picturesque walks - even from early morning, even under the moonlight - are provided to you. But next to Hotel Haven There is also a public transport stop.
Inexpensive but high-quality hotel in the Faroe Islands - Hotel Havn
Detached apartments in the Faroe Islands
Video: the most interesting places in the Faroe Islands
Video journey from Alex Stead to the most famous sights 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 skyscrapers, nor traffic lights, nor the movement of cars. You can go where your heart wants. That is why people in the Faroe Islands have a kind and big heart, because this is what helps them live in these wild places, surrounded only by rocks and a raging ocean.
- and routes
The Faroe Islands are the best suited for sophisticated travelers who decide to take a break from vibrant cities and noisy resorts. The archipelago, located in the Norwegian Sea - the North Atlantic Ocean, between the Scottish Isles and Iceland - attracts even experienced travelers with its beauty.
The local nature is extraordinary: gorges, lakes, numerous waterfalls, fjords, graceful rocks - all this captivates at first sight. There are practically no trees, but you can endlessly admire the snow-capped mountain peaks towering above the lands of the archipelago. The highest point of these places is Slattaratindur Peak located on the island Esturoy and constituting 882 meters above sea level.
The Faroe region is an internal autonomy of the Kingdom of Denmark, independently managing almost all issues, excluding the topic of defense and foreign policy. The archipelago consists of 18 islands, of which 17 are inhabited. Of the 48 thousand local residents, about 20 thousand live in the capital or in the suburbs.
There are two official languages on the islands - Faroese and Danish. Moreover, the vast majority of the inhabitants are native speakers of the Faroese language, which is a mixture of Western Scandinavian dialects and is widely used in almost all spheres of life.
Capital |
Torshavn |
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Population |
48,500 people |
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Population density |
35 people/km 2 |
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Faroese, Danish |
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Religion |
Lutheranism |
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Form of government |
constitutional monarchy |
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Faroese krone, Danish krone |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Internet domain zone |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The Faroe Islands are located in the heart of the warm Gulf Stream, which is the reason for the constant off-season: there are 280 rainy days per year. Despite the fact that the seasons seem to have no boundaries on the islands, the climate is quite mild. In winter, the average monthly temperature ranges from 0 °С to + 4 °С, and in the summer - from +11 °С to +17 °С. The rainy season falls in September - January, and then fog covers the archipelago, preventing the sun's rays from reaching the surface.
Due to the warm sea current, the water on the islands has almost the same temperature - +10 °С- all year round, which creates all conditions for the development of fishing.
Nature
Holidays in the Faroe Islands - a holiday in the bosom of nature in its original form. Due to frequent strong winds, the islands are mostly treeless, sometimes you can find mountain ash, maple, and conifers. A significant part of the territory of the islands is occupied by peat bogs, meadows, as well as mountain ranges.
In their free time, lovers of fauna can diversify their holidays on the islands by watching colonies of sea birds, seals, whales, and dolphins.
There are a huge number of sheep in the archipelago. The last ones were once brought to the local hills by the Celts. The local endless pastures appealed to the sheep, and today there are two sheep for every local resident.
Attractions
The Faroe Islands are most comfortable to visit during the summer months, when rainfall is unlikely and the weather is warm.
The excursion program in the Faroe Islands is diverse: visiting the capital Torshavn, small villages, bird colonies, a boat trip in coastal waters.
The capital of the islands, the city of Torshavn, lies in a picturesque area. The main part of the city juts out from the fjord, offering amazing views of the wild mountains and steep cliffs. It is very quiet here, only the central square and the piers are noisy, where continuous work is in full swing. Streets away from the center are usually small and cramped.
The main attraction of Torshavn is Munkastovan Monastery, built in the 15th century and surrounded by a stone wall. Munkastovan is one of the few buildings that escaped the great fire of 1673. Another building that also survived the fire is the royal warehouse of Leigubyun.
For inquisitive travelers, it will be interesting to visit the Historical Museum, which has in its collection ship models, household items of local residents, fishing tackle and agricultural tools from Viking times to the present day, as well as objects of religious value.
Walking through the park Vidarlunn, you can go to the Museum of Art and enjoy magnificent examples of sculpture and painting.
There are in the Faroe Islands and "Bird Island"— Fyugloy, whose majestic cliffs are inhabited by millions of seabird colonies.
To the north of the settlement of Skarvanes is the beautiful sea rock Tretlekonufingur ("finger of the female troll").
At the end of July (28-29th), the Faroese celebrate the main holiday - Saint Olaf's Day. These days, usually reserved locals arrange a real revelry of emotions. The festival is named after Olaf II, who, as king of Norway, introduced Christianity to Scandinavia and began the fight against paganism.
Traditionally, celebrations include rowing competitions, horse races, dance and religious processions, and art exhibitions.
Food
The inhabitants of the Faroes owe their national menu to the harsh climate of the islands. Traditionally, local dishes consist of meat and fish. Faroese delicacies - sheep's head, whale fat and scurpicet(dried lamb) – definitely worth a try for gourmets. Well, lovers of traditional cuisine in local restaurants will be happy to serve roast lamb. Tourists have the opportunity to taste and exquisitely stuffed with sweet dough dead ends(these are such birds), which are served with sweet berries and potatoes. The ubiquitous rhubarb will also be new to many.
Alcoholic drinks are officially allowed on the islands from the age of 18. Light beer is sold everywhere, but strong dark, low-alcohol drinks and wine are sold only in state monopoly stores in large cities and licensed restaurants.
Lunch at a local restaurant will cost a tourist an average of $30, in establishments with a higher level - $45-50, excluding alcohol. Eating at a local cafe is much cheaper.
Accommodation
Upon arrival on the islands, you can stay in the capital's three-star hotels "Torshavn" or "Streym" or in more comfortable "Hafnia" and "Feroyar", All hotels offer tourists rooms with private facilities, airport transfer, free Wi-Fi in all areas. The cost of living is quite high - from $ 120, but there are seasonal discounts.
More budget option will be guest houses and hostels. The most popular of them are Skansin and Bladypi, but you need to book rooms in them several months in advance. There are also mini-hotels operating on the principle bed and breakfast. Prices here start at $80 and depend on the season.
For travelers who prefer outdoor recreation, there are campsites located in specially designated areas. The Faroe Islands have a very strict attitude to order, so campers are required to maintain cleanliness and thorough cleaning upon departure.
Entertainment and recreation
Many varieties of fish are found in local waters, so fishing is very popular among locals and vacationers. By the way, local law allows you to export from the country any fish longer than 30 cm, which has long been prohibited in most European countries.
The Faroe Islands are interesting for wreck divers: sunken ships can be found in the local coastal waters. Near the island of Nolsoy it is interesting to observe the underwater life of seals.
Nightlife lovers can spend time in the capital's clubs rex or Eclipse. In the latter, visitors are allowed no younger than 18, but no older than 25 years.
Purchases
Of the Faroese souvenirs, the most interesting are the numerous woolen products, ceramic and wooden crafts.
Due to the rather harsh climate, woolen clothes are held in high esteem among the islanders. Here you can always buy a trendy sweater, gloves or hat at attractive prices.
Most shops are open from 9:00-10:00 to 17:30-18:00. On Friday, many stay open until 19:00. On Saturdays, all outlets work on a reduced schedule - from 9:00 to 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00, Sunday is usually a day off.
Transport
The Faroe Islands have a developed bus route network, ferries run between the islands. In the capital, local red buses run with four routes, which can take you to almost all areas of the city. The waiting interval - half an hour in the morning and afternoon - in the evening increases to one hour. Blue buses Bygdaleiir are the connecting transport of the islands. Maps of routes and schedules for passenger transport can be purchased at kiosks Steinatun.
The best way to get to the islands is by plane. The only international airport Vagar is located on the island of the same name near the village of Sorvagur. Tourists can rent a car to travel around the islands. In order to arrange a rental, you must have an international driver's license, a credit card and be over 20 years old. Rental prices start at $60 per day.
Connection
Mobile communication standard on the islands - GSM. There is also an analog version, but it has almost been superseded by the digital format.
Local mobile operators - Foroya Tele and Kall P/F. Roaming in their networks is available for subscribers of the main mobile operators in Russia.
Tourists can purchase a local mobile SIM card at Teleshops, hotels, post offices and gas stations.
In the Faroe Islands, pay phones also function in sufficient numbers (they work with credit cards and coins). When calling abroad, you need to dial 00, the national code and the number of the called subscriber.
The Internet can be used in the internet cafe. Most hotels provide a wireless connection on their territory.
Safety
Traveling around the islands, you can not worry about the safety of your property - the crime rate here is extremely low. In order not to overshadow your vacation, it is enough not to leave personal belongings unattended, not to take large sums of money with you, to be polite with the locals and not to abuse night walks. If necessary, the police are always ready to help.
If during the trip you need medical assistance, you can be sure that it will be provided at the highest level. The central hospital is located in the capital and has an excellent medical base.
Business climate
Registering a business in the Faroe Islands takes only a few days. The most common forms are a joint-stock company, suitable for large companies, and a limited liability company. In order to start your business here, you need to have a legal address on the islands. Another condition is a resident of the Kingdom of Denmark as one of the participants in the case.
The minimum authorized capital for a joint-stock company is approximately $85,000, for a limited liability company - about $20,000. For registration, you will also need a draft memorandum of association, articles of association and an application.
Foreign companies can enter the Faroese market by opening branches. A resident of the islands or Denmark must also be appointed as the head of the branch.
From the point of view of taxation, business legislation, accounting standards, the Faroe Islands provide optimal conditions for the development of companies. Legal regulation of entrepreneurial activity is similar to Danish and adheres to EU standards.
The main business in the archipelago is concentrated in the service sector and the fishing industry.
On local investment websites, you can find offers for entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in new ways of developing the fishing industry. At the same time, the Faroese are very interested in a high-tech business that can offer environmentally friendly solutions for production.
Real estate
Acquisition of real estate abroad is considered to be one of the most promising and long-term investments. The Faroe Islands can be a great place for both temporary and permanent residence. They become especially attractive for people who love comfort and solitude, striving for order. Offers on the real estate market are different - from a small studio apartment to a solid large house. The prices are quite attractive. A house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large surrounding area will cost about $130,000.
True, those who decide on such a deal should keep in mind that local banks do not provide mortgage housing in the absence of a residence permit. In addition, local legislation requires the appropriate permission of the Ministry of Justice for the acquisition of property by a foreigner.
Traveling to the islands is not cheap. The price level here is quite high and is equal to the average European one. However, when leaving the country, tourists can make a VAT refund if they have a receipt from a Tax Free store. Appropriate inscriptions are present at the entrance to the trading facility. A one-time purchase must be over $48 to qualify for a tax refund.
Tips are not accepted on the islands, the remuneration for service personnel is usually already included in the bill.
Fishing is only allowed in certain waters on the basis of a license sold at tourist offices. If a tourist intends to take fishing tackle from home, they must be sanitized before arriving on the islands. Instructions for fishermen can be found in tourist brochures. In streams and streams, the fishing season is open from May 1 to August 31, in the sea - all year round.
When traveling, one should not forget about the local changeable climate. On vacation, warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes for moving through mountainous areas and trips to the sea will not hurt.
Vaccination before travel is not required. The emergency number is 112.
Visa information
To obtain a visa, you must contact the consular department of the Embassy of Denmark in Moscow at the address: Prechistensky pereulok, 9.
Those who wish to obtain a visa must provide a visa application form, 2 photographs, a passport (valid for at least three months after the expiration of the requested visa) with a copy, a national passport with a copy, confirmation of hotel reservations, a certificate from the place of work (study), an insurance policy covering everything risks (the amount of insurance coverage should not be less than 30,000 €), a bank statement or travel checks (at the rate of 50 € for each day of stay).
More information about the package of documents can be found in the consular department on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00.
Basic moments
The Faroe region is an internal autonomy of the Kingdom of Denmark, independently managing almost all issues, excluding the topic of defense and foreign policy. The archipelago consists of 18 islands, of which 17 are inhabited. Of the 48 thousand local residents, about 20 thousand live in the capital or in the suburbs.
There are two official languages on the islands - Faroese and Danish. Moreover, the vast majority of the inhabitants are native speakers of the Faroese language, which is a mixture of Western Scandinavian dialects and is widely used in almost all spheres of life.
Climate and weather
The Faroe Islands are located in the heart of the warm Gulf Stream, which is the reason for the constant off-season: there are 280 rainy days per year. Despite the fact that the seasons seem to have no boundaries on the islands, the climate is quite mild. In winter, the average monthly temperature ranges from 0 °С to + 4 °С, and in summer - from +11 °С to +17 °С. The rainy season falls in September - January, and then fog covers the archipelago, preventing the sun's rays from reaching the surface.
Thanks to the warm sea current, the water on the islands has almost the same temperature - +10 ° C - all year round, which creates all the conditions for the development of fishing.
Nature
Holidays in the Faroe Islands - a holiday in the bosom of nature in its original form. Due to frequent strong winds, the islands are mostly treeless, sometimes you can find mountain ash, maple, and conifers. A significant part of the territory of the islands is occupied by peat bogs, meadows, as well as mountain ranges.
In their free time, lovers of fauna can diversify their holidays on the islands by watching colonies of sea birds, seals, whales, and dolphins.
There are a huge number of sheep in the archipelago. The last ones were once brought to the local hills by the Celts. The local endless pastures appealed to the sheep, and today there are two sheep for every local resident.
Attractions
The Faroe Islands are most comfortable to visit during the summer months, when rainfall is unlikely and the weather is warm.
The excursion program in the Faroe Islands is diverse: visiting the capital Torshavn, small villages, bird colonies, a boat trip in coastal waters.
The capital of the islands, the city of Torshavn, lies in a picturesque area. The main part of the city juts out from the fjord, offering amazing views of the wild mountains and steep cliffs. It is very quiet here, only the central square and the piers are noisy, where continuous work is in full swing. Streets away from the center are usually small and cramped.
The main attraction of Tórshavn is the Munkastovan Monastery, built in the 15th century and surrounded by a stone wall. Munkastovan is one of the few buildings that escaped the great fire of 1673. Another building that also survived the fire is the royal warehouse of Leigubyun.
For inquisitive travelers, it will be interesting to visit the Historical Museum, which has in its collection ship models, household items of local residents, fishing tackle and agricultural tools from Viking times to the present day, as well as objects of religious value.
Walking through the Vidarlund Park, you can go to the Museum of Art and enjoy magnificent examples of sculpture and painting.
There is also an "island of birds" in the Faroe Islands - Fyugloy, which received its name for its majestic cliffs inhabited by millions of colonies of sea birds.
To the north of the settlement of Skarvanes is the beautiful sea rock Tretlekonufingur ("finger of the troll woman").
At the end of July (28-29th), the Faroese celebrate the main holiday - St. Olaf's Day. These days, usually reserved locals arrange a real revelry of emotions. The festival is named after Olaf II, who, as king of Norway, introduced Christianity to Scandinavia and began the fight against paganism.
Traditionally, celebrations include rowing competitions, horse races, dance and religious processions, and art exhibitions.
Kitchen
The inhabitants of the Faroes owe their national menu to the harsh climate of the islands. Traditionally, local dishes consist of meat and fish. Faroese delicacies - sheep's head, whale fat and skerpikjet (dried lamb) - should definitely be tried by gourmets. Well, lovers of traditional cuisine in local restaurants will be happy to serve roast lamb. Tourists have the opportunity to taste deliciously stuffed puffins with sweet dough (these are such birds), which are served with sweet berries and potatoes. The ubiquitous rhubarb will also be new to many.
Alcoholic drinks are officially allowed on the islands from the age of 18. Light beer is sold everywhere, but strong dark, low-alcohol drinks and wine are sold only in state monopoly stores in large cities and licensed restaurants.
Lunch at a local restaurant will cost a tourist an average of $ 30, in establishments with a higher level - $ 45-50, excluding alcohol. Eating at a local cafe is much cheaper.
Hotels
Upon arrival on the islands, you can stay in the capital's three-star hotels "Torshavn" or "Streym" or in the more comfortable "Hafnia" and "Feroyar". All hotels offer tourists rooms with private facilities, transfer to / from the airport, free Wi-Fi territory. The cost of living is quite high - from $ 120, but there are seasonal discounts.
More budget option will be guest houses and hostels. The most popular of them are Skansin and Bládýpi, but they need to be booked several months in advance. There are also mini-hotels operating on the principle of bed and breakfast. Prices here start at $80 and depend on the season.
For travelers who prefer outdoor recreation, there are campsites located in specially designated areas. The Faroe Islands have a very strict attitude to order, so campers are required to maintain cleanliness and thorough cleaning upon departure.
Entertainment and recreation
Many varieties of fish are found in local waters, so fishing is very popular among locals and vacationers. By the way, local law allows you to export from the country any fish longer than 30 cm, which has long been prohibited in most European countries.
The Faroe Islands are interesting for wreck divers: sunken ships can be found in the local coastal waters. Near the island of Nolsoy it is interesting to observe the underwater life of seals.
Nightlife lovers can spend time in the capital's clubs Rex or Eclipse. In the latter, visitors are allowed no younger than 18, but no older than 25 years.
shopping
Of the Faroese souvenirs, the most interesting are the numerous woolen products, ceramic and wooden crafts.
Due to the rather harsh climate, woolen clothes are held in high esteem among the islanders. Here you can always buy a trendy sweater, gloves or hat at attractive prices.
Most shops are open from 9:00-10:00 to 17:30-18:00. On Friday, many stay open until 19:00. On Saturdays, all outlets work on a reduced schedule - from 9:00 to 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00, Sunday is usually a day off.
Transport
The Faroe Islands have a developed bus route network, ferries run between the islands. In the capital, local red buses run with four routes, which can take you to almost all areas of the city. The waiting interval - half an hour in the morning and afternoon - in the evening increases to one hour. The blue Bygdaleiðir buses are the link between the islands. Maps of routes and timetables for passenger transport can be purchased at Steinatún kiosks.
The best way to get to the islands is by plane. The only international airport Vagar is located on the island of the same name near the village of Sorvagur. Tourists can rent a car to travel around the islands. In order to arrange a rental, you must have an international driver's license, a credit card and be over 20 years old. Rental prices start at $60 per day.
Connection
The mobile communication standard on the islands is GSM. There is also an analog version, but it has almost been superseded by the digital format.
Local mobile operators are Foroya Tele and Kall P/F. Roaming in their networks is available for subscribers of the main mobile operators in Russia.
Tourists can purchase a local mobile SIM card at Teleshops, hotels, post offices and gas stations.
In the Faroe Islands, pay phones also function in sufficient numbers (they work with credit cards and coins). When calling abroad, you need to dial 00, the national code and the number of the called subscriber.
The Internet can be used in the internet cafe. Most hotels provide a wireless connection on their territory.
Safety
Traveling around the islands, you can not worry about the safety of your property - the crime rate here is extremely low. In order not to overshadow your vacation, it is enough not to leave personal belongings unattended, not to take large sums of money with you, to be polite with the locals and not to abuse night walks. If necessary, the police are always ready to help.
If during the trip you need medical assistance, you can be sure that it will be provided at the highest level. The central hospital is located in the capital and has an excellent medical base.
Business
Registering a business in the Faroe Islands takes only a few days. The most common forms are a joint-stock company, suitable for large companies, and a limited liability company. In order to start your business here, you need to have a legal address on the islands. Another condition is a resident of the Kingdom of Denmark as one of the participants in the case.
The minimum authorized capital for a joint-stock company is about $85,000, for a limited liability company - about $20,000. For registration, you will also need a draft memorandum of association, articles of association and an application.
Foreign companies can enter the Faroese market by opening branches. A resident of the islands or Denmark must also be appointed as the head of the branch.
From the point of view of taxation, business legislation, accounting standards, the Faroe Islands provide optimal conditions for the development of companies. Legal regulation of entrepreneurial activity is similar to Danish and adheres to EU standards.
The main business in the archipelago is concentrated in the service sector and the fishing industry.
On local investment websites, you can find offers for entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in new ways of developing the fishing industry. At the same time, the Faroese are very interested in a high-tech business that can offer environmentally friendly solutions for production.
Real estate
Acquisition of real estate abroad is considered to be one of the most promising and long-term investments. The Faroe Islands can be a great place for both temporary and permanent residence. They become especially attractive for people who love comfort and solitude, striving for order. Offers on the real estate market are different - from a small studio apartment to a solid large house. The prices are quite attractive. A house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large surrounding area will cost about $130,000.
True, those who decide on such a deal should keep in mind that local banks do not provide mortgage housing in the absence of a residence permit. In addition, local legislation requires the appropriate permission of the Ministry of Justice for the acquisition of property by a foreigner.
Traveling to the islands is not cheap. The price level here is quite high and is equal to the average European one. However, when leaving the country, tourists can make a VAT refund if they have a receipt from a Tax Free store. Appropriate inscriptions are present at the entrance to the trading facility. A one-time purchase must be over $48 to qualify for a tax refund.
Tips are not accepted on the islands, the remuneration for service personnel is usually already included in the bill.
Fishing is only allowed in certain waters on the basis of a license sold at tourist offices. If a tourist intends to take fishing tackle from home, they must be sanitized before arriving on the islands. Instructions for fishermen can be found in tourist brochures. In streams and streams, the fishing season is open from May 1 to August 31, in the sea - all year round.
When traveling, one should not forget about the local changeable climate. On vacation, warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes for moving through mountainous areas and trips to the sea will not hurt.
Vaccination before travel is not required. The emergency number is 112.
Visa information
To obtain a visa, you must contact the consular department of the Embassy of Denmark in Moscow at the address: Prechistensky pereulok, 9.
Those who wish to obtain a visa must provide a visa application form, 2 photographs, a passport (valid for at least three months after the expiration of the requested visa) with a copy, a national passport with a copy, confirmation of hotel reservations, a certificate from the place of work (study), an insurance policy covering everything risks (the amount of insurance coverage should not be less than 30,000 €), a bank statement or travel checks (at the rate of 50 € for each day of stay).
Faroe Islands- a group of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (Great Britain), from which they are almost 400 km north, and Iceland, which is 420 km northwest of the Faroe Islands.
The Faroe Islands is an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since 1948, the islands have been independently managing almost all issues with the exception of defense and foreign policy.
The capital and main port of the islands is the city of Tórshavn, located on the southeast coast of the island of Streymoy.
The archipelago of the Faroe Islands 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 the islands is 1395.74 km².
The distance to Iceland is 450 km, to Norway - 675 km, to Copenhagen - 1117 km. The economic maritime zone from the coast of the Faroe Islands is 200 nautical miles.
The highest point of the islands is the peak of Slattaratindur on the island of Esturoy - 882 m above sea level. The Faroe Islands are dotted with numerous fjords and have a rugged coastline. The islands, for the most part, due to constant strong winds, are treeless, although there are plantings of strong conifers, maple and mountain ash.
Climate
The climate of the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime, with cool winters and cool, wet summers. The coldest month is January, the temperature is from 0°C to +4°C, the warmest month is July, the temperature is from +11°C to +17°C. Annual precipitation is 1600-2000 mm, precipitation (mostly in the form of rain) occurs approximately 280 days a year, most of it falls from September to January, fogs are frequent.
Thanks to the tropical Gulf Stream, the water around the islands has a temperature of about + 10 ° C all year round, which softens the climatic conditions and provides ideal conditions for the life of fish and plankton.
Last modified: 23.10.2009Population 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% - Poles.
Age structure of the population: 0-14 years old: 21.6%; 15-64 years: 64%; 65 years and older: 14.4%.
The population of the Faroes professes mainly Lutheranism (80%). Lutheranism is a Protestant branch of Christianity.
The official language of the islands is Faroese (a modified version of the Old Norse language), almost all residents understand Danish, and English is widely spoken.
Currency
The official currency of the Faroe Islands is the Faroese krone. 1 Faroese krone is equal to 100 era. The Faroese krone is equivalent to the Danish krone, meaning it has the same exchange rate. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 kroons, coins in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 kroons, 50 and 25 ore.
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 rigidly pegged to this particular unit. Formally, the Danish crowns themselves are not accepted in the Faroe Islands, only the local currency is used.
It is best to exchange currency at banks and exchange offices, commissions for exchange are small. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 16:00, on Thursday - until 18:00, banks are closed on weekends.
You can exchange money in banks or at the exchange office of the Vaugar airport (open from 10.00 to 2.00). Usually, banks charge fairly small commissions for the exchange, but for the most part they work only with the euro and the Danish krone.
Credit cards of the world's leading systems (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) are widely accepted.
Traveler's checks can be cashed at many banks and hotels, or used to pay at most restaurants and shops.
Last modified: 23.10.2009Communication and communications
International code: +298.
Internet domain: .fo.
In case of emergency call - 112. Reference information - 118.
How to call
In order to call the Faroe Islands, you need to dial: 8 - beep - 10 - 298 - the number of the called subscriber (you do not need to dial the area code).
mobile connection
Officially, there are two mobile communication standards in the Faroe Islands - NMT (analogue) 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.
Fixed line
The telephone system of the Faroe Islands is at a high level and provides a full range of modern services. Foroya Tele's (Faroese Telecom) public payphones, located in many public places, operate with both coins and credit cards.
Internet
Although the Faroe Islands are a major intermediate point for many telecommunications systems linking Europe and North America, the level of network services is relatively low. Only large business centers, hotels and post offices are provided with stable high-speed communication.
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 hotspots located at the tourist information offices.
shopping
Most shops open at 09:00 or 10:00 and stay 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, shops at gas stations close at 23:00.
Travelers can receive a partial VAT refund (25%) when leaving the country. If any store displaying "Tax-free for Tourists" on display sells for more than US$48, a check must be taken for a refund of approximately 15% of the value of the goods at customs at the airport.
The price level on the islands is slightly higher than on the mainland and comparable to Norwegian ones, so traveling to the Faroe Islands cannot be called a cheap event.
Almost all manufactured goods are imported and therefore not cheap, but food (especially fish), wool and leather products, and some alcoholic beverages are quite inexpensive.
Fresh vegetables are available throughout the year, as many islanders get them from their gardens, and most of them also go to stores. The assortment of fruits is somewhat lower, but also meets all international standards.
There are enough shops in Torshavn, whose assortment differs little from the goods sold in some small town in Europe.
Last modified: 23.10.2009Where 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 of 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 pensions, 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 charge $20-70 per day for their services, higher-class hotels - from $70 and more.
Sea and beaches
The Faroe Islands are best visited during the summer months when rainfall 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 located near the town of Skalavig.
Last changes: 01.09.2010History of the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands have been known to Irish monks since about 500 AD. Between 700 and 800 years, immigrants 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. Since the 9th century, the Faroe Islands have become a link in the system of transport communications between Scandinavia and the Viking colonies, which were located on the territory of 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, 2 powers began to manage 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 on April 11, 1940 to decide to place the cruiser in the port of Tórshavn. The islands came under British military control in April 1940, during World War II, following the German invasion of Denmark. The British occupation of the islands ended in September 1945.
In September 1946, as a result of a closed plebiscite and vote, the Parliament of the Faroe Islands announced the withdrawal of the islands from Denmark. The decision was ratified by Parliament, which voted 12 in favor and 11 against. The island of Suduryo, the third largest in the entire group, has announced that it will remain part of Denmark. The Danish government declared the results of the plebiscite invalid and temporarily suspended the work of the Faroese parliament. Another public opinion poll revealed a slight preponderance of supporters 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 foreign policy of the islands was still in charge of the Danish government. Two representatives of the islands are permanent members of the Danish Parliament.
Since 1984, the Faroe Islands have been declared a nuclear-weapon-free zone by the Løgting, but a Danish naval base and a NATO radar complex are located on the islands.
Last changes: 28.04.2013It is absolutely unacceptable to bargain, and in any institution, 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 towns (indicated by the Government Monopoly sign) and in licensed restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, etc.
Fishing is allowed only 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, fishing lines and baits, must be disinfected before arriving in the Faroe Islands (previously this parameter was carefully controlled at customs, now the Faroese leave this rule on 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 brochures and must be strictly observed. The fishing season in streams and streams lasts from May 1 to August 31. Sea fishing is allowed all year round.
Divination in the footsteps of the Norns is common in the Faroe Islands. 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, thanks 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 sturdy pair of boots with thick soles and good ankle support, light scarves, hats and gloves, especially when traveling to the sea (and it is everywhere here). Light boots or sports shoes for moving around populated areas will also be useful.
Sunglasses with glass filters should also be included in the mandatory kit, since the level of ultraviolet radiation is quite high here.
When moving around the islands, you should have 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 foods (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 the time of its passage. In case of frequent fogs here, you should not look for your own way - it is recommended to stop in the place where he found him 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 communication equipment (cell phone or walkie-talkie). Also, GPS receivers will be quite useful - despite the small size of the islands, the terrain here is so complicated that it is simply impossible to orient yourself without knowing local signs.
A detailed booklet describing the most interesting routes can be purchased at any of the local tourist offices for 10 crowns.
Last changes: 20.01.2013How to get to the Faroe Islands
The easiest way to get from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is by SAS airline with a change 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 Atlantic Airways (part of SAS) flies from Iceland, Norway, Denmark and the UK to Vagar Airport in the Faroe Islands. The same directions are served by several other small companies.
Daily flights to the Faroe Islands are carried out only from Danish Copenhagen - usually 2-3 times a day, from other countries, flights are operated once every few days, and for the winter period they may stop altogether.
In addition to the plane, the islands can also be reached by the Smyril Line ferry. It runs once a week from Tórshavn to Huntsholm in Denmark, to the British Shetland Islands and to Seyðisfjordur in Iceland. In summer, he also comes to the Norwegian Bergen.
Last changes: 28.04.2013
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