The capital, population and attractions of the Faroe Islands. Where are the Faroe Islands

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

Lost corner 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 will not find them on the globe. Such a remoteness from civilization has benefited a place lost in the Atlantic Ocean, which has preserved its virgin nature and originality.

Finding the Faroe Islands on the world map is quite difficult, especially for those who have not heard anything about them at all. 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 km 2. 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, on which there are practically no trees, were recognized as the cleanest on the planet. Emerald meadows and a unique landscape attract not only brave tourists, but also photographers who capture amazing beauty, which just asks for 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 take pictures of unusual landscapes.

Descendants of the Vikings

It is known that the first settlements appeared on the territory where the Faroe Islands are now located in the 8th century. Initially, the Scots lived here, who soon left the region due to the raids of the Old Norse warriors. For many centuries, the area served as a transit point for the Vikings, who considered this region to be very suitable for them, and put down their roots here. The modern inhabitants of the Sheep Islands (namely, this is how the name of the archipelago is translated) are the descendants of glorious heroes who inherited the will and strong character from courageous ancestors. The Faroese cherish ancient traditions and lead a life like no other. They are even proud of their old-fashionedness: instead of lawn mowers they have sheep, and men cover the roofs of 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 take care of it.

Whose archipelago?

In the 19th century, the lost corner that Denmark and Norway fought for becomes Danish. After the Second World War, 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 can give a definitive answer to this question. Formally, the Queen of Denmark is considered the head of the archipelago, but all the 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 endowed with special powers. Representatives of six political parties decided to refuse to join the European Union.

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

Climate and weather

As noted earlier, not every person who is accustomed to comfortable rest 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 shines here, it often rains heavily, but even in clear weather, strong winds blow. The maximum precipitation falls between September and January, but snow is a very rare occurrence in the archipelago.

In summer, the temperature does not rise above 17 ° C, and lovers of the sun and warmth will be disappointed with their rest. Therefore, for those who prefer to soak up the white sand beaches, it is better to go to the Maldives or the Bahamas. The water around the islands does not warm up above 10 o C, and fashionable swimwear 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.

The administrative center of the islands

In Torshavn, which is the main port of the archipelago, is the capital of the Faroe Islands, in which about 20 thousand inhabitants live. Without visiting her, acquaintance with the amazing region will be incomplete. The most interesting place is Old city, and tourists admire the pretty colored houses that take you to a real fairy tale.

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

The most beautiful miraculous attraction of Torshavn is recognized as the luxurious and high Fossa waterfall.

Unique lake on the edge of the abyss

The main attraction of the lost corner is 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 fogs and openwork clouds, almost touching the ground, leave no one indifferent. Even the most demanding 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 is indescribable. Located on a stone platform, it seems to float in the air without breaking off the edge high cliff. "Hanging" lake Sorvagsvatn (Faroe Islands), located above sea level, is a sight that is hard to forget. Travelers admiring the natural monument only in the pictures often think that this is a professional photomontage, and in fact the reservoir lies in different planes with the Atlantic Ocean. And only after visiting an attractive region, 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 are made up of 18 islands, one of which is completely uninhabited. People do not live on Tindholmur, although scientists suggest that they did live here many centuries ago.

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

Nolsoy is famous for its huge number of seals.

Sandoy delights tourists with its magnificent landscape: here are the most beautiful sand dunes.

Fugloy, whose name translates as "bird island", was indeed chosen by the birds. Various representatives of birds settle on high cliffs.

Mykines Island is famous for the fact that only 13 people live on it. This is the quietest place 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. Here also rises Mount Slattaratindur with a height of about 900 meters.

On Rinkusteinar, the main natural attraction are two huge stones swaying on the waves. The locals believe that the boulders are Viking drakkars, and once upon a time an evil sorceress turned warships into cobblestones.

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

Historical monuments

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

The historical Skansin Fortress is called by the locals the most peaceful on our planet. The defensive structure protected from pirate raids, and now it pleases tourists with an excellent panorama that opens from the observation deck.

Diving and fishing

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

The real passion of the indigenous people is fishing, and many tourists go to the water in the company of locals who give 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 get from the shore. This is a real adventure that remains in 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.

Thrill-seekers who want to tickle their nerves choose scuba diving or kayaking.

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

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

Archipelago Heaven's Gate

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 throughput of the heavenly gates is now 400,000 passengers a year.

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

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

Faroe Islands: how to get there?

Russian tourists who dream of enjoying the amazing landscapes of untouched nature should know that there are no direct flights from Moscow to the archipelago. First you have to fly with a transfer to Norway or Denmark, and only then get to the only airport on the islands. Despite the remoteness, it is very easy to get to the Faroe Islands from the megacities of Northern Europe: the flight takes only two hours. A ferry runs between the islands, the services of which can be used, and a helicopter will help to reach the most remote places.

Russians to visit the Faroe Islands, which are an autonomous region, require a special island visa (Schengen is not suitable). Despite the fact that officially the exotic place belongs to Denmark, the islands live by their own laws. So that the trip was not overshadowed by anything, you will have to take care of a visa in advance. Its design is carried out 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 term for issuing a visa is from eight days to two months. If you use the services of a travel agency, then its employees will draw up all the documents on their own.

Where to stay?

The Faroe Islands, where time runs unnoticed, provide tourists with comfortable conditions for recreation. 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 the garbage before leaving. In addition, there are convenient accommodation options for those who come for several days: hotels of the "breakfast and overnight" format.

Those who are going on a trip on their own should book rooms 2-3 months in advance. Prices depend on the tourist season, as well as the time of year. But do not forget about warm clothes and special shoes for walking in the mountains.

Faroe islands ( 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.

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% - 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.

Communication 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 located on 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.

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 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.

History 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.

It 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.

Detailed booklet describing the most interesting routes can be purchased at any of the local tourist offices for 10 crowns.

How 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.

Faroe Islands - "Sheep Islands" - an autonomous region and a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (Shetland) and Iceland.

I planned a trip to this place 2 years ago, but, for various reasons, we could not get there. This time we chose the warmest month of the year and took off from Moscow on a flight to Copenhagen, with a subsequent transfer to Vagar Airport (the only airport in the Faroe Islands).

A very comfortable plane of Atlantic Airways took us to Vagar Island in just 2.5 hours. The weather was not good, it was raining and it was about 10 degrees Celsius. But the air was amazing with its smell! It smelled of the ocean, algae, I wanted to breathe deeply already at the airport. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the climate in the Faroe Islands is very mild, +10 in Moscow and +10 in the Faroe Islands are completely different things, it feels like +18 + 20, so our worries about the cold weather quickly dissipated.

We found accommodation on airbnb, our room with a separate entrance was not particularly luxurious, but we did not feel discomfort on any of the days of our trip. The owner turned out to be a former sailor who worked near Murmansk for 15 years.

Since we did not arrive late, there was an opportunity to go to the store and get acquainted with local prices and currency. Everything is "Scandinavian" expensive (a kilogram of chicken is 800 rubles, beef is even more expensive, bread is 200 rubles). I also really liked the colorful local currency - the Faroese krone. Both Danish and Faroese kroner are accepted in this country.

Since the Faroe Islands are almost on the Arctic Circle, there is no night here in the summer, only light twilight from midnight to 3 in the morning. The next morning we headed to one of the most famous places here is the hanging lake Servogsvatn. Cloudy weather only added color and severity to the local landscape.

Lake Sørvogsvatn flows into Atlantic Ocean through the Bosdalafossur waterfall. One has only to go down 200m from the top and you will have a stunning view of the open Atlantic Ocean and a powerful waterfall.

On the way to this point, I was attacked twice by a bird, of which there are thousands in the Faroe Islands. In the process of hiking, be careful guarding your nests, the birds go to the most desperate actions!

In the evening we visited the neighboring village of Sandavagur and its main attraction - the local church. The population of the Faroes professes mainly Lutheranism.

When I was exploring the area before the trip, a mandatory point to visit was a rock in the form of a gate, that's where we went to shoot the sunset. It makes sense to talk about transport in the Faroe Islands. Bus service is the main one, but ferry and helicopter services are also developed. Prices depend on the number of zones crossed. On our island, the fare was 20 crowns (about 200 rubles). Buses run very regularly, but since in summer the sunset there starts around 23:00, we had to return on foot. The total length of the path was 8 km along the highway and about 10 km of haik. The hike started from the village of Sorvagur and passed along the coast of a very picturesque fjord.

"Circles" in the photo are fish farms, so the Faroese breed cod, herring and halibut.

Having overcome two ridges, we climbed to the pass, from where the view opened, striking to the depths of the soul, breathtaking and there was a feeling of complete euphoria!

We returned home in the morning. The next day we tried to find out where you can find fresh fish, since the shops only had ice cream. But, unfortunately, we were told that this summer is not the fish season and advised not to take frozen cod. The assortment in stores is very large, so the lack of fish did not upset us very much. Also, we were very lucky with the place where we lived - the village of Midvagur, there were two supermarkets and an alcohol store in it. The situation with the sale of alcohol in the Faroe Islands is the same as throughout Scandinavia, it is sold only in specialized stores in certain time. Prices are lower than in Norway, but also quite big (a can of cider 100-150 rubles, a bottle of strong cider from 2000 rubles). I strongly advise you to try the local drink - aquavit. But back to landscapes...

After a very impressive hike, we decided to slightly cut the mileage and headed to another attraction - the "troll woman's finger". The rock rising 300 meters above the ocean was captivating with its power.

On the way back, it was nice to visit the local waterfalls, very full-flowing after the last rain.

I would like to say a few words about the local architecture. As in all Scandinavia, the laconic and cozy design of houses with a grass roof attracts the eye. There is not a single shabby house. On the plots there is a perfectly mowed lawn and very often a trampoline for children, all paths are strewn with fine gravel, flowers and even small trees grow! Faroese people order similar roofs from local roofing companies. In the villages, all electricity is conducted underground, so there are no hanging wires spoiling the landscape.

Of course, it would be foolish not to visit one of the most picturesque islands of the Faroe Islands - Mykines. The ferry goes there from the port of the village of Sorvagur. You need to look for the schedule on the Internet, it is better to book tickets in advance too. The ferry takes 45 minutes, along the way you can observe a beautiful fjord, local waterfalls and mighty rocks.

Mykines Island is the westernmost island of the Faroe archipelago. Its main attraction is the hundreds of puffins resting here after a grueling flight across the Atlantic.

The island itself has an area of ​​10.3 km² and is inhabited by 11 inhabitants.

An amazing place that will take your breath away!

The next day we wanted to get to the famous Gasadalur waterfall, but we didn’t get along with the transport ... Therefore, we decided to visit the peak that we saw from the window. The sunset on this day did not please with colors, but the colorfulness of the local relief was amazing!

We ended the trip in the capital of the Faroe Islands - the city of Torshavn. This cozy Scandinavian town with green streets, grazing horses and sheep, a chic city park and developed infrastructure.

The Faroese are a very carefree people who enjoy life to the fullest. Imagine how your worldview changes while living on an island in the ocean in a village with a population of 11 people, moreover, with sewerage, electricity and other benefits of civilization. Our host said that they are too spoiled, because they work little and get a lot. The standard of living is extremely high, as in all of Scandinavia. You will not find bars, restaurants and other "mandatory" attributes of a standard holiday there. Of course, to see all the islands as much as possible, you need to rent a car. We did not have time to do it, all the cars were dismantled. There is no crime, we saw the police only in Tórshavn. There is little work on the islands, but it is, the main thing is fishing and tourism. Now I will answer the main question - "Is all this pleasure worth it?". The answer is no!

Flight with transfer in Copenhagen - 28000 rub.

Housing for 8 days - 15000 rubles. from a person.

Food, transport - 8000 rub. per person (provided you cook yourself). The average purchase in the store is 2000 rubles per day for 4 people.

Visa Danish Schengen, but marked with the Faroe Islands - 4500 rubles.

An important note - you need to buy Danish krones at the Copenhagen airport, it is very difficult to find an exchanger in the Faroe Islands.

Total - about 70000r. taking into account pocket expenses (further depends on your preferences). For example, a tour to Sochi for 6 days with a flight will cost about the same.

Be sure to visit the Faroe Islands! An ideal place to expand the horizon of your understanding of the full power of nature!

Travel more!!!

Not everyone will be able to quickly show exactly where the Faroe Islands are on the map. At the same time, more and more tourists go 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 Isles, 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 in its suburbs. The Faroe region is considered bilingual. The official languages ​​are Danish and Faroese, which combines various Western Scandinavian dialects.

To date, there are no direct flights from Russia to the islands. Therefore, tourists have to make a change in Denmark or Norway. The air ticket can be pre-booked using the Internet. From one island to another can be reached 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, however, you cannot enter their territory with a Schengen visa. Refusal to join the European Union was deliberate and it is associated with taxes on fishing. Therefore, in order to get to the archipelago, you need to apply for a visa, in which there will be a special note. There are special visa centers where you can follow this in many large cities. However, most travelers prefer the services of travel agencies. All Required documents are transferred to the agency, and in the future, employees transfer ready-made visas to clients.

Climatic and weather conditions

The islands are located in the central part of the warm sea current, known as the Gulf Stream. Therefore, in this place there is 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 for visiting the archipelago will be the summer months, when precipitation is rare.

In the Faroe Islands, the climate is quite mild. Average temperatures for winter are approximately 0˚C to +4˚C. Summer temperature is 11-17˚C. From September to January, the rainy season lasts on the islands. Further, the archipelago plunges into fog, which does not let the rays of the sun through.

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

Nature

For those who prefer to relax in the bosom of pristine nature, the Faroe Islands is an ideal option. Most of the territory is occupied by peat bogs, meadows and mountain ranges. Numerous lakes and fjords, gorges, rocks 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 in the archipelago they can devote to watching dolphins, seabirds, whales and seals. Also, an incredibly large number of sheep graze on the hills of these islands.

Attractions of the archipelago

Of course, many tourists consider the main attractions in the Faroe Islands to be 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 of different islands. For example, Streymoy is a paradise for fishing lovers. Here you can catch halibuts, eels and even representatives of the salmon family. Nolsoy attracts tourists with seal rookeries, and Fugloy attracts tourists with millions of birds. And the northern settlement of Skarvanes is famous for the beautiful sea rock called Tretlekonufingur, which means “finger of a troll woman”.

There is a large selection of excursion programs in the archipelago. For example, it can 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 locality rises above the fjord, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and steep cliffs. Tórshavn is a very quiet city. 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 tackle and agricultural implements, ranging from Viking times to our days. Also here you can see items that were used by local residents in everyday life. There are exhibits that are valuable from a religious point of view.

You should definitely visit the House of Northern Countries. There is an art gallery and a concert hall, and in the summer evenings, familiarization events are held for guests of the archipelago.

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

If the trip to the archipelago is in July, it is worth planning your vacation so that you are sure to be on the islands on the 28th-29th. During this period, locals nationally celebrate St. Olaf's Day. According to tradition, the celebrations include solemn religious and dance processions, art exhibitions, as well as rowing and equestrian competitions.

Gastronomic nuances

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

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

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

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

Lunch at a regular restaurant will cost about $30. In institutions of a higher level - it will already be $ 45-50. The most budgetary 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 Stream or Torshavn. For those who like more comfortable conditions, Khafnia and Feroyar are suitable. It should be noted that in all hotels tourists are offered rooms with private facilities. There is also a shuttle service from the airport and back, free access to Wi-Fi. The cost of living in hotels starts 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 it is worth booking a room in them a few months before arrival. There are also mini-hotels on the islands where you can spend the night and have breakfast. Prices for accommodation depend on the time of the year and start from $80.

For tourists who prefer to relax in the bosom of nature, campsites are equipped. Locals value order very much, so tent campers are required to maintain cleanliness and thorough cleaning before departure.

Main types of entertainment

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

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

 For those who cannot imagine a good rest without nightclubs, it is worth visiting the capital's "Rex" and "Eclipse". However, it should be borne in mind that only young people aged 18-25 are allowed into the second club.

What to buy?

The most popular souvenirs are wool products, wood crafts and ceramics. Due to the peculiarities of 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 should be borne in mind that from Monday to Thursday most of the shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00. On Friday, the working day is often extended by one more hour. But on Saturday, everything closes earlier, and Sunday is a day off.

1.​ The most optimal transport to get to the archipelago is by plane. But there is only one international airport here - Vagar, located near the village of Sorvagur.

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

3. Tourists who prefer public transport, can purchase maps with routes and timetables from Steinatún kiosks.

4. Traveling to the Faroe Islands is quite expensive. But when leaving the country, if there is a receipt from stores operating on the system Tax Free, VAT can be refunded. But only if the purchase amount in the check exceeds $48.

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

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

7. The climate in the Faroe Islands is very changeable, so it is necessary to 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 Embassy of Denmark. You must have with you:

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

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's very quiet here, only noisy central square Yes, berths, 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 on 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 money, be polite to the locals, and don't take too many 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).