Faroe Islands

The Faroese tourist season is very short. It begins in May and ends by September. Most visitors come between July and August by far. If you would like to avoid the busiest season, it is best to visit the Faroes in late May or early June, although you shouldn’t expect high temperatures during this period. The main reasons why people tend to visit the islands are because of the nature and scenery. But the tranquillity of the islands also plays a major part. Bus rides, horse trekking, mountain hikes and boat trips are all ways to enjoy the magnificant wild green landscape. And the islands are undeniably beautiful: green, rugged and wind-swept. Because the islands are so close to the Arctic Circle, the amount of daylight varies by season. The sun sets briefly each night in June, so there are several hours of twilight, before the sun comes back up again. During the winter there are no days of complete darkness, but about five hours of daylight. The Faroe Islands have one of the smallest independent economic entities in the world. The Faroe Islands' primary industry is the fishing industry. It accounts for over 80% of the total export value of goods, which are mainly processed fish products and fish farming. The unemployment rate in the Faroes is extremely low.

People

The Faroes were colonised by Norwegians in the 9th century - according to history the first settler was Grímur Kamban, a Norwegian Viking who made his home in Funningur on Eysturoy in 825. The Faroese population has largely descended from these settlers. Recent DNA analyses have revealed that Y chromosomes, tracing male descent, are 87% Scandinavian. However, the studies also show that mitochondrial DNA, tracing female descent, is 84% Scottish or Irish. This means that a vast majority of the population is of Celtic descent. Today the population is 48.220 (1st March 2006). About 19,300 people live in the metropolitan area which comprises Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur, Velabastaður, Nólsoy, Hestur, Koltur, Hoyvík, Argir, Kaldbak, Kaldbaksbotnur, Kollafjørður, Signabøur and Oyrareingir. About 4,700 people live in Klaksvík, the second largest town in the islands. Faroese is the national language, it is rooted in Old Norse.

Politics

The Viking settlers established their own parliament called "ting" around 800. Local things where established in different parts of the islands. The main thing was established on Tinganes in Tórshavn. About the turn of the millennium the Faroes came under control of the Norwegian king. In 1380 the Faroes along with Orkney, Shetland, Iceland and Greenland, came with Norway into a union with Denmark. At the end of the Napoleanic wars, by the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to Sweden, but kept the Faroes and Greenland. In 1816, two years later, the Faroes were made into a Danish County and the old parliament was abolished. The Danish Governor became the highest authority in the Faroes. In 1849 the Danish parliamentary constitution was made to apply in the Faroe Islands. In 1852 the Faroese parliament was reinstated as a county council, but served mainly as an advisory power. The Danish governor presided at all meetings and was a co-opted member. At the same time the Faroes came to be represented at the Danish parliament. It should be stated that, although the Faroe Islands have recognised the Royal powers, they have never been a part of Denmark. Only the Danish kingdom. During World War II, Denmark was being occupied by the Germans, while the Faroes had a friendly occupation by the British. During this time the Faroese parliament carried both the legislative and the fiscal responsibility. The Faroese people had a taste of self-government and a return to status quo seemed impossible. After a referendum, which led to a very small majority voting for independence, in 1946 negotiations took place between the two countries and the outcome was the Home Rule Act in 1948. The Faroese were from then on responsible for most matters of government. The parliament can legislate on matters of local importance, and Danish laws can be rejected. The parliament has between twenty-seven and thirty-two members. The leader of the cabinet has the status of prime minister. The Faroes are still represented in the Danish parliament by two representatives. Also, since 1970 the Faroes have had independent status in the Nordic Council. Furthermore, the Faroes have their own flag (merkið). And unlike Denmark the islands are not a member of the EU and all trade is governed by special treaties.

Climate

The weather is maritime and quite unpredictable. It can change quickly and it varies extremely, from moments of brilliant sunshine to misty hill fog, to showers - there can be sunshine on one side of the mountain range, while it's raining on the other side. During the summer the islands are often overcast by summerfog. The Gulf Stream encircling the islands tempers the climate. The harbours never freeze and the temperature in winter time is very moderate considering the high latitude. Snowfall occurs, but it is short-lived. The average temperature ranges from 3 C in the wintertime to 11 C during the summer, the temperature can be much higher, but the air is always fresh and clean no matter the season.

Landscape

With their volcanic origin the 18 islands are rugged and rocky. The average hight above sea level for the country is 300 m (982 ft). The highest peak, Slættaratindur, is 882 m (2883 ft) above sea level. There are 1100 km (687 miles) of coastline and at no time is one more than 5 km (3 miles) away from the ocean. Mountains and valleys mostly characterize the inner landscape. The only sandunes are located at the southern island Sandoy. The faroese west coast is characterized by steep slopes and bird cliffs, that in the summertime are full of nesting seabirds such as puffins. Something that first meets the eye of a traveller is the lack of trees in the Faroes. The reason for this are the thousands of sheep that occupy the islands.

• Generally: The Faroe Islands are very safe.
• No risk of natural disaster or animal attack.
• Crime and traffic are minor risks.
• As you drive along, please be aware that the sheep may be startled and leap out in front of you. If you happen to collide with a sheep, you should immediately contact the police in Tórshavn at tel 351448 for assistance.
• Always be aware of fog if you go hiking.

There are emergency wards at the hospital in Tórshavn, Klaksvík on Borðoy and Tvøroyri on Suðuroy. Doctors around the islands provide emergency assistence. The coast guard and and Atlantic Airways have helicopters that may be used in emergencies. Police stations are found in most parts of the Country.

Health Insurance

Citizens of the Nordic countries and the UK are covered by their own national health insurance. It is advisable for citizens of other countries to take out travel health insurance.

Emergency or Fire

• Dial 112

Pharmacies

• Tórshavn (by the SMS shopping centre) on Streymoy. Tel 341100
• Klaksvík on Borðoy. Tel 455055
• Runavík on Eysturoy. Tel 471200
• Tvøroyri on Suðuroy. Tel 371076

Car Problems

For breakdown and immidiate help on the two larger islands Streymoy and Eysturoy, contact the Fire Station in Tórshavn, tel 302100. It is advisable to arrange for insurance coverage for your car to save you the worry of a spoilt holiday due to unexpected garage bills.