There are more sheep than people in the archipelago located between Scotland and Iceland. According to the 2011 census, only 48,500 people live on 18 volcanic islands. The Faroe Islands have an ancient and interesting history. To see how the descendants of the ancient Vikings live and visit the best places and attractions, tourists apply for a special visa.
Torshavn
Torshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands. The largest settlement in the archipelago and the safest city in the world is located on the coast of Streymoy Island. Literally translated, Torshavn means “harbor of Thor”, that is, the settlement was named after a pagan god.
The original attraction of the capital is houses with grass roofs. Natural insulation grows on multicolored residential buildings and on some public buildings, which gives a special flavor to city streets. All the main sights of the capital can be viewed in 1 day.
The best places: The Western Church is the tallest building in Torshavn (40.5 m); the harbor; the Skansin Fortress (1580) and the Skansin International lighthouse; the royal warehouse Leygubyun; the Munkastovan Monastery; the museum. Fabulous streets with green roofs, unusual sculptures and a toy harbor leave a pleasant impression. The Gudrun&Gudrun store sells sheep sweaters and hats, restaurants and cafes serve dishes made from local products (lamb, lobster, fish).
Tindhelmur Island
You can view the uninhabited island from a ferry or helicopter. It is small (6.5 km2), looks like a shark’s tooth sticking out of the water. Almost the entire territory is occupied by a pointed mountain peak with a complex relief.
The unusual island is the result of volcanic activity, it is about 55 million years old. In summer, the air warms up to 12 ℃, in winter the temperature is kept at 1-3 ℃. Tourists sail to Tindhelmur independently with local residents or as part of tourist groups.
Lake Sorvagsvatn
Servogsvatn is the largest and deepest lake in the archipelago. Locals call it “lake over the ocean”. A unique natural attraction is located on the island of Voar. The reservoir is unusual, in the photo it seems to hang over the ocean, but this is an optical effect.
Gyogv Village
The village is located on the edge of the 200-meter Gyogv Gorge. To see its sights, you need to get to the island of Eystura, which is visited during a trip to the northern islands of the archipelago.
There are few attractions in the village, but the picturesque surroundings more than compensate for this disadvantage. Fans of hiking and ecotourism come to Gyogv. In the village you can see the village church (1929), the village school building (1884), the best natural harbor of the archipelago, the “Mary bench”, the inclined railway.