In which ocean are the Faroe Islands located? Culture, traditions of the Faroe Islands. A corner lost on the edge of the earth
Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands- a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (Shetland Islands) and Iceland. They are an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since 1948, the Faroe Islands have independently resolved almost all state issues, with the exception of defense and foreign policy.
Geographic data
The capital and main port of the islands is the city of Tórshavn (population approximately 19,200 in 2005), located on the southeast coast of Streymoy. Second by size locality Faroe Islands- Klaksvik (4773 people).
The Faroe Islands archipelago 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). total area of all islands - 1395.74 km².
The distance to Iceland is 450 km, to Norway - 675 km, to Copenhagen - 1117 km. The economic maritime zone off the coast of the Faroe Islands is 200 nautical miles.
Administratively, the Faroe Islands are divided into 34 municipalities. There are 120 towns and villages in the Faroe Islands.
Most high point islands is the peak of Slattaratindur on the island of Esturoy - 882 m above sea level. The Faroe Islands are dotted with numerous fjords and have rugged coastline. The islands, for the most part, are treeless due to constant strong winds, although there are plantations of strong conifers, maple and mountain ash.
Population of the Faroe Islands
Population: 47,511 (July 2007)
The main language is Faroese.
Age structure of the population:
0-14 years: 20.6% (males 4882/females 4904);
15-64 years old: 65.3% (men 16,353/women 14,668);
65 years and older: 14.1% (men 3041/women 3663);
Average age: 35 years. for men: 34.8 years. for women: 35.3 years.
Average life expectancy: 79.49 years. for men: 76.06 years. for women: 82.93 years.
Number of children per woman: 2.15 children.
The active working population is 24,760 people.
Climate
The climate of the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime, with warm winters and cool, humid summers. The coldest month is January, temperature from 0°C to +4°C, the warmest month is July, temperature from +11°C to +17°C. The annual precipitation is 1600-2000 mm, precipitation (mainly in the form of rain) occurs approximately 280 days a year, most of it falls from September to January, fog is frequent.
Thanks to the tropical Gulf Stream, the water around the islands all year round has a temperature of about +10°C, which softens climatic conditions and provides ideal living conditions for fish and plankton.
Flora of the Faroe Islands
The islands, for the most part, are treeless due to constant strong winds, although conifers, maple, and mountain ash are sometimes found. Mosses and lichens are widespread.
Vegetation mainly consists of meadows, peat bogs and heathland.
The Faroe Islands have a climate similar to the south South America and Tierra del Fuego, from there several species of Nothofagus (Antarctic, birch) and Maytenus Magellanicus were introduced.
Fauna of the Faroe Islands
The fauna of the Faroe Islands is quite diverse. Of primary interest are the colonies of Arctic birds and the waters rich in fish (herring, halibut, cod) and sea animals that wash the Faroe Islands. The island is also home to the Faroese breed of sheep.
Colonies of guillemots settle on the Faroese cliffs.
There are harp seal rookeries on the Faroe Islands.
The science
The Faroes have their own university in Tórshavn, as well as the Faroese Academy of Sciences.
The University of Faroe was created in 1965 on the basis of the Faroese Scientific Society (1952) and includes three faculties: Faroese Language and Literature, Science and Technology, History and Social Sciences. The university prepares masters and bachelors of science. There are only 142 students studying at the university. The university budget is DKK 19 million per year.
The most famous representatives of the Faroese scientific world were:
- Niels Ryberg-Finsen(Niels Ryberg Finsen) - an outstanding physiologist and physician, Nobel Prize laureate;
- Wenceslaus-Ulrik Hammersheimb(Venceslaus Ulricus Hammershaimb) - famous philologist, creator of modern orthography of the Faroese language;
- Suymun av Skyari(Símun av Skarði) - Faroese teacher, founder of the Faroese Folk School;
- Jens-Christian Svabo(Jens Christian Svabo) - Faroese linguist and ethnographer.
Currently, active geological exploration is being carried out on the North Sea shelf. The subject of research by Faroese and foreign scientists is the Faroese ecosystem, as well as certain species of animals and plants in this region.
National holidays
- January 1 New Year
- movable date in March - April Maundy Thursday
- movable date in March - April Good Friday
- movable date in March - April Clean Monday
- April 25 National Flag Day (Flaggdagur, working only in the first half of the day)
- moving date in April-May - Fourth week of Easter
- moving date in May - Ascension
- moving date in May - Trinity
- moving date in May - Spiritual Day
- June 5th Danish Constitution Day (working only in the first half of the day)
- July 28 St. Olav's Eve (working only in the first half of the day)
- July 29 St. Olav's Day (Ólavsøkudagur) - National Day of the Faroe Islands
- December 24 Christmas Eve
- December 25th Christmas
- December 26th Day of Gift Offering
- December 31st New Year's Eve
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 by the 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 an amazing landscape, and the location and climate, which contribute to the excellent play of light, attract photographers from all over the world. According to the famous magazine National Geographic Traveler, the Faroe Islands are the most unique islands in the world. 
Faroe Islands Denmark
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago consisting of 18 islands, 17 of which are inhabited. If the name of the islands is literally translated from Faroese, it sounds like “Sheep Islands”. The islands are located between Scotland and the island of Iceland in the North Atlantic. The Faroe Islands, although they belong to the Kingdom of Denmark, are an autonomous region and make independent decisions in almost all matters.
Faroe islands. Village in the west of Vijoi island Getting to the Faroe Islands
And getting to the islands is not difficult, but you cannot do without a transfer. From Moscow or St. Petersburg, you first need to fly to, about 2 hours of flight. Next to Vagar Airport - this is the only airport in the Faroe Islands, and also an international one. The best way to get to the Faroe Islands is with SAS, which flies to the islands from Copenhagen 2-3 times a day. In addition, you can fly to Vagar Airport from Norway, Iceland, and the UK. You can also take a ferry to Tórshavn from Huntsholm Denmark, from the Shetland Islands, Seydisfjörður Iceland, and in the summer from Bergen Norway.
Faroe islands. Uninhabited island of Luitla Duimun A little bit of history
The first settlers of the Faroe Islands came from Scotland; they lived here from the 8th – 9th centuries and left them due to Viking raids. The Vikings made the Faroe Islands a transport link that connected Iceland, Scandinavia and Greenland, and for a short time also North America. Until the 14th century, the Faroe Islands were part of Norway, and since 1814 they began to belong to Denmark. Because of this, descendants local residents are Scandinavians, and the Faroese language appeared thanks to the Old Norse language. In 1946, the Faroe Islands announced it would secede from Denmark, but a divided vote and opinion poll halted the decision. In 1948, a new agreement was adopted in which the Faroe Islands received limited sovereignty. Since 1984, the Faroe Islands have been declared a nuclear weapons free zone. 
Faroe islands. Tórshavn
Visa to Faroe Islands
If you want to visit the Faroe Islands, you need a visa, which is issued by the consular section of the Danish Embassy. Despite their northern location, the islands have a unique climate - warm winters, the coldest month is January with temperatures from 0 to +4 degrees, and cold wet summers, the warmest month is July with temperatures from +11 to +17 degrees. There is quite a lot of precipitation, here it falls about 280 days a year and almost all of it is in the form of rain, most of falls in the period from September to January, fogs are also frequent. And thanks to the tropical Gulf Stream, the temperature in the ocean is always about +10 degrees, which provides ideal conditions for the life of a variety of fish.
Faroe islands. North West Coast Esturoy Islands The Faroe Islands consist of 18 large islands, as well as numerous small islets and rocks. The largest island of Faroe is Streymoy. The capital of the Faroe Islands, the city of Tórshavn, and the village of Vestmanna are located on this island. The second largest island of the archipelago is Esturoy. The major cities of Fuglafjordur, Runavik and Nes are located here. The island is connected to the islands of Streymoy by a road bridge. Another large island is Voar, it is located international Airport Vagar. The most densely populated island is Borøy; there are eight settlements here, one of which is considered the second largest in the Faroe Islands - Klaksvik. Luitla-Duimun – desert island of eighteen islands. 
Faroe islands. Lake Sorvagsvatn on the Vagar Islands
There are quite a lot of attractions in the Faroe Islands. Of course, the main attraction of the Faroe Islands can be confidently called the landscape. Cliffs, rocks, green fields, ocean, sun, fogs and clouds touching the earth make amazing landscapes, which will not leave even the most fastidious travelers indifferent. What else to see in the Faroe Islands besides nature? 
Faroe islands. Kalsoy Island
Kalsoy Island
It is worth visiting the island of Kalsoy - this is the most rocky island in the Faroe Islands. The entire western coast consists of rocky cliffs, and the settlements are connected by numerous tunnels. The island has many underground galleries and caves, which is why this island is often called “Flute”. In the north of the island, near the Katlur lighthouse, there is a natural sea arch and picturesque cliffs. If you want to observe numerous bird colonies, then you should go to Fugloy Island, which is called the “island of birds”. At Eistfelli the cliffs reach a height of 450 metres, and at Clubbin they reach a height of 620 metres. 
Faroe islands. Church in the village of Sandur on Sandoy Island
Sandoy Island
Sandoy Island is waiting for you sand dunes- This is the least rocky island of all the islands. It is worth going to the village of Skupon, where above it on the terraces lie two beautiful lakes– Noroara-Halsavatn and Heimara-Halsavatn. In the village of Sandur there is a church that has a long and interesting story, starting from the 11th century. To the north of the village of Skarvanes is Tretlkonufingur - "Troll Woman's Finger" - a beautiful sea cliff. 
Faroe islands. Road to the village of Skarvanes on Sandoy Island
Undeservedly forgotten Russian tourists The area, characterized by a harsh climate, is located at the very edge of the world, but vacationers who have been here admit that for the sake of the amazing landscapes it is worth dropping everything and going on an exciting journey.
A corner lost on the edge of the earth
However, not every person will show where the Faroe Islands are located on the world map. Even though they are part of Europe, most people won't find them on the globe. Such remoteness from civilization benefited the lost in Atlantic Ocean a place that has preserved its virgin nature and originality.
Finding the Faroe Islands on a world map is quite difficult, especially for those who have never heard anything about them. Located between Iceland and Great Britain, they are in the North Atlantic. Officially belonging to Denmark, the Faroe Islands are small state with an area of 1,399 km2. The archipelago consists of 34 municipalities, and the islands are home to more than 100 towns and villages.
Green oasis on our planet
Repeatedly, the Faeroe Islands, which have virtually no trees, have been recognized as the cleanest on the planet. Emerald meadows and a unique landscape attract not only brave tourists, but also photographers who capture the amazing beauty that just begs to be featured on magazine covers.
The archipelago, recognized as the most picturesque in the North Atlantic, is a rocky area. The steep banks are steep and very high, but it is the numerous hills that attract travelers and collectors who photograph unusual landscapes.
Descendants of the Vikings
It is known that the first settlements appeared in the territory where the Faroe Islands are now located in the 8th century. Initially, the Scots lived here, but they soon left the region due to raids by Old Scandinavian warriors. For many centuries, the area served as a transit point for the Vikings, who considered that this region was very suitable for them and took root here. Modern inhabitants of the Sheep Islands (and this is how the name of the archipelago is translated) are the descendants of glorious heroes who inherited the will and strong character from their courageous ancestors. The Faroese cherish ancient traditions and lead a unique way of life. They are even proud of their old-fashioned style: instead of lawnmowers, they have sheep, and the men cover the roofs of their houses with turf with green grass.
The population of the Faroe Islands is almost 49 thousand people. These are people who have maintained a good relationship with nature and care about it.
Whose archipelago?
IN XIX century a lost corner for which Denmark and Norway fought becomes Danish. After World War II, the islands wanted to gain independence, but the government of the southernmost Scandinavian country granted them partial sovereignty.
So who owns the Faroe Islands? No researcher will give a definite answer to this question. Formally, the Queen of Denmark is considered the head of the archipelago, but all processes taking place on the islands are led by the High Commissioner. In terms of international law, the Faroe Islands are not an independent entity. The local parliament (Løgting) consists of 33 deputies who are vested with special powers. Representatives of six political parties decided not to join the European Union.
The Kingdom of Denmark, in whose parliament two representatives from the archipelago sit, helps the islands financially, resolves issues of justice and defense, and the Faroese government independently deals with issues of public policy, except for foreign ones. To this day there is talk of gaining independence from Denmark.
Climate and weather
As noted earlier, not every person accustomed to comfortable holiday conditions can withstand the harsh nature of an exotic place. The weather in the Faroe Islands will not be to everyone's liking. The sun rarely comes out here, it often rains heavily, but even in clear weather it blows strong winds. Maximum precipitation falls between September and January, but snow is very a rare event on the archipelago.
In summer, the temperature does not rise above 17 o C, and lovers of the sun and warmth will be disappointed with their vacation. Therefore, for those who prefer to soak up the snow-white beaches, it is better to go to the Maldives or Bahamas. The water around the islands does not warm up above 10 o C, and fashionable swimsuits and sunglasses are not useful here.
In winter, the cold reigns, which penetrates to the bones due to high humidity, so at this time tourists do not visit the archipelago, where the weather changes so often.
Administrative center of the islands
Tórshavn, the main port of the archipelago, is the capital of the Faroe Islands, home to about 20 thousand inhabitants. Without visiting her, acquaintance with this amazing region will be incomplete. The most interesting place counts Old city, and tourists admire the cute colored houses that transport you into a real fairy tale.
The administrative center, founded in the 10th century, is located on the island of Streymoy, and here you need to stay at least for a few days. Art galleries, historical Museum, cozy cafes and restaurants, fashionable shops - all this will allow you to experience the amazing flavor of the capital of the Faroe Islands.
The most beautiful miraculous landmark of Tórshavn is the luxurious and high waterfall Fossa.
A unique lake on the edge of an abyss
The main attraction of the lost corner is considered to be virgin nature, which is perfectly preserved due to the harsh climate and remoteness from the civilization of the Faroe Islands (Denmark). High cliffs, emerald fields, endless ocean, gray mists and lacy clouds almost touching the ground leave no one indifferent. Even the most discerning travelers speak with admiration of the landscapes of this wonderful region.
Vagar Island attracts the attention of tourists with an amazing body of water, the beauty of which defies description. Located on a stone platform, it seems to float in the air without falling off the edge of a high cliff. Hanging Lake Sorvagsvatn (Faroe Islands), located above sea level, is a sight that is difficult to forget. For travelers admiring natural monument Only in photographs, it often seems that this is a professional photo montage, and in fact the body of water lies on different planes with the Atlantic Ocean. And only after visiting the attractive region do many understand the uniqueness of this masterpiece.
The clear waters of the lake flow into the ocean through a waterfall hidden in the rocks with the unpronounceable name Bossdalsfossur.
Local Attractions
The Faroe Islands consist of 18 islands, one of which is completely uninhabited. There are no people living on Tindholmur, although scientists suggest that many centuries ago they did live here.
Streymoy Island, which is the largest, is loved by all fishing enthusiasts.
Nolsoy is famous a huge amount seals.
Sandoy delights tourists with its luxurious landscape: there are beautiful sand dunes here.
Fugloy, whose name translates as “bird island,” is indeed a favorite of birds. Various representatives of birds settle on high cliffs.
Mycines Island is famous for the fact that only 13 people live on it. This is the quietest corner you can only dream of.
Esture is a picturesque place connected by a bridge to the island of Streymoy. Deep fjords create an unforgettable landscape. Mount Slattaratindur rises here, about 900 meters high.
On Rinkusteinar, the main natural attraction is two huge stones rocking on the waves. Local residents believe that the boulders are Viking longships, and that once upon a time an evil sorceress turned warships into boulders.
Kalsoy is an island whose coastline consists of rocky cliffs. All settlements here are connected by numerous underground tunnels. To the north is the famous Katlur Lighthouse.
Historical monuments
Munkastovan Monastery is the oldest architectural monument of the Faroe Islands. The landmark survived in the 17th century terrible fire which raged in the city. Munskastovan survived only thanks to the stonework.
Local residents call the historical fortress Skansin the most peaceful on our planet. The defensive structure protected against pirate attacks, and now delights tourists with an excellent panorama that opens from the observation deck.
Diving and fishing
Divers flock here to explore undersea world. Where the Faroe Islands are located, there are several dozen dive points, as well as the only diving center, and even beginners can test their strength here.
Fishing is a real passion of the indigenous population, and many tourists head to the water in the company of locals who offer valuable advice. This is an unforgettable experience and a unique opportunity to see magnificent landscapes. You can go out to sea on a fishing boat and cast a fishing rod where you can never reach from the shore. This is a real adventure that remains in the memory forever.
What else can tourists do?
You can go on a boat tour of the caves and attend a concert of local musicians in the underground kingdom.
Extreme sports enthusiasts who want to tickle their nerves choose scuba diving or kayaking.
Where the Faroe Islands are located is very popular walking routes. However, be careful, because in dense fogs you can get lost, falling behind the group, or fall off a steep cliff. There is even an old legend that says that lonely travelers are thrown off the cliff by the so-called hidden inhabitants - huldufolk. Mystical creatures in gray clothes that merge with the stones live in the rocks and are unkindly disposed towards the lost.
Comes to the islands in summer a large number of tourists who want to watch the colorful event and take part in it. At the end of July the cheerful Olafsöka festival takes place, coinciding with national holiday archipelago. Residents dressed in beautiful costumes take to the streets of Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), musicians give concerts, and there is a cheerful atmosphere everywhere.
Heaven's Gate of the Archipelago
In the 60s of the last century, the archipelago was occupied by Britain, and the airport built on the Faroe Islands was used for military purposes. For more than 40 years, the spacious building stood abandoned, and only at the beginning of this century it was modernized: the capacity of the heavenly gates is now 400 thousand passengers per year.
Located a few kilometers from the village of Sorvagur, on the island of Vagar (Voar), the airport provides both domestic and charter flights to Europe. In addition, it is connected by helicopter to the entire archipelago.
The building has a waiting room, a medical room, luggage storage, several cafes, and a duty-free shop. You can also rent a car here.
Faroe Islands: how to get there?
Russian tourists dreaming of enjoying the stunning scenery of untouched nature should know that there are no direct flights from Moscow to the archipelago. First you will have to fly with a transfer to Norway or Denmark, and only then get to the islands’ only airport. 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. And there is a ferry between the islands, the services of which you can use, and a helicopter will help you get to the most remote places.
To visit the Faroe Islands, which is an autonomous region, Russians require a special island visa (Schengen is not suitable). Despite the fact that the exotic place officially belongs to Denmark, the islands live by their own laws. To ensure that your trip is not overshadowed by anything, you will have to take care of a visa in advance. Its registration 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 visa processing time ranges from eight days to two months. If you use the services of a travel agency, its employees will prepare all the documents themselves.
Where to stay?
The Faroe Islands, where time flies unnoticed, provide tourists with comfortable conditions for relax. You can stay at three star hotels offering comfortable rooms, or choose more budget options in hostels and guest houses. Those who like to live in tents will be able to settle in special campsites, but they will have to remove all garbage before leaving. In addition, there is convenient options accommodation for those who come for several days: hotels in the "breakfast and overnight" format.
Those who are planning to travel 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 don’t forget about warm clothes and special shoes for walking in the mountains.
The Faroe Islands are a group of islands that are located in the Atlantic Ocean, northwest of Scotland.
Where are the Faroe Islands on the map
Geographically, they are located closer to island state Iceland is officially subordinate to the Kingdom of Denmark. In practice, the islands are governed independently; only a small part of issues, such as foreign policy and defense, are discussed with the Danish government.
The Faroe Islands include 18 large and many small islands, which form the so-called Faroe Archipelago. The most large island archipelago is the island of Boroi with an area of about 95 km², on which there are 8 small towns. The capital of Faroe Islands is the city of Tórshavn, which is home to about 20 thousand people, while being the most densely populated area. Located on the island of Streymoy, the first largest and most important port of the archipelago is located here.
Weather in the Faroe Islands
The weather in the Faroe Islands can hardly be called mild - it rains almost all year round, the wind does not subside at all, average temperature in summer it rarely exceeds +15 °C, and winter is wet and cold. Despite all this, the coastal waters do not freeze here, since the islands lie on the path of the Gulf Stream.
This climate has led to the fact that there are practically no trees on the islands, except for sparse stands of conifers, maples and ash trees. But almost the entire surface of the islands is covered with mosses and lichens, since the islands have all the conditions for these plants.
Fauna of the Faroe Islands
The fauna of the archipelago is quite diverse. The waters surrounding the islands are inhabited big amount a variety of fish and sea animals; harp seals have established their rookeries on some islands; many colonies of northern birds live here, as well as a local breed of sheep.
Economy of the Faroe Islands
The economy of the Faroe Islands is based on: fishing, sheep farming, agriculture, and light industry. A separate point of the economy is tourism, which accounts for about 62% of GDP.
Each of the islands of the archipelago is a small, unusually beautiful world:
- Small houses under multi-colored roofs;
- wide meadows with flocks of sheep under a heavy blue sky;
- dark ocean waters washing half a kilometer of coastal cliffs;
- fogs engulfing entire islands;
- Lutheran churches;
- deep caves;
- sand dunes;
- mountain lakes –
You can admire all this and much more once you find out where the Faroe Islands are.
If you are a fan of an elegant holiday in a five-star hotel with swimming pools and well-trained staff, a holiday in the Faroe Islands is not for you. But if you are a lover of real nature, genuine culture and history, then this vacation will be unforgettable for you, after which you will want to come back here again and again!