I is for Islands

The Faroe Islands, is a group of 18 islands situated in the heart of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic at 62 degrees.  The islands  are undeniably beautiful: green, rugged and wind-swept.  They are 113 km. long and 75 km. wide - roughly the shape of an arrowhead.

There is 1,100 km of coastline and no where on the islands will you be more than 5 km from the ocean.  The highest mountain is 882 meters (2883 ft) above sea level.

The most commonly route used to get to these stunning islands, is to fly from Copenhagen, which takes about 2 1/2 hours.  There are 2-3 flights every day, year round.  If you want to take your car, you can also go by ferry from further north in Denmark, which takes app. 36 hours.  In the summer months there are 2 flights a week from England and sometimes you can fly in through Iceland.  

Since 1948, the Faroe Islands have been a self governing region of Denmark, with its own parliament and flag.  Over the years, the Faroese have been granted control of many matters.  Some areas such as military defense and foreign affairs still remain the responsibility of Denmark.  

They speak their own language, Faroese, which is rooted in Old Norse.  Since they also learn Danish, English and German in school, they grow up not blinking an eye about speaking a 2nd or 3rd language.

  This time of the year you basically don't need to use lights in your homes.  I think the sun meets itself rising, when it begins to set.  I remember once when Ragnar went on a hike with his niece and her husband.  They started their journey around midnight in 'broad daylight.'  However, in December you need to have the lights on in the house until around 9:00 in the morning, and turn them back on by 3:00 p.m.  

Weather - one notable thing about the weather - you should not be surprised to experience all 4 seasons in one day.  Rain may suddenly change into the most glorious summer weather.  After it is calm for awhile you might find yourself being blown away with a strong gust of wind.  

 

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream in this area, prevent cold temperatures which might be expected.  There are few places in the world with such an equable climate - the difference between the warmest summer days and the coldest winder ones is only 8 degrees, from 4 C. in winter to 12 C in the summer.  The harbours never freeze in the winter.

In 2007 the National Geographic conducted a comprehensive survey of 111 island communities throughout the world.  A panel of 522 well traveled experts in tourism assessed the islands and the Faroe Islands came out on top as the most attractive, inviting, fascinating and appealing destination in the world.

"Lovely unspoiled islands, a delight to the traveler. You won't find fresher air or a more virgin landscape anywhere else on earth. This is a destination with immense appeal for nature lovers, bird watchers and walkers. The Faroe Islands are a fitting tribute to a unique and friendly local community and a stunning, unspoiled landscape set within a wild ocean."