As they lie in the Atlantic like green oases, the 18 islands constituting the Faroe Islands are incredibly beautiful. The picturesque scenery with rugged cliffs, steep mountains and green meadows is perfect for nature-lovers. There are great hiking opportunities, and while walking through the mountains you can see turbulent rivers, waterfalls, and grassy areas carpeted with yellow flowers. The birdlife on the islands is a chapter in itself - the many mountains supply ideal breeding conditions for sea birds.Find your travel arrangement to Faroe Islands here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Foroyar
Capital
Torshavn
Size
1,399 km2
Principal Languages
Faroese and Danish
Principal Religion
The Lutheran Church
Inhabitants
45,296 (2000)
Government
Home rule and part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Geography
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.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
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.
Literature
Lonely Planet Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
On the Faroe Islands, following units of measurement is used:
Weight: kilo
Length: metre
Cubic content: litre
Weight: kilo
Length: metre
Cubic content: litre
Photography
Before departing for the Faroe Islands remember to bring plenty of film 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.
Drinking water
It is safe to drink tap water on the Faroe Islands.
Electricity
On the Faroe Islands, the following power source is used:
220v/50Hz
220v/50Hz
Behaviour
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.
Business Hours
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).
Offices are open from 10.00-12-00 and from 13.30-15.30 (Monday-Friday).
Food and drink
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.
Disabled travellers
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.
Holidays
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
Flag-flying Day, 25th April
National Day, 29th July
Christmas Day, 25th December
Day after Christmas Day, 26th December
Easter, March or April
Accommodation / Hotel
You can spend the night in the open. If you choose to pitch your tent outside the registered camping sites, you must always remember to get permission from the owner of the land. Because of the wind, it can be a tough experience to live in a tent on the Faroe Islands. Furthermore, there are many hotels and hostels on the islands. Several places it is also possible to rent a room in private houses.
Book your Hotel in Faroe Islands here
Book your Hotel in Faroe Islands here
Camping
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.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
In the villages and in Torshavn there are many locals who let rooms according to Bed & Breakfast practices, some of them with full-board.
Hostels
There are many hostels all over the Faroe Islands. They are of a good standard and are often situated in beautiful surroundings.
Other Accommodation
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 rent summer houses and cottages for tourists many places on the Faroe Islands. The price and the standard vary a lot.
Local transport
The Faroese government has invested a lot of money in developing the infrastructure on the islands in order to improve the conditions for the inhabitants in remote situated villages. Therefore, it is easy to travel on and between the islands.
Planes
You can get to the outlying villages by helicopters run by SL. Reservation is needed.
Bus
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.
Trains
There are no trains on the Faroe Islands.
Taxi
There are taxi companies in most large villages. You can call a taxi by phone; the number is in the local phone book.
car rental
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.
Boat or Ferry
