Faroe Islands
Travel Guide > Europe > Denmark > Faroe Islands
In this Article
- Introduction
- Brief History
- Geography
- Regions
- Cities
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Red Tape
- Money
- Work
- Study
- Language
- Eat
- Sleep
- Drink
- Health
- Safety
- Keep Connected
Help contribute to this article to share the ad revenue.
Introduction
Found midway between Norway and Iceland, this Danish territory encompasses 18 islands as picturesque as they come. Countless waterfalls, fjords and lush, snow-covered mountains are set against the stormy weather, making the Faroe Islands a place to be enjoyed by the stout-hearted. Their rewards are many, however. Because of their remoteness, the Faroe Islands have had very little to do with major wars, ensuring that historical sites can be found all over the islands. Remnants of churches, cathedrals, monasteries and farmhouses dating back centuries highlight the long past of the Faroes. An unbelievably huge bird population make the islands a popular place for nature lovers, who will also be attracted to the various species of whales and dolphins patrolling the islands' waters.
Brief History
Geography
Sights and Activities
Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
The Vestmanna Bird Cliffs is one thing you shouldn't miss when visiting the Faroe Islands. There are fantastic boat tours to the these wild bird cliffs which are located in the northwest of Streymoy. If there is only one thing you can see, make it this place. You should keep your fingers crossed for good weather, because like most of the islands it all depends on whether you have miserable rainy weather or clear days, but it still makes for a great trip anyhow. When the weather is fine though you will sail from Vestmanna along the west coast of Streymoy to towering cliffs teeming with fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and you might even see puffins, but not year round.
Eysturoy
Eysturoy is located norht of the main island Streymoy (where Torshavn is) and is the second largest island. It also has has the highest mountain of the Faroe Island and a great mountain road can be taken between Eidi, in the north-west of the island and Gjovk, a village with a sheltered harbour. Other fantastic roads include roads in the north-east leading to Elduvik and Oyndarfjordur. The villages are picture perfect as well, with it's dramatic backdrops. The south of the island is less dramatic but has a lake near Nes great for birdwatching.
Føroya Fornminissavn
The Faroe Islands, aside from nature, have some culture to offer as well and the excellent Føroya Fornminnissavn (Historical Museum) is probably the highlight regarding culture and history. The museum is actually split between two sites in the Hoyvík suburb, north of Tórshavn. There are displays of Faroese artefacts from the Viking Age to the 19th century and the illustrations with photos and text are in english. Downstairs is a treasure room
A second site contains a well preserved 1920's farmstead complete with bell telephone and a full set of turf-roofed outhouses. The setting is marvellous as well.
Other sights and activities
- Kirkjubøur - cultural site on Streymoy, close to Torshavn
- Mjørkadalur
- Tinganes
- Island hopping - by helicopter, actually an affordable way of getting around
- Fuglafjørdur - cultural site on Eysturoy
Events and Festivals
Weather
The Faroe Islands isn't the first place that comes to mind for its nice weather. Actually, you should consider yourself very lucky if you don't have any rain, even if you just visit for a few days. Even the somewhat drier months of June to August still have 20 to 22 rainy days a month! From October to March it rains on all but a few days a month. Temperatures are never hot but it rarely gets really cold as well. Winter (December to March) night time temperatures average around 2 degrees Celcius while average summer (July-August) temperatures hoover around a chilly 12 degrees.
Getting There
By Plane
Atlantic Airways is the national airlines of the Faroe Islands with its base at Vágar Airport (FAE). It has connections to major European cities, such as Aberdeen, London, Copenhagen, Oslo, Reykjavik and Narsarsuaq in Greenland. Air Iceland flies to Reykjavik as well.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
By boat your options are limited, time consuming and it's not a good deal at all unless you really want to bring your own car to visit the Faroe Islands. Smyril Line ferries leave from Denmark, Norway and Scotland to Iceland, stopping en-route at the Faroe Islands.
Getting Around
For such a small place, there are numerous ways to get around. To get started, check this website, which has information on travelling by bus, ferry, helicopter, taxi and bicycle.
By Plane
Getting around the islands can be done by air, but you main transport will be helicopters, not planes. It actually makes for an affordable and enjoyable way of getting around and is great way to finally travel by helicopter. Flights are by Atlantic Airways, the national airline and you can find the schedule and more information at theirwebsite.
By Train
By Car
Travelling around by car is a very pleasant way and gives you all the freedom to visit even the more remote corners of the islands. But it is only economical when you are with 2 or 3 people at least, as rental prices start at around €45 a day. Most of the international agencies like Hertz have offices at the airport or in Torshavn.
By Bus
Buses go to most places on many of the islands and the Bygdaleiðir long-distance bus service is a great way to get around. Most buses can be combined with ferries and there are 4 or 7 day bus passes with can be great value if you want to cover a lot of the islands.
By Boat
There are numerous ferries to and from the different islands of the Faroe Archipelago and you can take your car on most of them or just take the bus. Here is a complete list of all the ferries, including schedules.
Red Tape
Money
See also: Money Matters
The official currency is the Faroese króna. Issued by the Danish National Bank, it is a version of the Danish Krone, and is pegged to the it at par. One króna is divided into 100 oyrur (singular oyra). Banknotes come in denominations of 50 kr, 100 kr, 200 kr, 500 kr and 1000 kr. The same Danish coins are used and they come in denominations of 25 øre, 50 øre, 1 kr, 2 kr, 5 kr, 10 kr and 20 kr.
Work
Study
Language
Eat
Sleep
Drink
Health
Safety
References
- 1 March 2008 Estimate. Source: Statistics Faroe Islands
This is version 11. Last edited at 19:40 on Jul 22, 08 by Utrecht (+1507). 9 articles link to this page.
More about Faroe Islands on Travellerspoint
Community Activity
Except where otherwise noted, content of this article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License