VESTNORDEN 2024
Programme
Vestnorden
About the destination
Welcome to Faroe Islands
The 18 jagged volcanic islands which make up the Faroe Islands resemble a handful of rocks scattered haphazardly in the deep-sea ocean. Home to mountains of myth, hobbit-like turf-roofed houses, and grazing shaggy sheep, these islands make up the perfect playground for the senses. They inexplicably unearth a soothing sound of stillness and a touch of rawness, only bettered by the taste of the freshest of air and the sight of sprawling landscapes in any direction. And the smell. That smell of unhurried childhood.
“Whether you’re signing up to volunteer to clear trails, or just looking for directions to the next beautiful vista, the Faroe Islands are known for making you feel at home” – Lonely Planet
Fickle and highly changeable weather adds to the charm (or puts forth a challenge, depending on how you see it). Hold out both palms and you might feel the snow falling on one palm and the sun shining on the other. Nevertheless, the multitude of opportunities across the islands downplays the importance of weather. There is always something to experience, regardless.
The Faroese people are shaped and molded by the harsh elements that have surrounded them for generations; a wonderful blend of isolation, robustness, and reserve, open arms, genuineness, and warmth.
Few communities as small can boast of equally vibrant art and music scene, while Faroese gastronomy has never been more highly thought of. The decidedly slow pace of life on the islands lends itself to hospitable kinfolk and laid-back living.
But all is not slow and easy-going. The islands are also an adrenaline junkie’s dream, with no shortage of fast-paced activities on land and sea.
All of this and more creates a unique and inimitable destination at the edge of the world. A place truly unspoiled, unexplored, and unbelievable.
Flights to the Faroe Islands
You can fly non-stop to the Faroe Islands from a variety of destinations, such as Copenhagen (Denmark), Paris (France), Reykjavik (Iceland), Edinburgh (Scotland), Oslo (Norway), and Bergen (Norway). There are also seasonal flights from places like Barcelona, the Gran Canary Islands, and Mallorca.
Four airlines fly to the Faroe Islands. These are Atlantic Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Icelandair and Widerøe AS.
Quick facts about the Faroe Islands
Name and location
- 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.
Area and size
- 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)
- Population: 54,362 (as of May ‘23)
- Capital: Tórshavn (population 23,113, as of May ’23).
Politics, Industry and Religion
- Status: Self-governing region within Kingdom of Denmark
- Language: Faroese
- Flag: Red cross fringed with blue on white background
- Religion: Evangelical Lutheran
- Government: Parliamentary democracy
- Prime Minister: Aksel V. Johannesen (Social Democratic Party, Javnaðarflokkurin)
- Main industries: Fishing and aquaculture, shipping and tourism.
Passport and Visa regulations
The Faroe Islands are tied to the Danish immigration policy. However, there are some differences in working, residing and visiting in the Faroe Islands compared to Denmark.
If you come from a:
Nordic country: You are not obliged to hold a passport for entry to the Faroe Islands, but will need a photo identity document. You may stay indefinitely in the Faroe Islands without any further permits.
EU-country and Schengen country: You do not need a visa or other permit to visit the Faroe Islands. You may enter with a passport, or, for visits, a national ID card (that includes a photo) from one of the below countries listed here. It is NOT sufficient to be a foreign resident; you must be a citizen.
Other countries: Visitors from countries outside the EU and Schengen area must usually hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay in the Faroe Islands. Depending on the nationality, a visa may also be required. The nationalities requiring a visa for entering the Faroe Islands is the same as for Denmark and can be seen here.
Climate and how to dress for the Faroe Islands
The weather is maritime and quite changeable, from moment of brilliant sunshine to misty hill fog, to shower. The average temperature ranges from 3,5°C in winter to 12°C in the summer. In shelter areas, the temperature can be much higher, but the air is always fresh and clean no matter what the season.
It is, therefore, a good idea to pack a variety of clothing, suited to all sorts of weather (mostly cool-ish).
The absolute essentials to include in your wardrobe for the Faroe Islands are a sweater, a rainproof coat and sturdy walking shoes. Gloves or mittens are also a good idea. And while you’re at it, why not be a little optimistic and bring along sunglasses as well, you never know!
Currency, price level and shopping
Currency: Danish krone (DKK) is used in the Faroe Island. However, the Faroe Islands do print their own notes. The exchange value is equivalent to Danish krone, and there is no service charge on exchange, as Danish notes are equally acceptable as the Faroese króna throughout the country.
Credit cards: ATMs are available for MasterCard/Eurocard, Visa and Dankort at various locations. Most shops in the Faroe Islands accept Visa and MasterCard, but it is recommended to bring cash when travelling to the small islands and villages
Tipping: Although it has not been the custom to tip in the Faroe Islands, it is however more widespread especially in restaurants, bars, cafés and taxis. You are not obliged to tip.
Tax Free: As a guest in the Faroe Islands, the holiday and business traveller is exempt from the 25% value added tax (VAT) on purchases over DKK 300. Look for the blue and white “Tax Free for tourists” sign in the shop windows. Ask the sales clerk at the time of purchase for a “Tax Refund Cheque”. To claim your refund you need to contact “Tax Refund” agent at the airport or on board the ferry Norrøna
Time zone
Local time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight saving time (GMT+1) is observed in the Faroe Islands from April until October.
Electricity
On the Faroe Islands the current is AC 220 volts, 50 cycles. European two-pin plugs.
Emergency phone numbers
Emergency medical service 1870
Alarm 112
Police in Tórshavn 35 14 48.