Where are the Faroe Islands on the world map? Climatic and weather conditions. Faroe Islands cuisine

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 includes 18 islands, 17 of which 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 residents 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 very center of the warm Gulf Stream, which is the reason for the constant off-season: here there are 280 rainy days. Despite the fact that the islands seem to have no boundaries to the seasons, the climate is quite mild. in winter average monthly temperature ranges from 0 °C to + 4 °C, and in summer - from +11 °C to +17 °C. The rainy season falls in September - January, and then the archipelago is covered with fog, 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 are a holiday in the lap of nature in its original form. Due to private strong winds The islands are mostly treeless; sometimes you can find mountain ash, maple, and conifers. A significant part of the islands' territory is occupied by peat bogs, meadows, and mountain ranges.

IN free time fauna lovers can diversify their vacation on the islands by observing colonies of seabirds, seals, whales, and dolphins.

On the archipelago great amount sheep The latter were once brought to the local hills by the Celts. The local endless pastures have attracted the attention of sheep, and today there are two sheep for every local resident.

Attractions

The Faroe Islands are best visited during the summer months, when there is little rainfall and the weather is warm.

The excursion program in the Faroe Islands is varied: visits to the capital Tórshavn, small villages, bird colonies, a boat trip in coastal waters.

The capital of the islands, the city of Tórshavn, lies in a picturesque area. The main part of the city juts out over the fjord, offering stunning views of wild mountains and steep cliffs. It's very quiet here, the only noise is central square and piers, where continuous work is in full swing. Streets far 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. Muncastowan is one of the few buildings that escaped the great fire of 1673. Another building that also survived the fire is the Leighubün royal warehouse.

Curious travelers will be interested in a trip to Historical Museum, which has in its collection ship models, household items of local residents, fishing gear and agricultural tools from Viking times to the present day, as well as objects of religious value.

After a stroll through Vidarlund Park, you can stop by the Art Museum and admire magnificent examples of sculpture and painting.

There is also an “island of birds” in the Faroe Islands - Fugloy, which received its name for its majestic cliffs inhabited by multi-million colonies of seabirds.

To the north of the settlement of Skarvanes is the beautiful sea cliff Tretlkonufingur (“troll woman’s finger”).

At the end of July (28–29th), the Faroese celebrate their main holiday - St. Olaf's Day. These days, usually reserved locals go on a wild rampage of emotions. The festival is named after Olaf II, who, as King of Norway, introduced Christianity to Scandinavia and began the fight against paganism.

Traditional celebrations include rowing competitions, horse racing, dance and religious processions, and art exhibitions.

Kitchen

to his national menu The inhabitants of the Faroes owe it to the harsh climate of the islands. Traditionally, local dishes consist of meat and fish. Faroese delicacies - sheep's head, whale blubber and skärpikjet (dried lamb) - are a must-try for gourmets. Well, for the fans traditional cuisine Local restaurants will happily serve roast lamb. Tourists also have the opportunity to taste puffins (these are birds) exquisitely stuffed with sweet dough and served with sweet berries and potatoes. Rhubarb, which is widely eaten, will also be a novelty for many.

Alcoholic drinks can officially be consumed on the islands from the age of 18. Light beer is sold everywhere, but strong dark beer, low-alcohol drinks and wine are sold only in state monopoly stores major cities and licensed restaurants.

Lunch at local restaurant will cost a tourist an average of $30, in higher-level establishments - $45–50, excluding alcohol. You can have a snack at a local cafe for much less.

Hotels

Upon arrival on the islands, you can stop in the capital's three star hotels“Tórshavn” or “Streim” or in the more comfortable “Hafnia” and “Feroyar”, All hotels offer tourists rooms with private amenities, transfer to/from the airport, free wifi throughout the entire territory. The cost of living is quite high - from $120, but there are seasonal discounts.

More budget option will become 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 a bed and breakfast basis. Prices here start at $80 and depend on the time of year.

For travelers who prefer outdoor recreation, there are campsites located in specially designated areas. The Faroe Islands have a very strict attitude towards order, so campers in tents are required to remain clean and thoroughly clean upon departure.

Entertainment and relaxation

IN local waters There are many varieties of fish, so fishing is very popular among local residents and vacationers. By the way, local law allows you to export any fish longer than 30 cm from the country, which has long been prohibited in most European countries.

The Faroe Islands are interesting for wreck divers: in the local coastal waters you can find sunken ships. Near Nolsoy Island it is interesting to watch the underwater life of seals.

Lovers nightlife can spend time in the capital's clubs Rex or Eclipse. The latter allows visitors no younger than 18, but no older than 25.

Shopping

Of the Faroese souvenirs, the most interesting are the numerous woolen products, ceramic and wooden crafts.

Due to the rather harsh climate, woolen clothing is held in high esteem among the islanders. Here you can always buy a fashionable sweater, gloves or hat at attractive prices.

Most shops are open from 9:00–10:00 to 17:30–18:00. On Friday, many remain open until 19:00. On Saturdays, all retail outlets operate on a reduced schedule - from 9:00 to 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00; on Sundays they are usually closed.

Transport

The Faroe Islands have a developed bus system. route network, ferries run between the islands. The capital has red local buses with four routes, which can reach almost all areas of the city. The waiting interval is half an hour in the morning and daytime; in the evening it increases to one hour. Blue Bygdaleiðir buses are the transport link between the islands. Maps of routes and traffic schedules passenger transport can be purchased at Steinatún kiosks.

The best way to get to the islands themselves is by plane. The only one 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 rent, you must have an international driver's license, a credit card and be over 20 years old. Rental prices start from $60 per day.

Connection

Standard mobile communications on the islands - GSM. There is also an analogue version, but it has almost been replaced by the digital format.

Local mobile operators are Foroya Tele and Kall P/F. Roaming in their networks is available to subscribers of the main mobile operators in Russia.

Tourists can purchase a local mobile phone SIM card at Teleshops, hotels, post offices and gas stations.

In the Faroe Islands, there are sufficient numbers of public telephones (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.

You can use the Internet in an Internet cafe. Most hotels provide wireless connection on their premises.

Safety

When traveling around the islands, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your property - the crime rate here is extremely low. In order not to spoil your holiday, it is enough not to leave personal belongings unattended, not to take large sums of money with you, to be polite to local residents and do not abuse night walks. If necessary, the police are always ready to help.

If during your trip you need health care, you can rest assured 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 own 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, and accounting standards, the Faroe Islands provide optimal conditions for the development of companies. The legal regulation of business activities is similar to Danish and adheres to European Union standards.

The main business in the archipelago is concentrated in the services sector and the fishing industry.

Local investment websites offer offers for entrepreneurs willing to invest in new ways to develop the fishing industry. At the same time, the Faroese are very interested in high-tech businesses that can offer environmentally friendly solutions for production.

Real estate

Purchasing real estate abroad is rightfully considered one of the most promising and long-term investments. The Faroe Islands may become great place for both temporary and permanent residence. They become especially attractive to people who love comfort and privacy, and who strive for order. Offers on the real estate market are varied - 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 approximately $130,000.

However, those who decide to make such a deal should keep in mind that local banks do not provide mortgages for housing in the absence of a residence permit. In addition, local legislation requires appropriate permission from the Ministry of Justice for the acquisition of property by a foreigner.

Traveling to the islands is not a cheap pleasure. 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 store operating on the system Tax Free. The corresponding inscriptions are present at the entrance to the retail facility. To qualify for a tax refund, your one-time purchase must exceed $48.

Tipping is not accepted on the islands; the service staff's remuneration is usually already included in the bill.

Fishing is permitted only in certain bodies of water on the basis of a license sold in tourist offices. If a tourist intends to take fishing gear with him from home, then it 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, you should not forget about the local changing climate. On vacation, it won’t hurt to have warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes for moving through mountainous terrain and trips to the sea.

Vaccination before travel is not required. Emergency phone number - 112.

Visa information

To obtain a visa, you must contact the consular department of the Danish Embassy in Moscow at the address: Prechistensky Lane, 9.

Anyone wishing to obtain a visa must provide a visa application form, 2 photographs, a foreign 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 a hotel reservation, 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 account statement or travel checks (at the rate of 50 € for each day of stay).

The Faroe Islands are a small territory within Denmark located in the North Sea. Faroese means sheep and is so called because until the 19th century the main occupation of the islanders was raising sheep. They were sheared en masse and the wool was sent for export to the metropolis. That is, Denmark. During the colonization of Iceland, Greenland and North America Vikings, these islands were a necessary intermediate base where the longships of settlers and traders entered.

Faroe Islands from satellite

The language of the islanders, of whom there are about 50 thousand people, dates back to Old Norse and differs from Danish approximately as Russian differs from Ukrainian. Residents of the Sheep Islands sincerely believe that their basalt volcanic homeland is the remains of the sunken Atlantis. This encourages the population to actively dive in the surrounding waters, although the cold, harsh ocean conditions are little conducive to this. As soon as someone finds a flat stone at the bottom, joyful excitement grows. Yep, they found Atlantis. However, geologists debunk it over and over again, wearily explaining that these are pieces of basalt and nothing more.

Sheep wool continues to be mined on the islands. There are 80 thousand sheep for 50 thousand people, but, of course, this is not the main income of this region. The Faroe Islands have an impressive fishing and merchant fleet; accordingly, they actively fish in the surrounding waters, and also trade fishing licenses. Many more foreign companies register offshore companies here. And in general, the islands have a very impressive income. 45 thousand dollars per capita.

The Faroe Islands have many natural attractions that every traveler should see. Here are the most interesting of them.

The Faroe Islands are not the most popular tourist destination. This land is sometimes also called “the end of the world”, because not every person is able to find the Faroe Islands on the map. But the Faroe archipelago can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful places on our planet. Excellent conditions have been created here for hiking. And the landscapes are striking in their diversity: from rocky cliffs to heather-covered heaths; from crystal clear waterfalls to snow-capped mountain peaks.

Faroe Islands - attractions

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

1. Tindholmur Island

This small island, located between the larger islands of Vágar and Michenes. It is interesting because it has a pointed mountain peak that occupies almost the entire area of Tindholmur. A stunning view of this small piece of land opens from the settlement of Bour, which is located on neighboring island. But the best way to view Tindholmur is from a helicopter or ferry. You can visit the island itself, but excursions to Tindihölmur are only available in summer.

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

2. Gasadalur village

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

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

3. Lake Sørvågsvatn

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

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

4. Chednuvuk village

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

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

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

5. Fugloy Island

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

6. Mycines Island

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in the Faroe Islands

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

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

Video: the most interesting places in Faroe

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

As a summary

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

and routes

The Faroe Islands are ideal for sophisticated travelers who want to take a break from vibrant cities and noisy resorts. Archipelago located in the Norwegian Sea - the northern part Atlantic Ocean, between the Scottish Isles and Iceland - attracts even travelers with extensive experience 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 over the lands of the archipelago. The highest point of these places is Slattarathindur peak located on the island Esturoy and is 882 meters above sea level.

Capital	Tórshavn
Population	48,500 people

Population density	35 people/km 2
	Faroese, Danish
Religion	Lutheranism
Form of government	constitutional monarchy
	Faroese krone, Danish krone
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

The Faroe Islands are located at the very center of the warm Gulf Stream, which causes a constant off-season: there are 280 rainy days a year. Despite the fact that the islands seem to have no boundaries to the seasons, the climate is quite mild. In winter, the average monthly temperature ranges from 0 °C to + 4 °C, and in the summer - from +11 °С to +17 °С. The rainy season falls from September to January, and then the archipelago is covered with fog, 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 °С- all year round, which creates all the conditions for the development of fishing.

Nature

Holidays in the Faroe Islands are a holiday in the lap 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 islands' territory is occupied by peat bogs, meadows, and mountain ranges.

In their free time, fauna lovers can diversify their vacation on the islands by observing colonies of seabirds, seals, whales, and dolphins.

There are a huge number of sheep in the archipelago. The latter were once brought to the local hills by the Celts. The local endless pastures have attracted the attention of sheep, and today there are two sheep for every local resident.

Attractions

The Faroe Islands are best visited during the summer months, when there is little rainfall and the weather is warm.

The excursion program in the Faroe Islands is varied: visits to the capital Tórshavn, small villages, bird colonies, a boat trip in coastal waters.

The capital of the islands, the city of Tórshavn, lies in a picturesque area. The main part of the city juts out over the fjord, offering stunning views of 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 far from the center are usually small and cramped.

The main attraction of Tórshavn is Munkastovan Monastery, built in the 15th century and surrounded by a stone wall. Muncastowan is one of the few buildings that escaped the great fire of 1673. Another building that also survived the fire is the Leighubün royal warehouse.

Curious travelers will be interested in a trip to the Historical Museum, which has in its collection ship models, household items of local residents, fishing gear and agricultural tools from Viking times to the present day, as well as items of religious value.

Taking a walk in the park Vidarlund, you can go to the Museum of Art and enjoy magnificent examples of sculpture and painting.

Available in the Faroe Islands and "Bird Island"- Fugloy, which got its name from its majestic cliffs inhabited by millions of seabird colonies.

To the north of the settlement of Skarvanes there is a beautiful sea cliff Tretlkonufingur ("troll woman's finger").

At the end of July (28-29), the Faroese celebrate their main holiday - St. Olaf's Day. These days, usually reserved locals go on a wild rampage of emotions. The festival is named after Olaf II, who, as King of Norway, introduced Christianity to Scandinavia and began the fight against paganism.

Traditional celebrations include rowing competitions, horse racing, dance and religious processions, and art exhibitions.

Nutrition

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 skerpiquet(dried lamb) - a must-try for gourmets. Well, lovers of traditional cuisine will be happy to serve fried lamb in local restaurants. Tourists have the opportunity to taste exquisitely stuffed with sweet dough dead ends(these are birds) served with sweet berries and potatoes. Rhubarb, which is widely eaten, will also be a novelty for many.

Lunch at a local restaurant will cost a tourist an average of $30, in higher-level establishments - $45-50, excluding alcohol. You can have a snack at a local cafe for much less.

Accommodation

Upon arrival on the islands, you can stay in the capital's three-star hotels "Tórshavn" or "Streim" or in more comfortable "Hafnia" And "Feroyar", All hotels offer tourists rooms with private amenities, transfer to/from the airport, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The cost of living is quite high - from $120, but there are seasonal discounts.

A more budget-friendly option would be guest houses and hostels. The most popular of them are Skansin and Bladýpi, but you need to book rooms 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 time of year.

Entertainment and relaxation

There are many varieties of fish in local waters, so fishing is very popular among locals and vacationers. By the way, local law allows you to export any fish longer than 30 cm from the country, which has long been prohibited in most European countries.

The Faroe Islands are interesting for wreck divers: You can find sunken ships in the local coastal waters. Near Nolsoy Island it is interesting to watch the underwater life of seals.

Nightlife lovers can spend time in the capital's clubs Rex or Eclipse. The latter allows visitors no younger than 18, but no older than 25.

Purchases

Of the Faroese souvenirs, the most interesting are the numerous woolen products, ceramic and wooden crafts.

Due to the rather harsh climate, woolen clothing is held in high esteem among the islanders. Here you can always buy a fashionable sweater, gloves or hat at attractive prices.

Most shops are open from 9:00-10:00 to 17:30-18:00. On Friday, many remain open until 19:00. On Saturdays, all retail outlets operate on a reduced schedule - from 9:00 to 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00; on Sundays they are usually closed.

Transport

The Faroe Islands have a developed bus route network, and ferries run between the islands. The capital has red local buses with four routes, which can reach almost all areas of the city. The waiting interval is half an hour in the morning and daytime; in the evening it increases to one hour. Blue buses Bygdaleiðir are the connecting transport of the islands. Maps of routes and schedules of passenger transport can be purchased at kiosks Steinatún.

The best way to get to the islands themselves 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 rent, you must have an international driver's license, a credit card and be over 20 years old. Rental prices start from $60 per day.

Connection

Mobile communication standard on the islands - GSM. There is also an analogue version, but it has almost been replaced by the digital format.

Local mobile operators - Foroya Tele and Kall P/F. Roaming in their networks is available to subscribers of the main mobile operators in Russia.

Tourists can purchase a local mobile phone SIM card at Teleshops, hotels, post offices and gas stations.

In the Faroe Islands, there are also sufficient numbers of payphones (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.

You can use the Internet in an Internet cafe. Most hotels provide wireless connection on their premises.

Safety

When traveling around the islands, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your property - the crime rate here is extremely low. In order not to spoil your holiday, it is enough not to leave personal belongings unattended, not to take large sums of money with you, to be polite to local residents and not to abuse night walks. If necessary, the police are always ready to help.

If during your trip you need medical assistance, you can rest assured 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 the joint stock company, suitable for large companies, and the limited liability company. In order to start your own 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.

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.

The main business in the archipelago is concentrated in the services sector and the fishing industry.

Real estate

Purchasing real estate abroad is rightfully considered one of the most promising and long-term investments. The Faroe Islands can be an excellent place for both temporary and permanent residence. They become especially attractive to people who love comfort and privacy, and who strive for order. Offers on the real estate market are varied - 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 approximately $130,000.

Traveling to the islands is not a cheap pleasure. 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 store operating under the Tax Free system. The corresponding inscriptions are present at the entrance to the retail facility. To qualify for a tax refund, your one-time purchase must exceed $48.

Tipping is not accepted on the islands; the service staff's remuneration is usually already included in the bill.

Fishing is only permitted in certain bodies of water on the basis of a license sold at tourist offices. If a tourist intends to take fishing gear with him from home, then it 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.

Vaccination before travel is not required. Emergency phone number is 112.

Visa information

To obtain a visa, you must contact the consular department of the Danish Embassy in Moscow at the address: Prechistensky Lane, 9.

More information about the package of documents can be found at the consular section on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00.

Faroe Islands translated from Faroese means “Sheep Islands”. In English they are called Faroe Islands. They represent a separate island group and are not known to many tourists. Not everyone will immediately answer the question of where the Faroe Islands are on the world map. But nevertheless, they are of interest to travelers, as they represent a corner of untouched nature and peace.

Faroese Parliament and Government

About the Faroe Islands, Wikipedia reports that they are located in the northern part of the Atlantic between Iceland and Shetland Islands related to Scotland. It is impossible to give a clear answer to the question of which country the Faroe Islands belong to. On the one hand, they are part of, on the other hand, since 1948, they have independently resolved almost all issues of state policy, except for foreign and defense.

The Faroes have their own legislative body - parliament (Løgting), in which 6 political parties are represented. It has 33 members. And also the executive body - Landsstüyri and the only court. There are two representatives from the Faroes in the Danish Parliament.

The Faroe Islands, although related to Europe, are not part of the European Union. They are not an independent entity in terms of international law and sign treaties jointly with Denmark. Representatives of individual parties advocate complete independence of the Faroe Islands from Denmark.

Capital, population

Main port The Faroe Islands city of Tórshavn is the capital of the country. It is located on the island of Stromoy (area 373.5 sq. kilometers), in its southeastern part. About 20 thousand people live in the capital.

The entire population of the country has about 50 thousand people. The main language is Faroese, the vast majority of residents are Faroese (about 90%). Behind them come the Danes, Icelanders and the British. Surprisingly, Russians also live here. In 2011 there were 55 people.

Culture, traditions of the Faroe Islands

The main religion is Lutheranism, but there are also Christians. There are many architecturally interesting churches from the Middle Ages.

The distinctive culture of the islands - literature, music, dance - is based on closely intertwined local and Danish traditions. Folklore and jazz festivals are often held in the Faroe Islands.

Oulavsjoka

The main holiday is Oulavsöka, which takes place July 28-29. It is named after Olaf, the saint who introduced Christianity to Norway.

The festival program includes:

Slaughter grind

An integral part public culture Faroe is the slaughter of pilot whales - black dolphins. This event mainly takes place in the summer, is not of a commercial nature and organized by communities. Anyone can take part in it, but mostly men do it, and women only watch.

This fishery has historical roots. It is due to the fact that due to climatic conditions Vegetables and grains grow poorly on the islands, so for centuries the population had to meat and fat are needed, including pilot whales. About 950 heads are harvested annually, which provides 500 tons of meat and fat and accounts for 30% of the total amount of meat products produced on the islands. These products are not exported, are not sold in stores, they are consumed by families.

The fishery has faced criticism and radical action from animal rights and conservation groups. marine fauna. They consider it cruel and not caused by a vital necessity. At the same time, local whalers talk about its economic importance.

Butterfly shawls

Sheep farming is developed in the Faroe Islands. They are also famous for the fact that hand-knitting shawls from the wool of local sheep is common here. These products differ from other types of shawls and scarves in a very unusual shape, similar to the shape of a butterfly. This design has practical significance. Thanks to it, the shawl remains on the shoulders while moving, even if it is not tied.

Faroe Islands Climate

Wikipedia says that the climate in the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime. Winters are warm and summers are cool and humid. The warmest month is July with a temperature of 0–4 °C, and the coldest month is January with a temperature of 11–17 °C. Up to 2 thousand mm of precipitation falls per year. It mainly rains, which occurs for about 9 months a year from September to January, and there is frequent fog on the islands.

The archipelago is washed by the Gulf Stream, a warm sea current, due to which the coastal waters have a temperature of +10°C throughout the year. This factor significantly softens the climate and helps create optimal living conditions for marine life, including fish and plankton.

Geography of the Faroe Islands

The area of all Faroe Islands is 1395.74 square meters. kilometers.

They are located at a distance:

to Copenhagen – 1117 km;
up to – 675 km;
to Iceland – 450 km.

In total, the Faroe Islands archipelago consists of 18 large islands, large quantity small and isolated rocks. The largest from the group northern islands is Bora, which is quite densely populated (about 5 thousand people), and has an area of 95 square meters. kilometers. It is home to the second largest city in the Faroe Islands, Klaksvik.

On the island of Esturoy there is the most high point Faroe - Slattaratindur peak, whose height is 882 meters above sea level. There are fjords along all the islands, so their coastline heavily cut up. The land surface is mostly rocky, consisting of basalt. Here high slopes alternate with plateaus. They are separated by deep gorges.

Fauna and flora of the Faroe Islands

Due to strong winds that blow constantly, there are few forests here. But strong conifers, maple and ash still grow, and lichens and moss, and heather are also very common.

Animal world The Faroe Islands are represented by large colonies of Arctic birds – guillemots, harp seal rookeries, and it is also rich in fish - cod, herring, halibut.

A breed of sheep called Faroese lives here, hence the name of the island. Sheep of this breed appeared in the 9th century and became an integral part of the local tradition. Their image is on the Faroese coat of arms. The breed is mainly raised for meat, but, as mentioned above, wool is also used for the production of shawls.

Facts from the history of the Faroe Islands

Until the 14th century, the Faroe Islands belonged to Norway, then Norway and Denmark owned them jointly. And since 1814 the islands became Danish. Their inhabitants are descended from Scandinavian peoples, and their language is from ancient Norwegian dialects.
During World War II, the Faroe Islands were taken under British military control. This happened in 1940 after Nazi troops invaded Denmark. After this, the island's elected body Logting achieved the power to pass laws, and the flag of the Faroe Islands received official recognition. In September 1945, the occupation regime was lifted.
In 1946, a vote was held among the island population, as a result of which parliament announced secession from the Kingdom of Denmark. However, the Danish government did not recognize this decision and temporarily suspended the work of the Faroese parliament. As a result of the parliamentary struggle, an agreement was signed in April 1948, according to which the islands were given sovereignty, with restrictions on the conduct of foreign policy. Two delegates to the Danish Parliament were elected from the local parliament.
In 1984, the Faroe Islands were declared nuclear weapon free zone. Today it houses a NATO radar complex and a Danish naval base.

Transport in the Faroe Islands

There is sea, road transport and aviation with one airport - Vagar.

Aviation

The national air carrier, Atlantic Airways, provides regular service to:

Norway – Stavanger and Oslo;
Denmark - Billun, Aalborg, Copenhagen;
Iceland - ;
Great Britain - London, Aberdeen, Shetland.

There is regular helicopter service between Tórshavn and outlying islands with small populations.

Sea communication

Due to its island location, the main mode of transport is sea. Ferries run between the islands. The national sea carrier is Smyril Line. The marine terminal is located in Tórshavn.

Motor transport

In total there are about 500 kilometers of islands highways. Their most of- this is a mountain serpentine. Since the second half of the twentieth century, large tunnels have been built here, which connect individual settlements. The longest road tunnel is the Noroya tunnel.

How to get to the Faroe Islands

The best way to get to the Faroe Islands is by plane to the capital Tórshavn with a transfer:

via Denmark from Copenhagen or
via Norway from Bergen or Stavanger.

In summer, you can take a ferry from Bergen, Norway, to Tórshavn.

Note! In order to get to the Faroe Islands, Russian citizens will need a visa, which is issued by the Danish Embassy in the consular section. It must be marked “valid for Faroe Islands”.

Sights of the capital Faroe Islands

The city of Tórshavn was founded in the 10th century and named after the god of thunder and lightning - Thor. Tórshavn is a picturesque, thriving city. It is unlike other capitals. Its dignity is not majestic buildings, but the untouched surrounding nature of amazing beauty and a sense of solitude and peace.

Here it is Main Cathedral , which, like most churches on the islands, belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. It was built in 1788 and then rebuilt. It became a cathedral and the bishop's residence in 1990. It preserves such unique items as a baptismal font dating back to the end of the 16th century, and a crucifix from the beginning of the 18th century.

And also in the capital there is a Lutheran Western Church. It is 40.5 meters high and is the tallest building in the entire archipelago. The year of its construction is 1975. The base of the church building is made of basalt stone, on which there is a dome in the form of a pyramid made of glass and copper. In front of the entrance to the church there is a monument to Sigmundur Brestisson, who began the Christianization of the population of the islands, for which he was killed in 1005.

It is also worth paying attention to ancient monastery Munkastovan, built in the 15th century and surrounded by stone walls. It was completely preserved, despite the fire in the 17th century.

Another attraction of the capital is the main island Historical Museum. It presents examples of applied art, objects of worship, rural life, and household utensils that have been preserved since the times of the Vikings. And also marine accessories: fishing gear, navigation tools and ship models.

Main cultural center Tórshavn is House Nordic countries . Its roof is covered with peat. It contains: concert hall, conference room, art gallery, library. Here, on summer nights, so-called Faroese evenings are held for tourists.

Faroe Islands attractions

The most mountainous of all the islands Faroe is Kalsa. Its western coast is continuous with steep cliffs. There are four small settlements on the island, which communicate with each other through a system of tunnels. There are many caves and underground galleries here, for which Kalsa is also called Flut, that is, “flute”. In the north of the island there is the Katlur lighthouse, near which you can see picturesque cliffs and a naturally formed sea arch.

To the north of the village of Skarvanes there is a sea rock of original shape Trötlkonufingur, which means "Troll Woman's Finger". It really resembles a graceful long finger.

The least mountainous of the Faroe Islands is Sandoy, on which are located sand dunes. There are two lakes with clear water here. A colony of guillemots has settled in the west. There is a church on the island. A view of Sandøy is featured on the Faroe Islands 1000 kroner note.

On the island Fugloy, or Bird Island, there are cliffs with a height of 450 to 620 meters. They descend from plateaus located on picturesque mountain ranges, and are completely covered with a carpet of Arctic grasses and mosses. These cliffs are home to numerous colonies of seabirds, numbering many millions.