Despite their magnificent scenery and bird life the 18 green islands in the Atlantic which constitute the Faroe Islands are not a highly popular tourist destination. Yet these islands on which the weather changes in just a few minutes is, most definitely, well worth a visit.
Foroyar
Torshavn
1,399 km2
Faroese and Danish
The Lutheran Church
45,296 (2000)
Home rule and part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Faroe Islands are situated where the Atlantic meets the Norwegian Sea. The 28 small and large islands consist of rocks and were made by enormous natural forces. The only place on the islands where there are trees is in Torshavn - where the houses protect the trees against the winds. The primary vegetation on the islands is grass and moss.
The peak season on the Faroe Islands is from June to September. In the summer months, it never really gets dark, and the sailing trip over the North Atlantic is most comfortable during this season because the sea is relatively calm. The Faroe Islands are never crowded with tourists, not even in the peak season.
Lonely Planet Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
Kròna (kr), 1 kr = 100 oyra
The Faroese are frequent Internet users, and there are Internet cafés in several towns and villages.
To call for help on the Faroe islands, dial following numbers:
Fire service and ambulance (112)
Police (11448)
Waiters, taxi drivers or hotel receptionists do not expect tip, as service is included in the bill.
When the time is 11.00 in Britain, it is 11.00 on the Faroe Islands.
On the Faroe Islands, following units of measurement is used:
Weight: kilo
Length: metre
Cubic content: litre
Before departing for the Faroe Islands remember to bring a camera because the beautiful landscape is highly photogenic. There are no special restrictions on the islands, so snap away! If you want to take pictures of people then ask for permission beforehand.
It is safe to drink tap water on the Faroe Islands.
On the Faroe Islands, the following power source is used:
220v/50Hz
On the Faroe Islands, it is considered impolite to climb over stone fences on cultivated areas. The Faroese are fairly religious, and it is expected that you pull in to the right if you meet a funeral procession, and that you do not work or fish on Sundays.
Banks are open from 9.30-16.00 (Monday-Friday), open until 18.00 on Thursdays. Shops are open from 9.00-17.30 (Monday-Friday), and from 9.00-12.00 (Saturdays).
Offices are open from 10.00-12-00 and from 13.30-15.30 (Monday-Friday).
If you prefer fresh vegetables then do not choose Faroese cuisine - the main ingredients are flesh and potatoes. Everyday meals on the Faroe Islands are pilot whale meat and blubber. Delicacy meals are sheep heads and dried fish.
Despite the wild landscape of the islands there are fine facilities for disabled travellers. Many buses are equipped to carry wheel chairs, and many hotels also have good facilities for disabled travellers.
New Year's Day, 1st January
Flag-flying Day, 25th April
National Day, 29th July
Christmas Day, 25th December
Day after Christmas Day, 26th December
Easter, March or April
It is allowed to camp outside the camping sites, however you must get permission from the owner of the land.
The standard of the hotels varies a lot, but generally, they are nice and clean. The best hotels are at Vagar airport and in Torshavn.
In the villages and in Torshavn there are many locals who let rooms according to Bed & Breakfast practices, some of them with full-board.
There are many hostels all over the Faroe Islands. They are of a good standard and are often situated in beautiful surroundings.
Holidayhouses
You can rent summer houses and cottages for tourists many places on the Faroe Islands. The price and the standard vary a lot.
You can get to the outlying villages by helicopters run by SL. Reservation is needed.
The Faroe Islands have a good bus network. There are buses for all directions at least once a day. You have to make reservations on some bus routes.
There are no trains on the Faroe Islands.
There are taxi companies in most large villages. You can call a taxi by phone; the number is in the local phone book.
Several of the international companies are represented on the islands. It is only legal to drive if you have documentation that you have public liability insurance.
The main method of transportation between the islands is by boat. If you are bringing a car, make a reservation in advance as the car ferries often are over-booked.
