NordenBladet – What is Faroe Islands famous for? They are famous for their peaceful community, unique culture with old ballads and chain-dance, hospitality and cosmopolitanism. More quick facts and intresting question-answers below.
Name: The Faroe Islands (Føroyar)
Location: In the middle of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic at 62º00’N and 06º47’W, halfway between Scotland and Iceland
Neighbouring countries: Closest land is North Rona, part of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, 257km (139 nautical miles) to the south
Total land area: 1,399km2 (540 square miles)
Total marine area: 247,000km2 (105,792 square miles)
Area: Faroese archipelago, 113km (70 miles) long and 75km (47 miles) wide. Total coastline of 1,100km (687 miles). No point in the Faroe Islands is further than 5km (3 miles) from the sea.
Islands: 18 volcanic islands separated by narrow sounds and fjords arranged roughly in the form of an arrowhead. All but one are inhabited.
Heights: Highest peak 880m (2,887ft); average height above sea level 300m (980ft)
Climate: Average 3º-11ºC, winter-summer
Population: 52,656 (as of July ’20)
Capital: Tórshavn (population 22,216 as of July ’20)
Status: Self-governing region within Kingdom of Denmark
Language: Faroese. Danish has equal status in all official affairs
Religion: Evangelical Lutheran
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Prime Minister: Bárður á Steig Nielsen (Union Party, Sambandsflokkurin)
Anthem: Tú alfagra land mítt
Main industries: Fishing and aquaculture, shipping and offshore services, tourism and prospects for petroleum in Faroese area
Currency: Faroese króna (DKK)
Exchange rate: £1 = 8.27kr, US$1 = 6.31kr, €1 = 7.45kr (August 2020)
International telephone code: +298
Internet TLD: .fo
Time: GMT (winter); GMT+1 (summer)
Electrical voltage: 220V; European two-pin plugs
Weights and measures: Metric
Flag: Red cross fringed with blue on white background
Public holidays: New Year’s Day 1 January, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Flag Day 25 April, Common Prayers’ Day (May), Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Ólavsøka 28-29 July, Christmas 24-26 December, New Year’s Eve 31 December
The population of the Faroe Islands totals at 52,656 people, the highest in history, with nearly half living in the capital, Tórshavn. With a fertility rate of 2.4, the Faroe Islands has a higher fertility rate than any other European country. Life expectancy for men is 80.4 years and 85.3 years for women.
How old are the Faroe Islands?
Norsemen settled the Faroe Islands in the 9th century or 10th century. The islands were officially converted to Christianity around the year 1000, and became a part of the Kingdom of Norway in 1035.
Is Faroe Island Expensive?
The Faroes have a reputation for being pretty expensive – but with a little forward planning and some smart budgeting, your travels there absolutely don’t need to break the bank. As with most places, your biggest expense here is accommodation, and sadly it really is unavoidably expensive here!
Do they speak English in the Faroe Islands?
The national language of the Faroe Islands is Faroese. Danish is the official second language and is taught in schools at an early age. English is the also taught in schools and is spoken by most people.
What is Faroe Island known for?
National Geographic recently elected the Faroe Islands as the world’s most appealing island community, out of 111 island destinations worldwide. They are noted for their friendliness.
Who owns Faroe Island?
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing nation under the external sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.
What is the best time of year to visit the Faroe Islands?
June through August is the most popular time to visit the Faroe Islands. Not only is the weather warmer, more settled and less wet than during winter, but the days are long, promising 19 hours 45 minutes of daylight on 21 June (the longest day).
Are the Faroe Islands safe?
The Faroe Islands have nearly no crime, making it one of the safest places on earth to travel to. You can rest assured that you are safe at all times, both day and night. The health risks involved in travelling in the Faroe Islands are minimal and there is no need to take special precautions.
Featured image: Gjógv, Faroe islands (Unsplash)
Read also:
Scandinavian history & Norse culture: Viking-era longhouses and burial mounds
Picturesque travel destinations in Faroe Islands: Múlafossur Waterfall and the Island of Vágar
EXHAUSTIVE OVERVIEW: who were the ancient Scandinavian origin Vikings and when was the time of the Vikings?
Faroe Islands: Streymoy and Kvívík offer a wealth of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities
Experience the extreme North! Travel & culture guide: WHAT to do in the Faroe Islands?
Faroe Islands travel guidelines
NordenBladet – The Faroese Government is constantly monitoring developments and will revise travel measures if and when necessary. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that all travellers to the Faroe Islands stay updated about travel guidelines. The latest information regarding travel can be found on the Faroese Government’s website, corona.fo.
Regarding persons travelling to/via Denmark
When travelling to the Faroe Islands, you are entering the Kingdom of Denmark. Please check the official entry guidelines for Denmark before making plans to visit the Faroe Islands. This also applies if you are just passing through Denmark in transit and the Faroe Islands is the sole destination of your travel. The official guidelines for entering Denmark can be found here.
Covid test on fourth day
We strongly advise ALL travellers to take a follow-up test on the fourth day of their stay (more information about free public testing service here, or contact Thetis for private testing). Vaccinated and previously infected travellers are also asked to take this test.
Please note, that you have to book an appoinment for the 4th day test. It is not possible to show up without an appointment.
ALL travellers should be particularly careful during the first four days of their stay until they have received a negative test result.
Non-vaccinated and never infected individuals should stay away from large gatherings where the infection can spread quickly. For example, large birthdays, parties, nightlife, church ceremonies, and large sports and music arrangements. This means, among other things, that tourists can visit restaurants in controlled circumstances.
More information
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms related to Covid-19 – whether these are common or uncommon – and/or have been in close contact with someone who has been infected by Covid, please call 1870.
It is of utmost importance that all travellers to the Faroe Islands take appropriate precautions while travelling. Upon arrival, particular care must be taken and the public health guidelines must be followed closely.
For information about travel from your country, please seek information from the respective authority in your countries of residence.
Faroe Islands: Today marks the 25th anniversary of a horrific plane crash in the mountains west of Sørvágur
The 3rd of August 1996 is a day that lives vividly in the minds of those old enough to remember.On this Saturday, high-ranking officials in the Danish defence travelled to the Faroes in a Gulfstream aircraft.
The plane never made it to Vágar Airport, however, as shortly before landing it crashed into the mountainside near the Selvík creek west of Sørvágur.
Nine people, four crew members and five passengers, died in the accident. Eight of these were Danish citizens, including the then Danish chief of defence and his wife. One of the two pilots was a Faroese citizen.
Faroe Islands: Thousands gather for cancelled ólavsøka´s singalong
NordenBladet – Like last year, the popular midnight singalong at ólavsøka was cancelled out of Covid concerns and, like last year, thousands ignored the ban.
The head of the epidemic commission is slightly annoyed after hearing that people ignored the ban against gathering for singalong.
“It is fair to assume that people should have learned about social distancing by now,” says Michael Boolsen, police chief and head of the epidemic commission.
Social distancing guidelines were widely flaunted throughout ólavsøka, but the risk of infection increases significantly when a large crowd gathers together to sing, he adds.
“As we probably all know by now, the virus is transmitted through droplets and aerosol particles, which travel more freely through the air when many people sing in close proximity to one another.”
Most people appeared to enjoy the festivities, but it wasn’t patriotic bliss for everyone.
Police received six reports of fighting during the two days. In one of the instances, a woman was punched in the face, and in another a father and son ended up in a fight.
Faroe Islands: Vágar wants its own vaccination site
NordenBladet – Too many people being quarantined is becoming a problem for workplaces in Vágar. The two municipalities in Vágar have joined forces to set up a vaccination site on the island.
Vága municipality and Sørvágs municipality have sent a letter to the authorities requesting permission to open a vaccination centre.
“We want to do our bit to reach herd immunity, so that we can get our country back up and running again,” says Bjarni Prior, mayor of Vága municipality.
Major disruptions
“All these people going into quarantine is starting to disrupt many of the island’s workplaces, and with the summer holidays for schools and daycare centres ending soon, we’ll be seeing problems there too.”
He adds that schools and sports halls on the islands would be perfectly suitable as vaccination sites.
“But ultimately, this would be decided by the health authorities. They have expressed interest in the idea, but we have yet to receive any confirmation.”
Faroe Islands: Queen visits the Faroes
The 81-year-old queen was all smiles despite delays and setbacks on her trip to the islands.
First, the royal yacht Dannebrog suffered an engine problem earlier this week, rendering the yacht unable to take part in the visit, and then the queen’s special Challenger aircraft was unable to land at Vágar Airport yesterday due to foggy conditions.
Revised schedule
This delay has led to changes to the royal visit schedule, including the Klaksvík component being cut out of the programme.
The first day of the visit takes place in the capital, with the queen being shown around the Houses of Parliament, the new Skúlin á Fløtum and Sjóvinnuhúsið, followed by a banquet dinner at the Nordic House, hosted by the Prime Minister.
Tomorrow morning, the queen will be taken by helicopter to Svínoy for a short visit. The rest of tomorrow will be spent in Fuglafjørður, where she will be visiting Riberhús, Framherji and the town school.
Busy weekend
On Saturday, the queen travels to Vestmanna, where she will visit the ‘Heimið á Grønanesi’ retirement home, energy supplier SEV’s ‘mýruverkið’, followed by lunch at the ‘Fjørukrógvin’ inn.
Saturday afternoon will be spent in Kvívík, visiting the ‘Niðri á Toft’ excavation site and the village’s new hydroelectric plant. This will be followed by a trip to Vágar, where she will be shown around religious holiday camp Zarepta in Vatnsoyrar, followed by dinner at Hotel Magenta in Miðvágur.
Sunday starts with a church service in Toftir’s Fríðrikskirkjan church, followed by lunch at the Svangaskarð football stadium, hosted by bishop Jógvan Fríðriksson. The queen will then be taken through the new Eysturoy-Streymoy subsea tunnel to Strendur, where she will visit the Snældan spinning mill.
Following a press conference on Monday morning, the queen and her entourage will travel back to Copenhagen.
Faroe Islands: Plans to set up a credit union for workers because of BankNordik increased bank fees
NordenBladet – BankNordik is charging its customers too much, and the time has now come to set up a credit union for workers.
So says Súni Selfoss, chairman of trade union Starvsfelagið, referring to Thursday’s news about BankNordik’s hike in service charges.
“Faroese banks are bound by certain regulations imposed by the authorities, but the profit requirements have gone one step too far now. Enough is enough,” he says.
“The LÍV pension fund is a cooperative formed by many of the country’s trade unions, and this structure could form the basis for a workers’ credit union.”
Previous attempts to set up cooperative banking systems have failed, but the time has come to put in some extra effort to make this a reality, he adds.
Faroe Islands: Norröna refurbished to the tune of 100 million DKK
NordenBladet – Norröna, the flagship of the Faroese merchant fleet and the only cruise liner sailing from the Faroe Islands on a regular basis, has completed a major overhaul. Having left the Faroes for refurbishment at the Fayard shipyard in Munkebo, Denmark in mid December, the Norröna returned to Tórshavn in style on March 8th — revamped and renewed.
A series of changes and alterations have been made to the ship, notably the addition of 50 new cabins, and the Laterna Magica, the large new cafe on the tenth deck.
While the reception area has been largely transformed, the entire interior of the ship has been renovated and fitted with 8,000 square meters of new carpets plus 2,500 sq.m of new floors.
Some changes have also been made to the ship’s a la carte restaurant on the sixth deck, with the restaurant formerly known as Simmer Dim now renamed Munkastova. At the same time, the dining area has been fitted with new furniture and the walls there decorated with historical photographs.
According to news daily Portal.fo the price tag for the refurbishment amounts to an estimated 100 million DKK (13.45M EUR).
Faroe Islands: Power production performance aligned with simulated predictions in Faroe Islands
NordenBladet – As part of a continued operations program in its tidal energy project in the Faroe Islands, technology developer Minesto has made significant progress related to electricity generation to grid — the company’s DG100 power plant has reached peak power production performance above 110 kW with average power produced over a tidal cycle aligned with predictions in simulation runs.
During March, a second DG100 kite system has been delivered to the Faroe Islands and successfully run in electricity production mode, Minesto announced. The unit, named ‘Drekin’ (Faroese for ‘The Dragon’) incorporates upgrades to improve performance and reliability based on experiences with the first unit.
“The new second DG100 system started operation straight ‘out of the box’ without the need for a long commissioning program,” said Minesto CEO Dr. Martin Edlund.
“This means that we now have two systems available in Vestmannasund, which enhances our operational flexibility and efficiency. It is very pleasing that the new DG100 power plant easily reaches its designed performance. Among other things, this means that we reach peak power production performance above 110 kW at flight speeds above 20 knots. Average power produced over a tidal cycle is aligned with predictions in simulation runs, which reinforces our output expectancies regardless of scale. This is very encouraging results and significant input to the ongoing work of third-party verification.”
Meanwhile Minesto has likewise completed training of additional onshore and offshore installation staff to enable the company to manage all kite system operations and maintenance activities in-house.
“With three complete teams of operators, we have established capacity for both long-term operations in the Faroe Islands and secured a much-needed ability to run multiple projects,” Dr. Edlund said.
As part of the training, the company said in a news release, Minesto has successfully optimized launch and recovery times in such wise that it now takes no longer than 30 minutes to launch or recover a kite system, using a small dynamic positioning (DP) vessel without a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
“To further increase operational flexibility and reduce costs, Minesto also evaluates and prepares for use of local suppliers with smaller vessels, where practicable.”
Dr. Edlund added: “The plan going forward involves intensified operations both for volume generation of electricity to grid and for configuration optimisation to support scale-up and identified performance enhancement.”
Faroe Islands: 10 percent of Faroese population Covid vaccinated
NordenBladet – Ten percent of the total Faroese population of just over 53,000 has been vaccinated for Covid-19, according to public health information website Corona.fo.
As per the government-issued information source, some 5,300 individuals have been vaccinated in the island nation to date, with a little over 4,000 having received both shots, thus fully vaccinated.
That means 7.6 percent of the Faroese population has now been fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the country is currently down to one active Covid case, according to health authorities.
No community spread has occurred in the Faroes since January and the last case was discovered on March 12th, making it likely that the Faroe Islands could be declared Covid-free again early next week.