Facts about the Faroe Islands
62°N is one of the most experienced travel agencies in the Faroe Islands, and we can organize packages exactly according to your wishes and needs. We have the best knowledge of the Faroese history, nature, population, art and culture and arrange our packages based on this insight. With our expertise and our good network of professional collaborators, we can offer our customers the perfect trip to the Faroe Islands.
Where is The Faroe Islands?
Official name: The Faroe Islands or in Faroese "Føroyar"
The Faroe Islands are 18 islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway. It is composed of 18 individual islands covering 545 square miles, 70 miles long and 46 miles wide. When visiting the Faroes you are never more than 5km (3 miles) away from the ocean. The countryside is dominated by steep mountains and there are about 70,000 sheep and some 2 million pairs of seabirds, including the largest colony of storm petrels in the world.
Capital: Tórshavn. 20.764 inhabitants live in Tórshavns municipality (2017)
Largest city: Tórshavn
Other cities: Among others Klaksvík with 5.025 inhabitants, Runavík with 3.900, Vágur and Tvøroyri with respectively 2.023 and 1.713 inhabitants (2017)
Location and size: 545,3 sq.miles on 18 islands, 687 miles of costline and an sea area at approx. 107.000 sq.miles
Faroese people
Population: On the Faroes live 50.322 people (2017)
National anthem: Tú alfagra land mítt (my beautiful country)
The Faroese flag: The flag of the Faroe Islands is an offset cross, representing Christianity. It is similar in design to other Nordic flags. The flag is called Merkið, which means "the banner" or "the mark".
Population density: Approx. 89 persons per sq.miles
Independence: The Faroe Islands have been a self governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1948
National Day: 25/4
Languages: Faroese is the national language and is rooted in Old Norse. Nordic languages are readily understood by most Faroese, and English is also widely spoken, especially among the younger people.
Photo of Kirkjubøur. Experience the historic village in our package ''The best of the Faroe Islands''.
Read more about the trip "The best of the Faroe Islands"
Religion: Religion plays an important part in Faroese culture and over 80% of the population belong to the established church, the Evangelical-Lutheran. 10% of the population belong to the Christian Brethren (Plymouth Brethren).
Form of Government: Since 1948, the Faroe Islands have been a self governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own parliament and its own flag. It is not, however, a member of the European Union and all trade is governed by special traties.
The weather on Faroe Islands
Climate: 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.
Clothing: Unique to the Faroe Islands is the chance to experience several seasons weather in the space of a short time, therefore it is always wide to be prepared for the unexpected, A waterproof rain jacket is highly recommended and a warm sweater, as well as a warm hat and waterproof hiking boots. To dress in layers is always a good idea.
Infrastructure: The Faroe Islands has a very good road network with approx. 600 miles which makes it easy to get around the islands.
Timezone: Local time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Electricity: The current is AC 220 Volts, 50 cycles. The electric outlets take round plugs, common to most European countries.
Currency: The Faroese government prints its own currency, the króna, although Danish coins are used. The exchange value is equivalent to the Danish krone.
Price level: Since almost all the goods have to be imported, the prices are quite high. The price level is on everyday shopping i about 10% higher compared to other countries in Scandinavia. Alcohol, tobacco, fresh fruits and vegetables are in particular expensive. The price level on various experiences (e.g. excursions, museum visits, concerts etc.) and dining out is much the same as elsewhere in northern Europe.
Credit Cards: ATMs are available for MasterCard/Eurocard, Visa and Dankort at various locations, e.g. at the banks located along the pedestrian mall in the centre of Tórshavn. Although most shops in the Faroe Islands accept DK, Visa and MasterCard, it is best 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.
Visa og passport: Passport is required. For most countries entry visas are not necessary unless your stay will be longer than three months.
Vaccinations: Not needed for travelling to the Faroe Islands.
Telephone: National code is +298
Driving: Driving is on the right and to wear the seatbelt is required. The speed limit is 50km in towns and villages and 80km on the main road. Parking in Tórshavn, Runavík, Klaksvík and at the airport is restricted. Parking discs that are displayed in the lower right hand corner of the front windscreen must show the time you parked your car. Use of dipped headlight is compulsory. Please be aware that the sheep may leap out in front of you. If this should this happen please contact the police on +298 351448.
Tunnels: The toll for driving through the sub-sea tunnel to Vágar and Klaksvík, can be paid at any petrol station. However, if you rent a car from 62°N please do not pay - this will be set at the end of your trip.
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
Alcohol: The legal drinking age in the Faroe Islands is eighteen. Beer, wine and spirits may only be purchased on Government Monopoly stores in major towns and in licensed restaurants, bars and cafés.
