Where are the Faroe Islands on the world map. Where are the Faroe Islands? Faroe Islands: where is it? Entertainment and relaxation

There are many different islands on the planet, some of them were previously the coastline of the mainland, some, due to their compactness, are called an archipelago for convenience. And there is nothing surprising in the fact that the larger islands, like Madagascar or Greenland, or the warm Hawaiian and Antilles islands, are better known. But few people know that the Faroe Islands exist in the world and that this is a European territory. Let's tell you more about them.

More about the islands

The Faroe Islands are gradually becoming overgrown with tourists, tired of crowded resorts and noisy, polluted cities. These are harsh, secluded and very beautiful places that attract even experienced and sophisticated travelers. The islands have been repeatedly recognized as the most unusual and cleanest on the planet for their local beauty. The archipelago is of volcanic origin and includes 18 islands, of which only one is uninhabited, with a total area of ​​1399 sq km. Main islands: Streymoy, Esturoy, Suduroy, Voar, Sandoy, Bordoy.

The Faroe Islands are part of the islands, but have autonomous governance, except in matters of defense and foreign policy. Discussion of these points requires the approval of the country's leadership. The capital of the archipelago is the city of Tórshavn. According to archaeological finds, the Faroe Islands have been inhabited since about the 9th century, and modern residents are real descendants of the ancient Vikings.

The autonomy is very dependent on the import of products and the quality of the transport network, but residents have been actively developing fishing and sheep farming for many centuries - these are two huge sources of income. Despite this bias in budget formation, the standard of living on the islands is very high compared to the whole of Europe.

Where are the Faroe Islands?

The little-known archipelago is located in the North Atlantic in the Norwegian Sea. The Faroe Islands lie roughly between Iceland and the Scottish Islands.

Weather in the Faroe Islands

The climate of the archipelago is directly related to the Gulf Stream, which is known to be warm. The islands are located in its very center, hence the constant off-season, which means about 280 rainy days a year. Time boundaries seem to be erased; there is no clear division into winter or summer. The climate is very mild: average summer temperatures are +11+17 degrees, and winter temperatures are from 0 to +4 degrees. The rainiest season lasts from September to January, after which comes the time of fog, when the archipelago is covered by a thick cap that practically does not let in the sun. Coastal waters are always the same temperature - +10 degrees, this has a positive effect on the development of fisheries.

Population of the Faroe Islands

The latest census showed that the Faroe Islands are home to about 48.5 thousand inhabitants, of which approximately 20 thousand live in the capital of the archipelago or its suburbs. Most residents of the autonomy in all areas communicate in the rare Faroese language - a mixture of Western Scandinavian dialects, but Danish is also considered the official language. The main religion is Lutheranism.

It is believed that about 98% of all residents are descendants of the first settlers.

Nature of the Faroe Islands

The local landscapes are simply fantastic: many waterfalls, lakes, gorges, fjords and silent cliffs. The islands and cliffs have a basalt base, as well as a classic glacial topography. Every photo taken here is a masterpiece. There are almost no trees on the islands; strong winds often rage here; only occasionally you can see maple, mountain ash or conifers. The islands are covered with peat bogs, meadows, and the snowy mountain peaks attract the eye. The highest mountain of the islands is Slattaratindur Peak, located on the island of Esturoy: its height is 882 meters above sea level.

The Faroe Islands are home to real colonies of seabirds, seals, dolphins and even whales. Animals from afar happily pose and show themselves to tourists.

Faroe Islands - attractions and entertainment

The influx of tourists usually occurs in the calendar summer, when, by rights, there is the least rainfall. The most popular excursion program is sightseeing in the capital Tórshavn. The city itself is beautiful, the main part of it juts out over the fjord, where there is an excellent view of the nearby mountains and wild steep cliffs. The capital's two main attractions are the 15th-century Munkastovan monastery and the royal warehouses of Leighubün. Curious tourists are welcome at the History Museum, cultural heritage is collected at the Art Museum, after which you can stroll through the peaceful Vidarlund Park.

The business card is a beautiful thing hanging over the ocean. If you wish, you can also visit small lonely villages or a bird market, take a walk along the water along the shore or admire the bird island of Fugloy, on the rocks of which a multimillion-dollar colony of sea birds has formed. To the north of the village of Skarvanes, a sea cliff has formed with the interesting name Tretlkonufingur, translated as “troll woman’s finger”.

One of the famous entertainments of the Faroe Islands is St. Olaf's Day, which is celebrated at the very end of July. It is dedicated to the Norwegian king who brought Christianity to Scandinavia. This is a major sports festival, which consists of horse racing and rowing competitions, residents organize dances and religious processions, and organize art exhibitions.

Faroe Islands cuisine

A kind of reflection of the harsh climate, but still traditional dishes from a variety of fish and meat are incredibly tasty and interesting. Faroese delicacies include: whale fat, dried lamb or sheep's head - there is something for gourmets to see. A popular dish among tourists is puffins (small birds) stuffed with sweet dough and served with berries and potatoes. You will certainly find something new and unusual for yourself in the Koks restaurant at the Feroyar Hotel. Original Scandinavian dishes with incredible presentation and controversial desserts.

There is also traditional cuisine on the archipelago; you can easily find fried lamb or grilled fish on the menu, as well as cuisine from European countries, the Mediterranean, South America and even Asia. We recommend visiting Restaurant Hereford for an excellent selection of simple steaks, meat and fish in Klaksvik.

It is strict here with alcohol: strong drinks, as well as dark beer, can only be sold by state monopoly stores or licensed restaurants.

Where to stay on the islands?

Visitors are especially fond of the various capital hotels, usually three-star ones, which can offer rooms of different classes and comfort. All hotels have good Wi-Fi coverage, breakfast and optional transfer from the airport and back.

Budget options include guest houses and hostels, but in the most popular establishments it is recommended to book rooms at least 2-3 months in advance. In case you do not plan to stay in one place for a long time, there are mini-hotels on the islands in the “bed and breakfast” format, but the prices here directly depend on the tourist season and time of year.

For those who like to spend the night in a tent in nature, there are several campsites on the Faroe Islands, but a strict rule applies to all vacationers: keep clean and remove all rubbish before leaving.

Shopping in the Faroe Islands

When thinking, remember that here, due to the harsh weather, woolen clothing is at a premium. Hats, berets, gloves, fashionable sweaters and scarves made from natural wool can be bought cheaper than in similar European stores.

Fans of arts and crafts willingly make and serve trinkets made of wood or ceramics. The main condition: never bargain anywhere, this is bad manners here.

Transport

The capital of the Faroe Islands has a well-established infrastructure. There are four red bus routes here, so you can easily get to almost any part of the city. On average, movement intervals are 30 minutes, which increase in the evening to an hour.

Ferries run between the islands, but there are also blue bus routes, which also form a transport network between the islands. Maps of stops and schedules of all transport in the Faroe Islands can be freely purchased.

How to get to the Faroe Islands?

On the territory of the Danish autonomy there is only one, located on the island of Vagar near the village of Sorvagur. Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the little-known northern islands. Regular flights operate from cities in Norway, Iceland and the UK. Further, to travel around the Faroe Islands themselves, tourists often rent a car.

You can get to this strange land by ferry from Denmark, from the city of Hirtshals, from the Scottish Islands, from Iceland, and in the summer even from Bergen, Norway. Of course, if you are the owner of your own yacht or vessel, you can use the coordinates yourself.

Tips for tourists

1. If you fly directly to Faroe Airport, you will need to provide a special visa rather than a Schengen one.
2. Additional tips are not accepted here; all staff remuneration is already included in the bill, usually in the amount of 10%.
3. To fish, you need to buy a license for a specific body of water or fishing in the sea, and if you take your fishing rod with you, it must be disinfected according to the instructions before visiting the islands.
4. When leaving, you can return VAT on purchases, but only if the purchase was made in a store operating under the Tax Free system and the check amount exceeds $48.
5. Be aware of the local climate: you will need warm clothing and spare shoes for walks in the mountains and the coast.

The Faroe Islands are located in the north Atlantic, in the open ocean, significantly north of Scotland. Officially they belong to Denmark, but in fact life on the Faroe Islands is subject not so much to the Danish crown as to its own laws and rules. Tourists are not welcomed here by azure waters, luxury hotels and well-trained bartenders serving colorful cocktails to vacationers on the beach. The nearest inhabited coast is Icelandic, and it is located 450 km away. But if you're looking for a place to get away from it all, the Faroe Islands are perfect.

In one of its publications, National Geographic magazine named the Faroe Islands the best islands in the world. It seems that even their residents more than agree with this characterization.

How to get to the Faroe Islands

By plane to Tórshavn with a transfer through Denmark (Copenhagen) or Norway (Bergen or Stavanger). The most popular local transport in the Faroe Islands is, naturally, water, and you need to travel between the islands by ferry. In summer, you can also take a ferry from Bergen to Tórshavn.

Visa

The Faroe Islands are not part of the Schengen area. To visit these territories, it is necessary to obtain a national Danish visa, valid for entry into the Faroe Islands, in addition to the regular Danish Schengen visa. If the tourist already has a valid Schengen visa from another country, it is enough to apply for a national Danish visa with a note on entry to the Faroe Islands. The list of required documents and the process of obtaining a visa to the Faroe Islands is identical to the process of obtaining a Schengen visa to Denmark.

Search for flights to Copenhagen (the closest airport to the Faroe Islands)

A little history

In total, the Faroe Islands include 18 islands, and all but the last one, Little Dimun, are inhabited by people. The first inhabitants appeared on the islands around the 8th-9th centuries; Then the Vikings saw the islands and for some time served as a transit point on their sea expeditions. The Faroe Islands were once divided between Norway and Denmark, but at the beginning of the 19th century they were completely taken over by the Danes. During World War II, the islands were occupied by Great Britain in response to the German capture of Denmark (this did not affect the course of the war in any way). The next year after the end of the war, the Faroe Islands were about to secede from the Danish kingdom, but that was not the case: the most that the islanders achieved was partial sovereignty.

In one of its publications, National Geographic magazine named the Faroe Islands the best islands in the world (this is a consolidated expert assessment of half a thousand specialists in the tourism industry). It seems that even their residents more than agree with this characterization. Despite the fact that the economy of the islands rests, figuratively speaking, on sheep and herring, the weather is gloomy, and fuel and other essential items have to be purchased on the mainland five hundred kilometers away, the standard of living in the Faroe Islands is one of the highest in the world. And almost all the islanders are ardent patriots who optimistically paint their houses in different colors in spite of the gloomy weather and gray skies.

Due to fishing taxes unacceptable to local residents, the Faroe Islands have not yet joined the European Union.

Faroese cuisine

Traditional Faroese dishes, dense and simple, are all quite interesting, but by modern standards they cannot be called healthy. Although local dishes, for obvious reasons, are often prepared from fish, the Faroese themselves prefer fatty and unsalted meat, in particular lamb, and potatoes from vegetables. However, recently more and more European establishments have been opening in large populated areas. So you need to look specifically for traditional restaurants to try smørrebrød (a sandwich with butter and meat, eaten with cutlery) for breakfast, dried cod soup and lamb kidneys for lunch, and puffin rhubarb pie for dinner and potatoes.

Weather in the Faroe Islands

The climate here cannot be called mild: in summer it usually does not get warmer than +15 °C, it rains about 280 days a year, and the winds blow almost constantly. Therefore, there are few trees on the islands - solid rocks and moss, but there are a lot of carved picturesque fjords, bays, bays and mountains.

In winter, the islands are very wet and particularly cold. But the Gulf Stream washing them prevents the coastal waters from freezing and even maintains their temperature at about +10 °C. This season, when there are no people around and the water is especially clear, is considered ideal for diving enthusiasts.

3 things to do in the Faroe Islands:

1. Buy and bring home to your grandmother several skeins of local first-class sheep wool for knitting. This can be done at almost any grocery store.
2. Get to the town of Skopun on Sandoy Island, where the largest mailbox in the world is located. This is a huge blue structure several human heights, against which you should definitely take a photo (alas, the box is non-functional).
3. Try local dried meat and fish snacks: whale meat and lamb in the Faroe Islands are dried in a dozen different ways, sometimes for a year.

Entertainment and attractions of the Faroe Islands

The main city of Faroe is Tórshavn on the island of Streymoy, and it is quite picturesque and specific. But, of course, those who travel to the Faroe Islands do not come to see the city's attractions. The main thing people come to the Faroe Islands for is amazing nature, solitude and the feeling that you are on the edge of the earth.

Tórshavn

The capital of the islands, Tórshavn, has a mixed atmosphere: partly port, partly metropolitan, partly even somewhat rural. Here it is worth visiting, first of all, the ancient monastery of Munkastovan, built in the 15th century and surrounded by a stone wall. In the 17th century, a major fire raged in the city, but the monastery escaped destruction. Also interesting is the main museum on the islands - the historical one, where various examples of applied art and worship, traditional household utensils and household items of villagers, fishermen and sailors are collected. The main cultural center of Tórshavn is the Nordic House, where there is a conference hall, a concert hall, a library and an art gallery. On summer nights, special educational events are held here for tourists.

Faroe Islands: Fugloy, Kalsoy, Sandoy

Attractions Faroe is each island separately, each with its own special nature, cute rural houses under multi-colored roofs (and often covered with turf and grass), coastal cliffs in a foggy haze. In some you will find ancient Lutheran churches, in most - numerous flocks of sheep in green meadows, and in all - the cleanest air and cold blue sky, not polluted by industrial enterprises, which are not here.

Many of the islands have earned special fame due to the characteristics of the landscape, climate, flora or fauna. For example, on Fugloy Island (“Bird Island”) sea birds nest in large numbers. Here, high, more than half a kilometer cliffs cut into the water, favored by millions of birds. The even more mountainous Kalsoy (“Pipe Island”) is surprising, however, not for its mountains, but quite the opposite - for its underground passages and caves. And the “flat” of all, Sandoy, is famous for something else: here you can admire wide sand dunes near the shore, and on the hill there are two beautiful lakes.

Faroe islands

Leisure

The island of Vioj is home to one of the highest cliffs in Europe, Enniberg, which climbers have tried unsuccessfully to conquer for many decades. And north of Skarvanes on the island of Kalsoy, the cape ends with a sharp prong sticking up - Tretlkonufingur, “Trollwoman’s Finger”. Amateur fishermen should go to the island of Streymoy, where Lake Pollur, the most fertile lake in terms of fishing, is located: there you can catch not only ordinary salmon, but also large halibut and eels. Vagar Island is famous for the Slave rock with a lake located high in the mountains: the water from it gushes over a rocky cliff near the village of Gasadapur and falls straight into the ocean, and together with the rocky ridge in the background and the village in the middle, all this is a spectacle that is definitely worth see. And on the island of Nolsoy there are large seal rookeries - also an incredible picture.

Vagar Island is famous for the Slave rock with a lake located high in the mountains: the water from it overflows over a rocky cliff near the village of Gasadapur and falls straight into the ocean.

Culture and customs of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands' own culture developed far from European civilization and therefore has largely retained its exclusivity to this day. This is a bizarre interweaving of Danish and its own cultural heritage, which is well reflected in local folk festivals. For example, Faroese round dances are a very special phenomenon, without which not a single entertainment event is complete. You can see them, for example, at the festival of St. Olaf (Oulavsøk), who once baptized Norway, at the end of July, as well as at traditional rowing competitions between villages, horse competitions, and painting exhibitions. Oulavsöka embraces all the islands without exception, but in certain parts of the archipelago other festivals are held throughout the year - July Vestanstevna in the west, Noriyastevna in the north, Jouansöka in the south.

One of the specific traditions of the islanders, which causes at least ambivalence among guests of the Faroes, is the summer slaughter of whales.

Whaling

For more than a millennium, the inhabitants of Faroe have been largely fed by whaling. Having discovered a school of whales (or rather, dolphins) entering the bay, they are surrounded by boats, driven to the shore and there, literally, they are killed with knives, causing all the water near the shore to change color. The tradition has drawn outrage from animal rights activists, but it is as characteristic of the local culture as round dances, and at the same time much more vital for a region whose only sources of income are, in fact, fishing, sheep farming and agriculture. Whale meat, a traditional and much-loved dish on the islands, is neither exported nor sold: it is eaten by the miners themselves, as in prehistoric times.

The Faroe Islands are ideal for sophisticated travelers who want to take a break from vibrant cities and noisy resorts. The archipelago, located in the Norwegian Sea - the North Atlantic Ocean, between the Scottish Islands and Iceland - attracts even experienced travelers with its beauty.

The local nature is extraordinary: gorges, lakes, numerous waterfalls, fjords, graceful rocks - all this captivates at first sight. There are practically no trees, but you can endlessly admire the snow-capped mountain peaks towering over the lands of the archipelago. The highest point of these places is Slattarathindur peak located on the island Esturoy and is 882 meters above sea level.

The Faroe Region is an internal autonomy of the Kingdom of Denmark, independently managing almost all issues, excluding the topic of defense and foreign policy. The archipelago includes 18 islands, 17 of which are inhabited. Of the 48 thousand local residents, about 20 thousand live in the capital or in the suburbs.

There are two official languages ​​on the islands - Faroese and Danish. Moreover, the vast majority of residents are native speakers of the Faroese language, which is a mixture of Western Scandinavian dialects and is widely used in almost all spheres of life.

Capital	Tórshavn
Population	48,500 people
Population density	35 people/km 2
	Faroese, Danish
Religion	Lutheranism
Form of government	constitutional monarchy
	Faroese krone, Danish krone
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

The Faroe Islands are located at the very center of the warm Gulf Stream, which causes a constant off-season: there are 280 rainy days per year. Despite the fact that the islands seem to have no boundaries to the seasons, the climate is quite mild. In winter, the average monthly temperature ranges from 0 °C to + 4 °C, and in the summer - from +11 °С to +17 °С. The rainy season falls from September to January, and then the archipelago is covered with fog, preventing the sun's rays from reaching the surface.

Thanks to the warm sea current, the water on the islands has almost the same temperature - +10 °С- all year round, which creates all the conditions for the development of fishing.

Nature

Holidays in the Faroe Islands are a holiday in the lap of nature in its original form. Due to frequent strong winds, the islands are mostly treeless; sometimes you can find mountain ash, maple, and conifers. A significant part of the islands' territory is occupied by peat bogs, meadows, and mountain ranges.

In their free time, fauna lovers can diversify their vacation on the islands by observing colonies of seabirds, seals, whales, and dolphins.

There are a huge number of sheep in the archipelago. The latter were once brought to the local hills by the Celts. The local endless pastures have attracted the attention of sheep, and today there are two sheep for every local resident.

Attractions

The Faroe Islands are best visited during the summer months, when there is little rainfall and the weather is warm.

The excursion program in the Faroe Islands is varied: visits to the capital Tórshavn, small villages, bird colonies, a boat trip in coastal waters.

The capital of the islands, the city of Tórshavn, lies in a picturesque area. The main part of the city juts out over the fjord, offering stunning views of wild mountains and steep cliffs. It is very quiet here, only the central square and the piers are noisy, where continuous work is in full swing. Streets far from the center are usually small and cramped.

The main attraction of Tórshavn is Munkastowan Monastery, built in the 15th century and surrounded by a stone wall. Muncastowan is one of the few buildings that escaped the great fire of 1673. Another building that also survived the fire is the Leighubün ​​royal warehouse.

Curious travelers will be interested in a trip to the Historical Museum, which has in its collection ship models, household items of local residents, fishing gear and agricultural tools from Viking times to the present day, as well as items of religious value.

Taking a walk in the park Vidarlund, you can go to the Museum of Art and enjoy magnificent examples of sculpture and painting.

Available in the Faroe Islands and "Bird Island"- Fugloy, which got its name from its majestic cliffs inhabited by millions of seabird colonies.

To the north of the settlement of Skarvanes there is a beautiful sea cliff Tretlkonufingur ("troll woman's finger").

At the end of July (28-29), the Faroese celebrate their main holiday - St. Olaf's Day. These days, usually reserved locals go on a wild rampage of emotions. The festival is named after Olaf II, who, as King of Norway, introduced Christianity to Scandinavia and began the fight against paganism.

Traditional celebrations include rowing competitions, horse racing, dance and religious processions, and art exhibitions.

Nutrition

The Faroes owe their national menu to the harsh climate of the islands. Traditionally, local dishes consist of meat and fish. Faroese delicacies - sheep's head, whale fat and skerpiquet(dried lamb) - a must-try for gourmets. Well, lovers of traditional cuisine will be happy to serve fried lamb in local restaurants. Tourists have the opportunity to taste exquisitely stuffed with sweet dough dead ends(these are birds) served with sweet berries and potatoes. Rhubarb, which is widely eaten, will also be new to many people.

Alcoholic drinks can officially be consumed on the islands from the age of 18. Light beer is sold everywhere, but strong dark beer, low-alcohol drinks and wine are sold only in state monopoly stores in large cities and licensed restaurants.

Lunch at a local restaurant will cost a tourist an average of $30, in higher-level establishments - $45-50, excluding alcohol. You can have a snack at a local cafe for much less.

Accommodation

Upon arrival on the islands, you can stay in the capital's three-star hotels "Tórshavn" or "Streim" or in more comfortable "Hafnia" And "Feroyar", All hotels offer tourists rooms with private amenities, transfer to/from the airport, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The cost of living is quite high - from $120, but there are seasonal discounts.

A more budget-friendly option would be guest houses and hostels. The most popular of them are Skansin and Bladýpi, but you need to book rooms several months in advance. There are also mini-hotels operating on the principle "bed and breakfast". Prices here start at $80 and depend on the time of year.

For travelers who prefer outdoor recreation, there are campsites located in specially designated areas. The Faroe Islands have a very strict attitude towards order, so campers in tents are required to remain clean and thoroughly clean upon departure.

Entertainment and relaxation

There are many varieties of fish in local waters, so fishing is very popular among locals and vacationers. By the way, local law allows you to export any fish longer than 30 cm from the country, which has long been prohibited in most European countries.

The Faroe Islands are interesting for wreck divers: You can find sunken ships in the local coastal waters. Near Nolsoy Island it is interesting to watch the underwater life of seals.

Nightlife lovers can spend time in the capital's clubs Rex or Eclipse. The latter allows visitors no younger than 18, but no older than 25.

Purchases

Of the Faroese souvenirs, the most interesting are the numerous woolen products, ceramic and wooden crafts.

Due to the rather harsh climate, woolen clothing is held in high esteem among the islanders. Here you can always buy a fashionable sweater, gloves or hat at attractive prices.

Most shops are open from 9:00-10:00 to 17:30-18:00. On Friday, many remain open until 19:00. On Saturdays, all retail outlets operate on a reduced schedule - from 9:00 to 12:00, 14:00 or 16:00; on Sundays they are usually closed.

Transport

The Faroe Islands have a developed bus route network, and ferries run between the islands. The capital has red local buses with four routes, which can reach almost all areas of the city. The waiting interval is half an hour in the morning and daytime; in the evening it increases to one hour. Blue buses Bygdaleiðir are the connecting transport of the islands. Maps of routes and schedules of passenger transport can be purchased at kiosks Steinatún.

The best way to get to the islands themselves is by plane. The only international airport, Vagar, is located on the island of the same name near the village of Sorvagur. Tourists can rent a car to travel around the islands. In order to rent, you must have an international driver's license, a credit card and be over 20 years old. Rental prices start from $60 per day.

Connection

Mobile communication standard on the islands - GSM. There is also an analogue version, but it has almost been replaced by the digital format.

Local mobile operators - Foroya Tele and Kall P/F. Roaming in their networks is available to subscribers of the main mobile operators in Russia.

Tourists can purchase a SIM card for local mobile communications at Teleshops, hotels, post offices and gas stations.

In the Faroe Islands, there are also sufficient numbers of payphones (they work with credit cards and coins). When calling abroad, you need to dial 00, the national code and the number of the called subscriber.

You can use the Internet in an Internet cafe. Most hotels provide wireless connections on their premises.

Safety

When traveling around the islands, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your property - the crime rate here is extremely low. In order not to spoil your holiday, it is enough not to leave personal belongings unattended, not to take large sums of money with you, to be polite to local residents and not to abuse night walks. If necessary, the police are always ready to help.

If during your trip you need medical assistance, you can rest assured that it will be provided at the highest level. The central hospital is located in the capital and has an excellent medical base.

Business climate

Registering a business in the Faroe Islands takes only a few days. The most common forms are the joint stock company, suitable for large companies, and the limited liability company. In order to start your own business here, you need to have a legal address on the islands. Another condition is a resident of the Kingdom of Denmark as one of the participants in the case.

The minimum authorized capital for a joint stock company is approximately $85,000, for a limited liability company - about $20,000. For registration you will also need a draft memorandum of association, articles of association and an application.

Foreign companies can enter the Faroese market by opening branches. A resident of the islands or Denmark must also be appointed as the head of the branch.

From the point of view of taxation, business legislation, and accounting standards, the Faroe Islands provide optimal conditions for the development of companies. The legal regulation of business activities is similar to Danish and adheres to European Union standards.

The main business in the archipelago is concentrated in the services sector and the fishing industry.

Local investment websites offer offers for entrepreneurs willing to invest in new ways to develop the fishing industry. At the same time, the Faroese are very interested in high-tech businesses that can offer environmentally friendly solutions for production.

Real estate

Purchasing real estate abroad is rightfully considered one of the most promising and long-term investments. The Faroe Islands can be an excellent place for both temporary and permanent residence. They become especially attractive to people who love comfort and privacy, and who strive for order. Offers on the real estate market are varied - from a small studio apartment to a solid large house. The prices are quite attractive. A house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large surrounding area will cost approximately $130,000.

However, those who decide to make such a deal should keep in mind that local banks do not provide mortgages for housing in the absence of a residence permit. In addition, local legislation requires appropriate permission from the Ministry of Justice for the acquisition of property by a foreigner.

Traveling to the islands is not a cheap pleasure. The price level here is quite high and is equal to the average European one. However, when leaving the country, tourists can make a VAT refund if they have a receipt from a store operating under the Tax Free system. The corresponding inscriptions are present at the entrance to the retail facility. To qualify for a tax refund, your one-time purchase must exceed $48.

Tipping is not accepted on the islands; the service staff's remuneration is usually already included in the bill.

Fishing is only permitted in certain bodies of water on the basis of a license sold at tourist offices. If a tourist intends to take fishing gear with him from home, then it must be sanitized before arriving on the islands. Instructions for fishermen can be found in tourist brochures. In streams and streams, the fishing season is open from May 1 to August 31, in the sea - all year round.

When traveling, you should not forget about the local changing climate. On vacation, it won’t hurt to have warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes for moving through mountainous terrain and trips to the sea.

Vaccination before travel is not required. Emergency phone number is 112.

Visa information

To obtain a visa, you must contact the consular department of the Danish Embassy in Moscow at the address: Prechistensky Lane, 9.

Anyone wishing to obtain a visa must provide a visa application form, 2 photographs, a foreign passport (valid for at least three months after the expiration of the requested visa) with a copy, a national passport with a copy, confirmation of a hotel reservation, a certificate from the place of work (study), an insurance policy covering everything risks (the amount of insurance coverage should not be less than 30,000 €), a bank account statement or travel checks (at the rate of 50 € for each day of stay).

More information about the package of documents can be found at the consular section on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00.

Not everyone will be able to quickly show where exactly the Faroe Islands are on the map. At the same time, more and more tourists are going there. They are mainly attracted by the opportunity to take a break from noisy resorts, vibrant cities 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 its suburbs. The Faroe region is considered bilingual. The official languages ​​are Danish and Faroese, which combines different West Scandinavian dialects.

To date, there are no direct air flights from Russia to the islands. Therefore, tourists have to change planes in Denmark or Norway. You can pre-book your flight ticket 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. The refusal to join the European Union was deliberate and was associated with taxes on fishing. Therefore, to get to the archipelago, you need to apply for a visa, which will have a special note. There are special visa centers where you can do this in many big cities. However, most travelers prefer the services of travel agencies. All necessary documents are transferred to the agency, and then the employees hand over the completed visas to the clients.

Climatic and weather conditions

The islands are located in the central part of a warm sea current known as the Gulf Stream. Therefore, this place has 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, even in sunny weather strong winds blow. The most comfortable time to visit the archipelago will be the summer months, when precipitation is rare.

The Faroe Islands have a fairly mild climate. Average temperatures for winter range from approximately 0˚C to +4˚C. Summer temperature is 11-17˚C. The rainy season lasts from September to January on the islands. Further, the archipelago is plunged into fog, which does not allow the rays of the sun to pass through.

Another feature: the water near the islands is perfectly clear, and its temperature, even in winter, does not drop below +10˚C. This creates ideal conditions for fishing and diving in winter.

Nature

For those who prefer a holiday surrounded by pristine nature, the Faroe Islands are an ideal option. Most of the territory is occupied by peat bogs, meadows and mountain ranges. Numerous lakes and fjords, gorges, cliffs 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 connoisseurs can devote their free time on the archipelago to watching dolphins, seabirds, whales and seals. There are also incredibly large numbers of sheep grazing on the hills of these islands.

Sights of the archipelago

Of course, many tourists consider the main attractions in the Faroe Islands to be beautiful mountains and slopes with flocks of sheep, as well as compact towns and colorful roofs on houses.

Lovers of natural attractions will also appreciate the unique features of the different islands. For example, Streymoy is a paradise for fishing lovers. Here you can catch halibut, eels and even representatives of the salmon family. Nolsoy attracts tourists with its seal rookeries, and Fugloy with the fact that it is loved by millions of birds. And the northern settlement of Skarvanes is famous for a beautiful sea cliff called Tretlkonufingur, which translated means “troll woman’s finger.”

The archipelago also has a large selection of excursion programs. For example, this could be a visit to the capital and small villages or boat trips.

The capital of the islands, Tórshavn, is located in an incredibly picturesque area. Much of the village juts out over the fjord, offering stunning views of the mountains and steep cliffs. Tórshavn is a very quiet city. It is noisy only in the central square and on the piers.

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 the great fire that raged in the 17th century.

Many will be interested in visiting the Historical Museum. Among its exhibits are ship models, fishing gear and agricultural implements, ranging from Viking times to the present day. Also here you can see items that local residents used in everyday life. There are also exhibits that are valuable from a religious point of view.

The House of Server Countries is also definitely worth a visit. There is an art gallery and a concert hall, and on summer evenings educational events are held for guests of the archipelago.

After a walk through Vidarlund Park, it is worth going to the Art Museum to see delightful examples of painting and sculpture.

If your trip to the archipelago is in July, you should plan your vacation so that you are sure to be on the islands on the 28th-29th. During this period, local people nationally celebrate St. Olaf's Day. According to tradition, celebrations include ceremonial religious and dance processions, art exhibitions, and rowing and equestrian competitions.

Gastronomic nuances

National cuisine has a close relationship with the climate of the archipelago. The two main ingredients that are used in preparing 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 ruyskjet (meat that has been dried for several months) and skärpiket – 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 fried lamb at the restaurant. You can also try puffins (this is the name of small birds), stuffed with sweet dough, served with potatoes and sweet berries.

It may surprise many that rhubarb is added to food everywhere here. Another interesting feature is that 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 with a side dish of rice or potatoes.

It is worth noting that the most popular drinks on the islands are coffee and tea. Locals often add herbs that grow on mountain slopes to tea. Alcoholic drinks are officially permitted from the age of 18. However, if light beer can be purchased everywhere, then low-alcohol drinks, strong dark beer and wine can only be purchased in government stores and in restaurants that have a special license.

Lunch at a regular restaurant will cost approximately $30. In higher-level establishments 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 check into a three-star hotel. For example, it could be "Streim" or "Tórshavn". For those who like more comfortable conditions, “Hafniya” and “Feroyar” are suitable. It is worth noting that all hotels offer tourists rooms with private amenities. Also provided is transfer from the airport and back, free access to Wi-Fi. Hotel rates start from $120. Although you can get a seasonal discount.

A more economical accommodation option is a hostel or guest house. The most popular are “Bládýpi” and “Skansin”, but you should book rooms in them several months in advance. There are also mini-hotels on the islands where you can spend the night and have breakfast. Accommodation prices depend on the time of year and start from $80.

For tourists who prefer relaxing close to nature, campsites are available. Local residents value order very much, so campers are required to maintain cleanliness and thoroughly clean before leaving.

Main types of entertainment

​ There are many varieties of fish in coastal waters. Therefore, not only local residents, but also tourists are fond of fishing. By the way, according to the laws, any fish can be exported from this country if its length exceeds 30 cm.

​ The Faroe Islands are extremely interesting for wreck divers. After all, you can find sunken ships here. And near Nolsoy Island, divers like to watch how seals live underwater.

​ Those who cannot imagine a proper holiday without nightclubs should visit the capital’s “Rex” and “Eclipse”. However, it is worth considering that only young people aged 18-25 are allowed into the second club.

What to buy?

The most popular souvenirs are items made of wool, wood and ceramics. Due to 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 is worth considering that from Monday to Thursday, most stores are open from 9:00 to 18:00. On Friday, the working day is often extended by another hour. But on Saturday everything closes earlier, and Sunday is a day off.

1.​ The most optimal transport for getting to the archipelago is an airplane. But there is only one international airport - Vagar, located near the village of Sorvagur.

2.​ To travel around the islands, you can rent a car. It will cost at least $60 per day. To rent, you must be over 20 years old, have a credit card and an international driver's license.

3.​ Tourists who prefer public transport can purchase maps with routes and schedules at Steinatún kiosks.

4.​ Traveling to the Faroe Islands is quite expensive. But when leaving the country, if you have a receipt from stores operating under the Tax Free system, you can return VAT. But only if the purchase amount in the receipt exceeds $48.

5.​ It is not customary to leave a tip on this archipelago. Staff remuneration is most often immediately included in the bill.

6.​ You can fish if you have a license, which is sold at tourist offices. If a tourist wants to take his fishing gear, he must sanitize it in advance.

7.​ The climate in the Faroe Islands is very changeable, so you must take warm clothes and several pairs of comfortable shoes with you on the road.

Visa information

To obtain 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 expire at least 3 months after the expiration of the visa) and its copy;
• ​ national passport and its copy;
• ​ insurance policy (coverage amount cannot be less than 30 thousand €);
• ​ bank account statement;
• ​ confirmation that the hotel has been booked;
• ​ certificate from place of work or study.

The Faroe Islands are a group of islands that are located in the Atlantic Ocean, northwest of Scotland.

Where are the Faroe Islands on the map

Geographically, they are located closer to the island state of Iceland and are officially subordinate to the Kingdom of Denmark. In practice, the islands are governed independently; only a small part of issues, such as foreign policy and defense, are discussed with the Danish government.

The Faroe Islands include 18 large and many small islands, which form the so-called Faroe Archipelago. The largest island of the archipelago is Boroy Island, with an area of ​​about 95 km², on which there are 8 small towns. The capital of Faroe Islands is the city of Tórshavn, which is home to about 20 thousand people, while being the most densely populated area. Located on the island of Streymoy, the first largest and most important port of the archipelago is located here.

Weather in the Faroe Islands

The weather in the Faroe Islands can hardly be called mild - it rains almost all year round, the wind does not subside at all, the average temperature in summer rarely exceeds +15 °C, and winter is wet and cold. Despite all this, the coastal waters do not freeze here, since the islands lie on the path of the Gulf Stream.

This climate has led to the fact that there are practically no trees on the islands, except for sparse stands of conifers, maples and ash trees. But almost the entire surface of the islands is covered with mosses and lichens, since the islands have all the conditions for these plants.

Fauna of the Faroe Islands

The fauna of the archipelago is quite diverse. The waters surrounding the islands are inhabited by a large variety of fish and sea animals; harp seals have established their rookeries on some islands; many colonies of northern birds live here, as well as a local breed of sheep.

Economy of the Faroe Islands

The economy of the Faroe Islands is based on: fishing, sheep farming, agriculture, and light industry. A separate point of the economy is tourism, which accounts for about 62% of GDP.

Each of the islands of the archipelago is a small, unusually beautiful world:

• Small houses under multi-colored roofs;
• wide meadows with flocks of sheep under a heavy blue sky;
• dark ocean waters washing half a kilometer of coastal cliffs;
• fogs engulfing entire islands;
• Lutheran churches;
• deep caves;
• sand dunes;
• mountain lakes –

You can admire all this and much more once you find out where the Faroe Islands are.

If you are a fan of an elegant holiday in a five-star hotel with swimming pools and well-trained staff, a holiday in the Faroe Islands is not for you. But if you are a lover of real nature, genuine culture and history, then this vacation will be unforgettable for you, after which you will want to come back here again and again!