Not everyone will be able to quickly show exactly where they are. Faroe islands on the map. However, all more tourists go exactly there. Basically, they are attracted by the opportunity to take a break from noisy resorts, vibrant megacities and city dust.
Located in the Norwegian Sea between Iceland and the Scottish Islands, 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 \u200b\u200bare Danish and Faroese, which combines different Western Scandinavian dialects.
To date, there are no direct air flights from Russia to the islands. Therefore, tourists have to change trains in Denmark or Norway. Air tickets can be booked in advance using the Internet. You can get from one island to another 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, 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 with a special note. There are special visa centers where you can follow this in many big cities. However, most of the travelers prefer the services of travel agencies. All required documents are handed over to the agency, and then employees hand over 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, strong winds blow even in sunny weather. The most comfortable months for visiting the archipelago will be the summer months, when precipitation is rare.
The climate in the Faroes is quite mild. Average temperatures for winter are approximately 0˚C to + 4˚C. Summer temperature - 11-17˚C. The rainy season lasts from September to January on the islands. Further, the archipelago plunges into fog, which does not let the sun's rays through.
Another feature: the water near the islands is perfectly transparent, 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 a vacation 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 lovers can devote their free time in the archipelago to watching dolphins, seabirds, whales and seals. Also on the hills of these islands an incredibly large number of sheep graze.
Archipelago attractions
Of course, many tourists consider the main attractions in the Faroes beautiful mountains and slopes with flocks of sheep, as well as compact towns and colorful roofs on houses.
Nature lovers will also appreciate the features of the different islands. For example, Streimoy 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 Fugloi attracts tourists by the fact that millions of birds have chosen it. And the northern settlement of Skarvanes is famous for a beautiful sea rock called Tretlkonufingur, which means “the finger of a troll woman”.
There is a large selection of excursion programs on the archipelago. For example, it can be a visit to the capital and small villages or boat trips.
The capital of the islands, Torshavn is located in an incredibly picturesque area. Most of the village juts out over the fjord, offering stunning views of the mountains and steep cliffs. Torshavn is a very quiet city. It is noisy only in the central square and at the quays.
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 after a large fire that raged in the 17th century.
Many will be interested in visiting Historical Museum... Among its exhibits are ship models, fishing tackle and agricultural implements, from the Viking era to the present day. Also here you can see the items that were used by local residents in everyday life. There are also exhibits that are valuable from a religious point of view.
The Server Country House is also worth a visit. There is an art gallery and concert halland on summer evenings there are introductory events for guests of the archipelago.
After a walk in Vidarlunn Park, it is worth going to the Art Museum 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 will definitely be on the islands on the 28-29th. During this period, local people nationally celebrate St. Olaf's Day. According to tradition, celebrations include solemn religious and dance processions, art exhibitions, and rowing and equestrian competitions.
Gastronomic nuances
The national cuisine is closely related to the characteristics of the climate in the archipelago. The two main ingredients that are used in the preparation of various dishes are lamb and fish. Gourmets visiting the Faroe Islands should definitely try local delicacies such as sheep's head and whale meat. No less interesting is ryuisket (meat that has been dried for several months) and skerpiket - meat that has been dried for more than a year and is consumed without any processing. Often the same cooking method is used for drying fish.
Those tourists who prefer traditional cuisine should order roasted lamb at the restaurant. You can also try puffins (this is the name of small birds), stuffed with sweet pastry, served with potatoes and sweet berries.
It may surprise many that rhubarb is added to food everywhere. One more interesting feature - there are practically no fish shops on the islands. If the islanders want to cook fish, they catch it themselves, and after cooking they serve it on the table with a side dish in the form of rice or potatoes.
It should be noted that the most popular drinks on the islands are coffee and tea. The locals often add herbs that grow on the mountain slopes to tea. Alcoholic drinks are officially allowed from the age of 18. However, while light beer can be purchased everywhere, low-alcohol drinks, strong dark beer and wines can only be bought in state-owned stores and in 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 budget-friendly snack option can be found in local cafes.
Where to stay?
After arriving in the capital, you can settle in three star hotel... For example, it could be "Streym" or "Torshavn". For those who like more comfortable conditions, "Hafnia" and "Feroyar" are suitable. It is worth noting that in all hotels, tourists are offered rooms with private facilities. There is also a transfer from the airport and back, free access to Wi-Fi. The cost of hotel accommodation starts at $ 120. Although you can get a seasonal discount.
A more economical option is a hostel or a guest house. The most popular are "Bládýpi" and "Skansin", but it is worth booking rooms in them several months before arrival. There are also mini-hotels on the islands where you can spend the night and have breakfast. Accommodation prices depend on the season and start at $ 80.
For tourists who prefer to rest in the bosom of nature, camping is equipped. Locals They value order very much, therefore, tents are required to be clean and thoroughly cleaned before leaving.
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 enjoy watching seals live underwater.
Those who cannot imagine a full-fledged rest without nightclubs should visit the capital "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, wood and ceramic crafts. 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 stores are open from 9:00 to 18:00. On Friday, the working day is often extended by one more hour. But on Saturday everyone 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 here international Airport - Vagar, located near the village of Sorvagur.
2. You can rent a car to move around the islands. This will cost at least $ 60 per day. To rent a car, you need to be over 20 years old, have a credit card and an international driving license.
3. Tourists who prefer public transport, can purchase maps with routes and timetables at the 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, you can get VAT refund. But only if the purchase amount in the check exceeds $ 48.
5. It is not customary to leave a tip on this archipelago. Staff remuneration is most often included in the bill immediately.
6. You can fish if you have a license, which is sold in tourist offices. If a tourist wants to take his fishing tackle, he must sanitize it in advance.
7. The climate in the Faroes is very changeable, so you should definitely take warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes with you.
Visa information
To get a visa in Moscow, you can contact the Danish Embassy. You must have with you:
- 2 photographs;
- completed application form;
- foreign passport (its expiration date must end at least 3 months after the expiration of the visa) and a copy;
- national passport and its copy;
- insurance policy (the amount of coverage cannot be less than 30 thousand €);
- • bank statement;
- confirmation that the hotel has been booked;
- certificate from the place of work or study.
Faroe Islands - a group of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (UK), from which they are almost 400 km north, and Iceland, which is 420 km northwest of the Faroe Islands.
The Faroe Islands are an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since 1948, the islands have independently governed virtually all matters with the exception of defense and foreign policy.
The capital and main port of the islands is the city of Torshavn, located on southeast coast Streymoy Islands.
The Faroe Islands archipelago consists of 18 islands, 17 of which are inhabited. The main islands are Streymoy, Esturoy, Sudura, Vagar, Sandoi, Bordoi. The largest island is Stremoy (373.5 km²). total area all islands - 1395.74 km².
Distance to Iceland - 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.
The highest point of the islands is the Slattaratindur peak on the Esturoi island - 882 m above sea level. The Faroe Islands are dotted with numerous fjords and have a rugged coastline. The islands, for the most part, in view of the constant strong winds, are treeless, although there are plantings of hard conifers, maple and mountain ash.
Climate
The climate of the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime, with cool winters and cool wet summer... 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 (mainly in the form of rain) lasts about 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 all year round has a temperature of about + 10 ° C, which softens the climatic conditions and provides ideal conditions for the life of fish and plankton.
Last changes: 23.10.2009Faroe Islands population
The population is 48,856 people (2009), of which: 91.7% are Faroese; 5.8% are Danes; 0.4% are Icelanders; 0.2% - Norwegians; 0.2% are Poles.
Age structure of the population: 0-14 years: 21.6%; 15-64 years: 64%; 65 years and over: 14.4%.
The population of the Faroes is mainly Lutheran (80%). Lutheranism is a Protestant movement in Christianity.
The official language of the islands is Faroese (a modified version of the Old Norwegian language), almost all residents understand Danish, English is widely spoken.
Currency
The official currency of the Faroe Islands is the Faroese crown. 1 Faroese krone is equal to 100 ore. The Faroese krone is equivalent to the Danish krone, that is, the exchange rate is the same. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 crowns, coins in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 crown, 50 and 25 era.
The islands' currency is issued by the National Bank of Denmark and is considered a variant of the Danish krone. Consequently, it does not have an official International Organization for Standardization code and is not convertible. In most cases, to avoid confusion, it is called the Danish krone (DKK), since the local currency is rigidly tied to this unit. Formally, Danish crowns themselves are not accepted in the Faroe Islands, only local currency is used.
The best way to exchange currency is banks and exchange offices; exchange fees 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.
Money can be exchanged at banks or at the exchange office at Vaugar airport (open from 10.00 to 2.00). Banks usually charge quite a small commission for the exchange, but they mostly work only with euros and Danish kronor.
Credit cards from the world's leading systems (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) are widely accepted.
Travel checks can be cashed at many banks and hotels, or used to pay at most restaurants and shops.
Last changes: 23.10.2009Communication and communications
International code: +298.
Internet domain: .fo.
In case of emergency, call 112. Reference information - 118.
How to call
In order to call the Faroe Islands, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 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 Faroes - NMT (analog) 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 connection
The telephone system of the Faroe Islands is of a high standard and provides all modern complex services. Foroya Tele's (Faroese Telecom) public payphones located in many public areas operate on both coins and credit cards.
the Internet
Despite the fact that the Faroe Islands are a major intermediate point for many telecommunications systems linking Europe and North America, the level of network services here is relatively low. Only large business centers, hotels and post offices are provided with stable high-speed communications.
The public internet cafe Telecentre (Teledepilin) \u200b\u200bcan only be found in the capital (Niels Finsensgota, 10). However, there are also numerous access points located at tourist information offices.
Shopping
Most shops open at 09:00 or 10:00 and are open until 17:30. On Fridays, some only close at 19:00. On Saturdays, shops open at 09:00 and are open until 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00. All shops are closed on Sundays. Kiosks, shops at gas stations close at 23:00.
Travelers can receive a partial VAT refund (25%) when leaving the country. If in any store that has a "Tax-free for Tourists" announcement on the window, the purchase amount exceeds US $ 48, you must take a receipt, according to which approximately 15% of the value of the goods will be refunded at the customs at the airport.
The price level on the islands is slightly higher than on the mainland and is comparable to Norwegian, so a trip to the Faroe Islands cannot be called a cheap event.
Almost all manufactured goods are imported, so they are not cheap, but food (especially fish), wool and leather goods, and some alcoholic beverages are quite inexpensive.
Fresh vegetables are available all year round, as many islanders get them from their gardens, and most of them go to store shelves. The assortment of fruits is somewhat lower, but also meets all international standards.
There are many shops in Torshavn, whose assortment is not much different from the goods sold in some small town in Europe.
Last changes: 23.10.2009Where to stay
There is no "star" classification of hotels on 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 this or that hotel.
Most of the local hotels are small private guesthouses, there are no ultra-expensive rooms at all, and you can always find accommodation at quite reasonable prices ($ 10-15 per night). Mid-range hotels charge $ 20-70 per day for their services, hotels over high class - from $ 70 and more.
Sea and beaches
The Faroe Islands are best visited during the summer months, when precipitation is unlikely and the weather is warm and comfortable.
On the coast at the foot of Mount Tindur there are beaches of black basalt sands.
Excellent beaches of dark volcanic sand are located near the town of Skalavig.
Last changes: 01.09.2010History of the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands have been known to Irish monks since about 500 AD. In the period between 700 and 800, 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 in 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 already began to rule 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 deploy the cruiser in the port of Torshavn. 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 voting, the Parliament of the Faroe Islands announced the withdrawal of the islands from Denmark. This decision was ratified by the parliament, which voted 12 votes in favor and 11 votes against. Suduryo Island, the third largest in the entire group, 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 non-secession from Denmark and a parliamentary delegation was invited to Copenhagen for further negotiations.
In 1948, an agreement was reached, according to 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 serve on a permanent basis in the Danish parliament.
Since 1984, the Faroe Islands have been declared a nuclear-weapon-free zone by Logting, but the islands are home to a Danish naval base and a NATO radar complex.
Last changes: 28.04.2013It is completely unacceptable to bargain, and in any institution, regardless of the 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 villages (indicated by the Government Monopoly sign) and in licensed restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, etc.
Fishing is permitted only in certain waters and only on the basis of a fishing license, which can be purchased at all tourist offices. All equipment and equipment, including fishing rods, floats, fishing lines and lures, must be disinfected before arriving in the Faroes (previously, this parameter was carefully monitored at customs, now the Faroese leave this rule on the conscience of the tourist). The instructions and rules for fishing in local lakes (the islanders call them in the Scottish manner - "sucker") are printed in all tourist brochures and brochures and must be followed. The fishing season in streams and streams lasts from May 1st to August 31st. Sea fishing is allowed all year round.
In the Faroe Islands, fortune telling in the footsteps of the Norn is common. Norn's marks are specks that appear on the nails. They are interpreted according to their shape, color and place where they appeared.
These islands are also famous for their hand-knitted wool shawls from local sheep. They have an unusual butterfly shape and, unlike other types of shawls and shawls, 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 with you, a strong 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). Lightweight boots or athletic shoes for walking populated areas will also be useful.
Also, the obligatory set should include sunglasses with glass filters, since the level of ultraviolet radiation is quite high here.
When traveling around the islands, you should have a small backpack with you 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 food (chocolate, dried fruits, etc.).
Be sure to take a detailed map of the area with you and notify the local tourist office of the route and the time of its passage. In the case of frequent fogs here, you should not look for the road on your own - it is recommended to stop at 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 accompanied by local guide and in the presence of means of communication (cell phone or walkie-talkie). Also, GPS receivers will be quite useful - despite the small size of the islands, the relief here is so complicated that it is simply impossible to find your way without knowing local signs.
Detailed booklet describing the most interesting routes can be purchased from any of the local tourist offices for 10 CZK.
Last changes: 20.01.2013How to get to the Faroes
The easiest way to get from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is by SAS with a transfer 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).
The islands-based airline Atlantic Airways (part of the SAS system) operates flights from Iceland, Norway, Denmark and the United Kingdom to Vagar Airport in the Faroe Islands. Several other small companies also serve these areas.
Daily flights to the Faroe Islands are carried out only from Danish Copenhagen - usually 2-3 times a day, from other countries flights are carried out once every few days, and in 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 Torshavn to the Danish Huntsholm, the British Shetland Islands and the Icelandic Seydisfjordur. In summer, he also visits Bergen, Norway.
Last changes: 28.04.2013Faroe Islands translated from Faroese - "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. Nevertheless, they are of interest to travelers, as they represent a corner of untouched nature and peace.
In contact with
Parliament and government of the Faroes
About the Faroe Islands, Wikipedia reports that they are located in the North Atlantic between Iceland and the Shetland Islandsrelated to Scotland. It is impossible to give an unequivocal answer to the question of which country the Faroe Islands belong. On the one hand, they are a part, on the other hand, since 1948 they independently solve almost all issues of state policy, except for foreign and defense.
The Faroes have their own legislature - parliament (Løgting), which has 6 political parties... It has 33 members. And also the executive body - Landsstyri and the only court. The Danish parliament has two representatives from the Faroes.
The Faroes, although related to Europe, are not part of the European Union. They are not an independent subject in terms of international law and sign treaties together with Denmark. Representatives of certain parties are in favor of the complete independence of the Faroes from Denmark.
Capital, population
The main port of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn is the capital of the country. It is located on the Stremoy Island (area 373.5 square kilometers), in its southeastern part. The capital is home to about 20 thousand people.
The entire population of the country has about 50 thousand people... The main one is Faroese, the overwhelming majority of the inhabitants are Faroese (about 90%). They are followed by the Danes, Icelanders and the British. Surprisingly, Russians also live here. In 2011, there were 55 of them.
Culture, traditions Faroe Islands
The main religion is Lutheranism, but there are also Christians. There are many architecturally interesting churches from the Middle Ages.
The islands' distinctive culture - literature, music, dance - is based on closely intertwined local and Danish traditions. Folklore and jazz festivals are often held in the Faroes.
Oulavsøka
The main holiday is Oulavseka, which takes place on July 28-29... It is named after Olaf, the saint who introduced Christianity to Norway.
The festival program includes:
Slaughter grind
An integral part of the social culture of the Faroes is the slaughter of grind - black dolphins. Mostly this event takes place in the summer, not commercial and is organized by the communities. Anyone can take part in it, but mostly men do it, and women just watch.
This craft has historical roots. It is due to the fact that due to climatic conditions vegetables and grains grow poorly on the islands, therefore, for the survival of the population for centuries you need meat and fat, including grind... About 950 animals are harvested annually, which gives 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, not sold in stores, but consumed by families.
The fishery has faced criticism as well as radical action by animal rights and marine life groups. They see him as cruel and unnecessary. At the same time, local whalers talk about its economic importance.
Butterfly shawls
Sheep breeding is developed in the Faroes. They are also famous for the fact that knitting of shawls from wool of local sheep by hand 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 is of practical importance. Thanks to her, the shawl remains on the shoulders during movement, even if it is not tied.
Faroe Islands climate
Wikipedia says that the climate in the Faroes is maritime temperate. 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 annually... Basically it rains, which are about 9 months a year from September to January, fogs are frequent 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 contributes to the creation of optimal living conditions for marine life, including fish and plankton.
Faroe Islands geography
All Faroe Islands are 1395.74 sq. kilometers.
They are at a distance:
- to Copenhagen - 1117 km;
- to - 675 km;
- to Iceland - 450 km.
In total, the Faroe Islands archipelago consists of 18 large islands, a large number of small and detached rocks. The largest from the group northern islands is Boroy, which is densely populated (about 5 thousand people), and has an area of \u200b\u200b95 sq. kilometers. It is home to the second largest city in the Faroe Islands - Klaksvik.
The island of Esturoy has the most high point Faroe - Slattaratindur peak, which is 882 meters above sea level. There are fjords along all the islandsso their coastline heavily cut. Basically, the land surface is rocky, consisting of basalt. Here high slopes alternate with plateaus. They are separated by gorges of great depth.
Fauna and flora of the Faroe Islands
Due to the strong winds that blow constantly, there are few forests here. But strong conifers, maple and ash still grow, and lichens and moss, heather are also very common.
The fauna of the Faroe Islands is represented by large colonies of arctic birds - guillemot, harp seal rookeriesand it is also rich in fish - cod, herring, halibut.
It is home to a breed of sheep called the Faroese, 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 coat of arms of the Faroes. Basically, the breed is grown for meat, but also, as mentioned above, wool is used to produce shawls.
Faroe Islands history facts
- Until the XIV century, the Faroe Islands belonged to Norway, then Norway and Denmark owned them jointly. And from 1814 the islands became Danish. Their inhabitants come from the Scandinavian peoples, and the language from the old Norwegian dialects.
- During World War II, the Faroe Islands were taken under the military control of Great Britain. It happened in 1940 after the invasion of Nazi troops in Denmark. After that, the island's elective body, Logting, achieved the authority 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 taken among the island population, as a result of which the parliament announced its withdrawal from the Danish Kingdom. 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 in April 1948, a treaty was signed under which the islands were given sovereignty, with restrictions on foreign policy. The local parliament elected two delegates to the Danish parliament.
- In 1984, the Faroe Islands were declared a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Today it houses a NATO radar complex and a Danish naval base.
Transport in the Faroes
There is a marine, automobile transport and aviation with one airport - Vagar.
Aviation
National Air Carrier - Atlantic Airways operates a regular service with:
- Norway - Stavanger and Oslo;
- Denmark - Billun, Aalborg, Copenhagen;
- Iceland -;
- Great Britain - London, Aberdeen, Shetland.
Helicopter service is available on a regular basis between Torshavn and the remote islands with a small population.
Sea traffic
Due to its island location, the main mode of transport is sea. Ferries run between the islands. The national shipping company is Smyril Line. The marine terminal is located in Torshavn.
Road transport
In total, the islands are about 500 kilometers highways... Most of them are mountain serpentine. Large tunnels have been built here since the second half of the 20th centurythat connect separate settlements with each other. The longest road tunnel is the Norjoya tunnel.
How to get to the Faroe Islands
It is best to get to the Faroe Islands by plane to the capital Torshavn with a transfer:
- via Denmark from Copenhagen or
- via Norway from Bergen or Stavanger.
In summer, from Bergen, Norway, you can get to Torshavn by ferry.
Note! In order to get to the Faroe Islands, Russian citizens will need, which is issued by the Danish embassy in the consular department. It must be marked "valid for the Faroes".
Faroe Islands capital landmarks
The city of Torshavn was founded in the 10th century and is named after the god of thunder and lightning - Thor. Torshavn is a picturesque and thriving city. It is unlike other capitals. Its dignity is not magnificent buildings, but the untouched surrounding nature of amazing beauty and a sense of solitude and tranquility.
Here it is Main cathedral, which, like most of the temples on the islands, belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. It was built in 1788 and then rebuilt. It became the cathedral and seat of the bishop in 1990. It has preserved such unique items as a baptismal font dating back to the end of the 16th century, and a crucifixion 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 foundation of the church building is made of basalt stone, on which is a pyramid-shaped dome 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.
You should also pay attention to the ancient monastery Munkastowan, built in the 15th century and surrounded by stone walls. It has been completely preserved, despite a fire in the 17th century.
The main attraction of the capital is also the main island Historical Museum... It presents examples of applied art, religious objects, rural household items, household utensils that have survived since the time of the Vikings. And also - accessories for sea fishing: fishing tackle, navigational tools and models of ships.
The main cultural center of Torshavn is House of the Nordic countries... Its roof is covered with peat. It houses a concert hall, a conference hall, an art gallery, and a library. Here on summer nights, events are held, the so-called Faroese evenings for tourists.
Faroe Islands landmarks
The most mountainous of all islands Faroe is Kalsa... Its western shore is solid steep cliffs. There are four small settlements on the island, which are connected with each other through a system of tunnels. There are many caves and underground galleries here, for which Kalsa is also called Flute, that is, "flute". In the north of the island 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 is the sea rock of the original form Trötlkonufingur, which means "Troll Woman's Finger". It really looks like a graceful long finger.
The least mountainous of the Faroe Islands is Sandoy, on which the sand dunes are located. There are two lakes with clear water here. The guillemot colony settled in the west. There is a church on the island. The view of Sandoy is depicted on the 1,000 kronor banknote for the Faroe Islands.
On the island Fugloi, or Bird Island, there are cliffs ranging in height from 450 to 620 meters. They descend from plateaus located on scenic mountain ranges, and completely covered with a carpet of arctic grasses and mosses. On these cliffs they settle numerous colonies many millions of seabirds.
How to get there
It may seem that the Faroe Islands are very far away, but nevertheless, getting to them is not so difficult. This can be done in two ways: the first - by plane, the second - by ferry.There is only one international airport in the Faroe Islands, which is located on the Vagar Islands. The annual passenger traffic is about 180,000. Vagar Island is associated with largest island Archipelago Streimoy (on which the capital Torshavn is located) by an underwater tunnel.
Unfortunately, no from Moscow direct flight to the Faroe Islands. Thus, it is better to get there from the Scandinavian countries - Norway (Bergen), Denmark (Copenhagen, Billund), Iceland (Reykjavik) using the services of Atlantic Airways. So, the cost of a round-trip flight from Copenhagen is about 15 thousand rubles. If you buy tickets in advance, you can save a lot.
Smyril Line ferries offer two flights to the Faroe Islands: from the Danish city of Hirtshals (twice a week in the summer season and one flight a week in the winter season) and the Icelandic Seydisfjordur (one flight a week in the summer season).
Where to stay
There are several hotels in the capital Torshavn (you can book them on the website www.booking.com), the prices are very high, even more expensive than in Iceland.In terms of hostels, there are two most popular in Torshavn: Bládýpi and Skansin
You can check the prices on their website.
Transport
There are several car rental offices on the islands.http://www.reyniservice.fo/
http://www.avisworld.com/
http://www.unicar.fo/
http://www.62n.fo/en/
Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL) - a national company that is responsible for organizing the transport system on the islands, which includes not only buses, but also ferries.
The bus network is very well developed and connects all the smaller Faroese settlements... The ticket price depends on the length of your route. It is worth noting that a trip through the underwater tunnel (which connects all 18 islands) will cost extra money. It makes sense to buy a tourist Travel Cardwhich allows you to save money. With this card, you can travel by bus and ferry (except for a flight to the island of Mikines).
Transport in Torshavn: free buses run around the city on 4 routes every half hour during the day and every hour in the evening. Unfortunately, they are closed on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Website transport company www.ssl.fo
In blue - ferry routes, all others - buses
Some of the hard-to-reach areas of the islands are best reached by helicopter. This service is sponsored by the government, which makes it possible to retain low prices for flights, which you can find on the airline's website http://www.www.atlantic.fo
Money
On the islands, both the local crown and the Danish crown are in use. Therefore, if you have Danish currency in your hands, there is no need to exchange it for Faroese crowns. In shops you can pay in Danish, the rate is 1 to 1. Do not forget to exchange the Faroese crowns before leaving the islands: the local currency is not recognized in foreign banks (except Danish). 
The cost of the flight always depends on the travel time. The chart will allow you to compare prices for air tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands, track the dynamics of changes in their cost and find the best offer.
Statistics will help determine the season of low prices. For example, in April prices average 39,554 rubles, and in September the cost of tickets drops on average to 25,796 rubles. Plan your trip now!
Site users make hundreds of thousands of searches on our site every day. We analyze this information and draw up schedules to make it easier for you to plan your trips.
During periods of high demand, it is recommended to purchase air tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands in advance. For example, the number of search queries in August peaks at 2854 queries, and in February their number drops to 1 from the maximum.
What is more profitable - to buy tickets in advance, avoiding the general excitement, or to use a “hot” offer closer to the departure date? The graph will help you determine best time to purchase air tickets.
See how the price of air tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands has changed depending on the time of purchase. Since the beginning of sales, their cost has changed by an average of 148%. The minimum price in the direction from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is 58 days before departure, approximately 24 346 rubles. The maximum price in the direction from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is 1 day before departure, approximately 111,808 rubles. In most cases early booking helps to save money, take advantage of it!
Airfare from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is not a fixed and constant amount. It depends on many factors, including the day of departure. The dynamics of changes is visible on the graph.
According to statistics, the most affordable option for flights from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is on Mondays, with an average cost of 29,782 rubles. The most expensive flights are on Saturdays, their average cost is 33 858 rubles. It is worth considering that departures to pre-holiday daysusually more expensive. We hope this data will help you plan your travels in the most efficient way.
The airfare depends not only on the date, but also on the departure time. An airline can operate several flights on one day, and they will differ in the price range.
The graph shows the cost of departure depending on the time of day. For example, the average cost of a ticket from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is 137,736 rubles in the morning and 105,891 rubles in the evening. Evaluate all the conditions and choose the best offer.
The graph shows the comparative prices for flights from Moscow to the Faroe Islands of the most popular airlines. Based on this information, you can plan your trip and buy tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands from the carrier that suits you.
Statistics will help you choose a flight, focusing on your financial capabilities, as well as wishes in terms of comfort and flight conditions. The lowest prices for flights from Moscow to the Faroe Islands are offered by Atlantic Airways, the highest prices are offered by Czech Airlines.
