The Faroe Islands - a guide to a little-known European country

tjornuvik beach on streymoy island

Thinking of traveling to the Faroe Islands, but can't find the information you need to organize your vacation? This beautiful country, located in areas close to the Arctic Circle, is also one of the most unknown in Europe.

Basic information about the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands is an independent and self-governing state in Europe that is not part of the European Union. However, despite the autonomy to which it aspires, it maintains institutional ties with the Kingdom of Denmark. It has a population of about 45,000, half of whom live in Tórshavn and outlying towns.

The archipelago that comprises the country consists of 18 islands, only one of which is uninhabited. The islands were settled in the 10th century by Norwegian emigrants, although some traces found on them indicate the existence of earlier settlements of Celtic origin.

In its history, the islands were even part of the Norwegian crown, but from the 16th century the territory was administered by Denmark. Later, in 1948, following a plebiscite, the Faroe Islands gained independence from the Kingdom of Denmark. Through these agreements, a status was established that preserved some ties between the two countries. The same is true of Greenland.

Today, their self-government encompasses virtually all political spheres, with the exception of foreign relations, their legal system and national defense. Nevertheless, in the Faroe Islands there is a latent desire in a large part of the population to secede completely from the Kingdom of Denmark. The country's original name is Føroyar, which means island of lambs. As an interesting fact, the number of lambs living in the country is twice the number of humans.

Where are the Faroe Islands located?

There are many people who might even think that the Faroe Islands are located in the Caribbean. The truth is, however, that they are much closer to Poland than one might think. Specifically, the Faroe Islands are located in the north of Europe, in what we could describe as an imaginary triangle, located between Scotland, Iceland and the Scandinavian Peninsula.

What language is spoken in the Faroe Islands?

Faroese and Danish are the two official languages of the Faroe Islands. The native language, however, is Faroese, which originated on the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is spoken by the entire population. English, on the other hand, is the language in which you will easily communicate during your stay in this country.

Currency in the Faroe Islands

Legal tender in the Faroe Islands is not the euro, but Danish kroner. If you are arriving in the Faroe Islands from Copenhagen, it is very likely that you already have kroner in your pocket. If not, you can exchange money at banks in the city. You can also withdraw kroner from any ATM, and you can even pay by card in most stores where you shop.

Climate, when is the best time to go to the Faroe Islands?

The Faroe Islands have a predominantly oceanic climate, strongly influenced by warm gulf currents. As a result, it is a relatively warm country for its latitude. Summers are generally mild and winters are cool, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C in winter to 9°C in summer. Maximum temperatures range from 5°C in winter to 13°C in summer.

Clouds, strong winds, fog and unpredictability are the hallmarks of weather in the Faroe Islands and you will have to get used to these phenomena. We recommend that you plan your visit to each place according to the weather and leave room for improvisation.

Another differentiating factor is rainfall, with more than 200 rainy days per year. September through March are the rainiest months, with an average of 17 to 22 rainy days per month.

In summary, the best time to travel to the Faroe Islands is in late spring (May) and during the summer period(June, July and August), when there will be the most hours of sunshine. However, if you cannot travel during these periods, you can also travel during the other seasons. Since it is not the high season, prices are much lower, and this will also allow you to enjoy the winter landscapes and, if you are lucky, the aurora borealis.

What to do in the Faroe Islands?

The Faroe Islands are a natural paradise, a haven in Europe, completely removed from mass tourism. There are hundreds of things to do and places to visit, the vast majority of which are nature-related.

Hiking in the Faroe Islands

Hiking is the main activity in the Faroe Islands. No matter what your plan is for exploring this country, you're bound to find yourself in trekking boots at some point. That's because despite the country's excellent road network, you'll end up having to walk to many of the most amazing sites.

Cycling in the Faroe Islands

Renting a bicycle can be a great way to explore the Faroe Islands. However, you must first consider the difficult terrain. Strong winds and adverse weather conditions are another problem. Roads are generally not very busy, although some tunnels, especially those on the northernmost islands, are very dark. It is an excellent idea to combine cycling with car rental.

 Adventure sports

The Faroe Islands are also a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. You can book boat trips, cliff climbing, scuba diving, snorkeling and a whole host of other activities. Many of these activities can be booked at the local tourist office in Tórshavn.

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