The Faroe Islands are steep cliffs, fogs, waterfalls, wooden houses with grass on the roof, whales, langoustines, sheep and the harsh Atlantic. Geographic location Faroe Islands can be most simply described by the English expression "in the middle of nowhere".

An archipelago of eighteen small and many small islands is hidden in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean. The easiest way to get here is from Iceland - ferries run from the land of ice to the Faroe Islands.

In the photo: the coast of Eggjarnar in the village of Vagur on the island of Suvuroy

At the beginning of the ninth century, immigrants from Scotland settled here, then the Vikings sailed here, and until the nineteenth century, the territory of the islands was divided between Norway and Denmark. Now the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but since 1948 they have received autonomy and most issues can be resolved independently.

The name of the islands is translated as “sheep”, because with a population of 50,000 inhabitants, there are 70,000 sheep of a special Faroese breed. Few get to the Faroe Islands, but those who can will not be disappointed, because there is a harsh northern nature, traditional wooden architecture and a peculiar cuisine that includes raw seafood and fermented lamb.

HARBOR OF THORNE

Everything on the islands is very compact and rustic in a good way. The capital of the Faroe Islands, Toshavn, is located on the island of Streymoy. It is built up with low houses, there are only 3 traffic lights, and the Prime Minister's personal number can be found in the phone book.

Torshavn is a port city named after the god Thor, the main local attractions are the 15th-century monastery of Munkastovan, Historical Museum, Cultural Center House of the northern peoples and Old city with 14th century houses.

I want to talk about local architecture separately. In the old days, houses in the Faroe Islands were built of tarred dark wood, and the roofs were covered with turf and grass. Today, the government is monitoring the preservation of a unified architectural style and new houses are built here exactly the same. Most of the historic churches on the islands date back to the nineteenth century, all made of wood and with original carvings.

Pictured: Norðragøta dark wood church with a turf roof

And even in the cities, at every step you will meet the honorary inhabitants of these lands - sheep. It is logical that lamb is the main dish of the local cuisine, and sheep wool products are the main Faroese souvenirs. You can buy just a traditional sweater, hat or mittens, but it is better to go to the fashion brand Guðrun&Guðrun. It was founded by two Faroese young ladies, and even the main character of the famous Danish TV series “Murder” walked in the sweater of their brand.

NATURE OBSERVATION

And yet, for the most part, travelers go to the Faroe Islands to admire the harsh beauty of the local nature. It is wild, northern, harsh, similar species can be observed in Iceland, because, like the Faroe Islands, they are treeless, like the country of ice. But there are rocky cliffs, fjords and waterfalls - the most famous Bosdalafossur is located on the island of Voar, which resembles a dog's head in its shape.

In the photo: Bosdalafossur waterfall on the island of Voar

It does not matter which islands you visit, everywhere you can see the impressive landscapes of the Atlantic, rocks and sheep. Most major islands the archipelago of Streymoy, Esturoy, Voar, Sudura, Sanda and Borda. We recommend hiking as the main entertainment - 23 spectacular routes have been developed here.

In the photo: lighthouse at Cape Akraberg, Suvuroy island

But no matter where you go, after 5 kilometers you will still find yourself at the Atlantic Ocean - this is the maximum distance to it from anywhere on any island.

Pictured: Puffins arrive in the Faroe Islands to nest

Add to this private fogs, lighthouses, concentrated sea air and bird trills - about 110 native species of birds live on the islands, plus the territory is a migratory place for birds, and the symbol of the Faroe Islands is the sandpiper.

MYSTERIES OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Be sure to go fishing. Fishing is the main industry for the Faroese, and 90% of local exports are seafood. Here they catch langoustines, mussels, sea ​​urchins, cod, herring, halibut, flounder, catfish, squid, monkfish, whales and sharks. By the way, despite the low water temperature, diving in the Faroe Islands is not only possible, but every year it becomes more and more popular. And this is not surprising, because in the underwater depths near the islands you can observe starfish and urchins, sea cucumbers, hermit crab and huge mussels.

The cost of the flight always depends on the time of travel. The chart will allow you to compare prices for air tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands, track the dynamics of changes in their cost and find the best offer.

Statistics will help determine the season of low prices. For example, in April, prices reach an average of 39,554 rubles, and in September, the cost of tickets drops to an average of 25,796 rubles. Plan your trip right now!

Users of the site per day make hundreds of thousands of searches on our site. We analyze this information and create schedules to make it easier for you to plan your travels.

During a period of high demand, it is recommended to purchase tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands in advance. For example, the number of search queries in August reaches a maximum of 2854 queries, and in February their number drops to 1 from the maximum.

What is more profitable - to buy tickets in advance, avoiding the general hype, or take advantage of a "hot" offer closer to the departure date? The graph will help you determine the best time to purchase air tickets.

See how the price of flights from Moscow to the Faroe Islands has changed depending on the time of purchase. Since the beginning of sales, their cost has changed by an average of 148%. The minimum price for a flight from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is 58 days before departure, approximately 24,346 rubles. The maximum price for a flight from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is 1 day before departure, approximately 111,808 rubles. In most cases early booking saves money, take advantage of it!

The cost of air tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands does not represent a fixed and constant amount. It depends on many factors, including the day of departure. The dynamics of changes is visible on the graph.

According to statistics, the most affordable option for flights from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is on Mondays, their average cost is 29,782 rubles. The most expensive flights are on Saturdays, their average cost is 33,858 rubles. It is worth considering that departures on holiday days are usually more expensive. We hope that this data will help you plan your travels in the most efficient way.

The cost of air tickets depends not only on the date, but also on the time of departure. In one day, the airline can operate several flights, and they will differ in price category.

The graph shows the cost of departure depending on the time of day. For example, the average cost of a ticket from Moscow to the Faroe Islands is 137,736 rubles in the morning and 105,891 rubles in the evening. Evaluate all the conditions and choose the best offer.

The graph shows the comparative prices for flights from Moscow to the Faroe Islands of the most popular airlines. Based on this information, you can plan your trip and buy tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands from the carrier that suits you.

Statistics will help you choose a flight, focusing on your financial capabilities, as well as your wishes in terms of comfort and flight conditions. Most low prices Air tickets from Moscow to the Faroe Islands are offered by Atlantic Airways, the highest prices are by Czech Airlines.

Not everyone will be able to quickly show exactly where the Faroe Islands are on the map. At the same time, more and more tourists go 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 Isles, 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 in its suburbs. The Faroe region is considered bilingual. The official languages ​​are Danish and Faroese, which combines various Western Scandinavian dialects.

To date, there are no direct flights from Russia to the islands. Therefore, tourists have to make a change in Denmark or Norway. The air ticket can be pre-booked using the Internet. From one island to another can be reached 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, however, you cannot enter their territory with a Schengen visa. Refusal to join the European Union was deliberate and it is associated with taxes on fishing. Therefore, in order to get to the archipelago, you need to apply for a visa, in which there will be a special note. There are special visa centers where you can follow this in many big cities. However, most travelers prefer the services of travel agencies. All Required documents are transferred to the agency, and in the future, employees transfer ready-made visas to clients.

Climatic and weather conditions

The islands are located in the central part of the warm sea current, known as the Gulf Stream. Therefore, in this place there is 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 for visiting the archipelago will be the summer months, when precipitation is rare.

In the Faroe Islands, the climate is quite mild. Average temperatures for winter are approximately 0˚C to +4˚C. Summer temperature is 11-17˚C. From September to January, the rainy season lasts on the islands. Further, the archipelago plunges into fog, which does not let the rays of the sun through.

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

Nature

For those who prefer to relax in the bosom of pristine nature, the Faroe Islands is an ideal option. Most of the territory is occupied by peatlands, meadows and mountain ranges. Numerous lakes and fjords, gorges, rocks 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 free time in the archipelago they can devote to watching dolphins, seabirds, whales and seals. Also on the hills of these islands grazes incredibly a large number of sheep.

Attractions of the archipelago

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

Lovers of natural attractions will also appreciate the features of different islands. For example, Streymoy is a paradise for fishing lovers. Here you can catch halibuts, eels and even representatives of the salmon family. Nolsoy attracts tourists with seal rookeries, and Fugloy attracts tourists with millions of birds. And the northern settlement of Skarvanes is famous for the beautiful sea rock called Tretlekonufingur, which means “finger of a troll woman”.

There is a large selection of excursion programs in the archipelago. For example, it can 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. Most of locality rises above the fjord, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and steep cliffs. Tórshavn - very quiet city. Noisy only for 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 tackle and agricultural implements, ranging from Viking times to our days. Also here you can see items that were used by local residents in everyday life. There are exhibits that are valuable from a religious point of view.

You should definitely visit the House of Northern Countries. There is an art gallery and concert hall, and in the summer evenings, familiarization events are held for guests of the archipelago.

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

If the trip to the archipelago is in July, it is worth planning your vacation so that you are sure to be on the islands on the 28th-29th. During this period, locals nationally celebrate St. Olaf's Day. According to tradition, the celebrations include solemn religious and dance processions, art exhibitions, as well as rowing and equestrian competitions.

Gastronomic nuances

National cuisine has a close relationship with the climate in the archipelago. The two main ingredients that are used in cooking various dishes- This is lamb and fish. Gourmets who come to the Faroe Islands should definitely try local delicacies such as sheep's head and whale meat. No less interesting is ruyskjet (meat cured for several months) and skerpicket - meat that has been cured for more than a year and is consumed without any processing. Often the same cooking method is used for dried fish.

Those tourists who prefer traditional cuisine should order roast lamb at the restaurant. You can also try puffins (this is the name of small birds) stuffed with sweet dough and served with potatoes and sweet berries.

It may surprise many that rhubarb is added to food everywhere. Another one interesting feature There are practically no fish shops on the islands. If the islanders want to cook fish, they catch it themselves, and after cooking it is served on the table with a side dish in the form of rice or potatoes.

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

Lunch at a regular restaurant will cost about $30. In institutions of a higher level - it will already be $ 45-50. Most a budget option snacks 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 Stream or Torshavn. For those who like more comfortable conditions, Khafnia and Feroyar are suitable. It should be noted that in all hotels tourists are offered rooms with private facilities. There is also a shuttle service from the airport and back, free access to Wi-Fi. The cost of living in hotels starts 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 it is worth booking a room in them a few months before arrival. There are also mini-hotels on the islands where you can spend the night and have breakfast. Prices for accommodation depend on the time of the year and start from $80.

For tourists who prefer to relax in the bosom of nature, campsites are equipped. locals order is highly valued, therefore, campers are required to maintain cleanliness and thorough cleaning before departure.

Main types of entertainment

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

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

 For those who cannot imagine a good rest without nightclubs, it is worth visiting the capital's "Rex" and "Eclipse". However, it should be borne in mind that only young people aged 18-25 are allowed into the second club.

What to buy?

The most popular souvenirs are wool products, wood crafts and ceramics. Due to the peculiarities of 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 should be borne in mind that from Monday to Thursday most of the shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00. On Friday, the working day is often extended by one more hour. But on Saturday, everything closes earlier, and Sunday is a day off.

1.​ The most optimal transport to get to the archipelago is by plane. But there's only one here international Airport- Vagar, located near the village of Sorvagur.

2. You can rent a car to get around the islands. It will cost at least $60 per day. To rent a car, you need to be over 20 years old, have credit card and an international driving licence.

3. Tourists who prefer public transport, can purchase maps with routes and timetables from Steinatún kiosks.

4. Traveling to the Faroe Islands is quite expensive. But when leaving the country, if there is a receipt from stores operating on the system Tax Free, VAT can be refunded. But only if the purchase amount in the check exceeds $48.

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

6. You can fish with a license, which is sold at tourist offices. If a tourist wants to take his fishing tackle, 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 Embassy of Denmark. You must have with you:

•  2 photographs;
•  a completed application form;
• ​ foreign passport (its expiration date must end at least 3 months after the expiration of the visa) and its copy;
•  national passport and its copy;
• ​ insurance policy (the amount of coverage cannot be less than 30 thousand €);
•  an extract from a bank account;
•  Confirmation that the hotel has been booked;
•  A certificate from the place of work or study.

Or simply the Faroe Islands - an archipelago located in the north of the Atlantic Ocean, almost halfway between Iceland and Great Britain. It belonged to Denmark until 1948, when an agreement was reached on the Faroe Islands receiving limited sovereignty.

The Faroe Islands have the status of an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark with independent administration in all matters except foreign policy and defense. The distance from the metropolis in a straight line is about 1,000 kilometers.

Closest are weakly populated areas northern Scotland (Shetland Islands - 260 km) and Iceland (450 km).

Attractions

Of the 18 islands that make up the archipelago, only one is uninhabited - Litla Dimun (about 0.8 km2 in area). And this is surprising - in general, not the most hospitable weather conditions.

The population of the other 17 islands (Bordoy, Esturoy, Fugloi, Hestur, Kalsoy, Koltur, Kunoy, Mykines, Nolsoy, Sandoy, Skuvoy, Stora Dimun, Streymoy, Suduroy, Svinoy, Vagar, Vidoy) ranges from 2 (Koltur) to 21 thousand inhabitants (Streymoy).

It is simply necessary to look at all the diversity - in its own way this is a unique attraction. Perhaps the most sparsely populated and unpolluted nature corner in Europe! The roads in the Faroe archipelago are of excellent quality and the scenery is amazing! A romantic will even find something unearthly.

You won’t have to be distracted by castles and other palaces - they have never been here. All attention is on green hills, rocks growing from the icy sea, sunrises and sunsets, fogs and other natural delights.

There is enough air and perspectives here - believe me, a trip to the Faroe Islands is no worse than traveling through the Norwegian fjords (which is still an expensive pleasure) or discovering a distant one!

Description

Tórshavn was founded in the 10th century in the southeast of Streymoy and named after the god of thunder and lightning, Thor. The name literally means "Harbor of Thor".

The Faroe Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the Queen of Denmark.

As an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, according to the law on local self-government, the archipelago has its own supreme legislative power - the parliament (Løgting) and the government (Landsstuiri). There must be a royal auditor (ombudsman) in parliament.

It has, however, only an observational function. Also, two representatives of the islands are permanent members of the Danish parliament, the Folketing.

The local economy is based on fishing and fish processing, conversion of small boats and handicrafts. The GDP of this sparsely populated country is over $ 2 billion, which makes the Faroese very wealthy people (annual per capita income exceeds $ 45 thousand. Unemployment is about 5.5%, which is explained not so much by the rosy state of the economy as by the migration of young people to Denmark.

Major islands

Streymoy (374 km2) is the largest and most populated (about 21.5 thousand inhabitants). Almost half of the country's population lives on the "island of currents". The capital of the Faroes, the city of Torshvan, is also located here. The hilly relief is typical, the highest point is Kopsenni Peak (789 m).

Esturoy (286 km2) - the second largest and most populous (about 10.5 thousand inhabitants), literally translated as " east island". An automobile bridge was built between Streymoy and Estura. Here is the most high point countries - peak Slattaratindur (882 m).

Vagar (177 km2) is the third largest island with a population of about 2,785 inhabitants. The only international airport "Vagar" in the archipelago is located here.

Suduroy (163 km2), literally translated as " south island, inhabited by about 5 thousand inhabitants.

Geography and weather

The Faroe Islands have an uneven, rocky terrain with several low mountain peaks and steep, rugged coastline, replete with long fjords.

The archipelago is not particularly high mountains, there are no large rivers and lakes. Although if you look at the photo, it seems that the entire archipelago is a series of mountains and valleys. The highest point of the Faroe Islands is located on the island of Esturoy - this is the peak of Slattaratindur (882 m above sea level).

A pronounced maritime subarctic climate dominates. The general character is determined by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and in particular, the North Atlantic Current. And although the warm Gulf Stream thoroughly softens the local climate, summers here are usually cold: average temperature air in July: +11-+17 °C.

Winter is very mild for these latitudes. In January, the thermometers show from 0 to + 4 °C.

Cloudy weather prevails throughout the year: with rain, strong winds and fogs. And the sun is perceived as a gift.

When to go

The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is from May to October. July and August peak tourist season, and, since you still won’t be able to swim, get out here in late May or early June. Prices are lower, and there are many fewer curious people!

Why not go in winter, you ask, if the Gulf Stream warms the islands and the weather is generally very mild (perfectly calm Christmas and New Year)? And we will answer: a very short day and a high probability of inclement weather. In summer, on the contrary, the duration of daylight hours reaches 19 hours and ... take a walk - I don’t want to!

Where to stay

Tórshavn and its surroundings offer the widest selection of hotels and individual apartments. Even on New Year's Eve you can find options from 80-100 € per night. But basically the price is between 100-120 € for a double room.

How to get there

The easiest way to fly to the Faroe Islands is from Copenhagen - nevertheless, Denmark remains a metropolis and is obliged to provide good transport accessibility for (partially) own citizens.

Vagar Airport is the only one in the archipelago, located on island of the same name. The latter is connected to Streymoy and Tórshavn by a motorway laid, among other things, through an underwater tunnel. Distance - 45 km.

Bus number 300 runs regularly during the day (schedule: www.ssl.fo/en/timetable/bus/300-torshavn-airport-soervagur/). You can also get there by taxi. But the most reasonable thing is to fully enjoy the local scenery. The choice is small - a car in the archipelago is nothing at all - and therefore we book 1.5-2 months before the visit.

A Schengen visa in the Faroe Islands is not applicable - you need a national Danish visa with a special stamp giving the right to visit the islands. This is if you run into passport control, which was rarely indulged on domestic flights before.

However, there are a lot of stories about trips around the "Schengen" on the Internet. Recall that most likely you will fly here from Copenhagen. And Denmark will be allowed on a multivisa of any country included in the agreement.

There are only two ways to arrive, and both are quite obvious.

1. By plane from Denmark, Great Britain, Norway, or Iceland. The local Faroese air carrier Atlantic Airways flies to the airports of Copenhagen and Aalborg, Oslo and Bergen, even London. Flights depart from Kastrup, for example, up to 5 times a week. It's in summer period- less in winter
2. There are also ferries to the Faroe Islands from Denmark. They leave from the port of Hirthals in the north of the Jutland peninsula twice a week in summer and once in winter. The operating company is Smyril Line, there is only one ferry, Norröna. Alas and ah, the pleasure is not cheap: traveling back and forth with a car will cost from 236 euros out of season!

Visa

Please note that theoretically a regular Schengen visa may not be enough to visit the Faroe Islands. Since Denmark requires not only national visa, but also a separate stamp for visiting the archipelago.

Passport control used to be a rare occurrence and therefore the usual one was enough. But now, due to the influx of refugees, it is better not to take risks and get a cherished mark in advance.

/ Europe / Faroe Islands

Sheep Islands are part of and are located Atlantic Ocean to the north, or rather between the Shetland Islands and. The Faroe archipelago includes 18 islands, the largest of them is Boroy with a population of five thousand people.

Climate and weather of the Faroe Islands

The warm Gulf Stream, which has a constant coastal water temperature of 10 degrees, has a great influence on the weather on the islands. The climate on the islands is maritime, in summer daytime temperatures are about 23 degrees, in winter about 2 degrees Celsius. It rains almost every day in the Faroe Islands, especially in autumn and winter.

How to get to the Faroe Islands

You can fly to the Faroe Islands with SAS via Copenhagen, you can also take a ferry from the Danish port of Hantsholm, from the Norwegian port of Bergen, from Seydisfjordur in Iceland and from the Shetland Islands.

Visas to the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands have not signed the Schengen legislation, and you will have to obtain a separate visa from the Danish consulate. In general, the list of documents is no different from the documents for a Schengen visa, we note the high requirements for an official salary of at least 500 euros per month and a financial security of 50 euros per day per person.

Customs regulations of the Faroe Islands

Amounts over 15,000 euros must be declared, the import and call of currency is not limited. You can import up to 200 cigarettes, up to 1 liter of alcohol or up to 2 liters of wine without paying the duty. Goods and gifts are limited to 2500 crowns, food 3 kilograms.

Money in the Faroe Islands

The national currency is the Faroese krone, Danish krone is also accepted. Banks are open from morning to 4 pm. You can exchange currency at the airport or in the city of Vaugar. We recommend taking international credit cards with you, which are accepted everywhere.

Recreation, excursions and attractions of the Faroe Islands

In the capital of the islands, the city of Tórshavn, the museum of history, archeology and navigation Foroya Fornminissavn is of interest, the city itself resembles Copenhagen. Of interest is the Munkastovan monastery surrounded by stone walls, as well as the House of the Nordic countries Norurlandahus and the theater with a peat roof for the concert program in the summer "Faroese Evenings for Tourists". Near the village of Skarvanes there is a rock "Troll Woman's Finger" Trötlkonufingur, which rises above the sea.

Kalsoy Island has the highest mountainous terrain, so it can be recognized as the most picturesque with sheer cliffs on which waves break.

The islands of Vaugar, Strömö and Esturö are connected by a miracle of engineering under the Vestmannasund Strait with a tunnel up to 5 kilometers long.