The Faeroe Islands are situated in the North Atlantic about 310km north east of Scotland. Actually there are 18 islands and 17 of them are inhabited. Torshaven is the capital and is probably one of the smallest capitals in the world. It has a population that has grown from 5,600 in 1950 to 15,100 today,
The population of the Faeroes, about 48,000, is ruled by a parliament of 30 members. The Faeroese parliament is the oldest known parliament in Europe. It chooses between 3 and 7 ministers for government, who in turn elect the Prime Minister. They have used this system for over 1000 years. The first parliament met in Torshaven and the same buildings are still in use today.
The main industry is fishing and the fleet of ships is equipped with the most modern equipment as are the ‘filet’ factories. In order to retain their 200-mile fishing limit, they have remained outside of the EEC.
The Faeroese staple diet is meat and potatoes and there are few green vegetables. Local delicacies include skepikjot (dried mutton), grindog spik (whale meat), several types of sausages, plenty of locally caught fish and puffin (stuffed and baked with sweet dough or roasted).
Although Faeroese is a distinct language of its own, it resembles the Nordic languages and is also closely related to Icelandic. The local currency is the Faeroese Krone.
The climate is generally mild but it is extremely changeable and tends to be highly localised. Some sort of precipitation is to be expected on about 280 days a year. The one fact I will remember is that there are NO INSECTS. Surely we take some in with us? We do, but there is no life support system. I will also remember that many of the extremely colourful houses have a roof that does not need to be retiled or rethatched. They are made of grass and have to be mown.
One gets the feeling that the islands are very old and permeated with much history, which of course they are. The Historical Museum, Hoyvik, which also houses the Maritime Museum, tells the whole story.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Not as expensive as expected, friendly people, easy to get around, great beer! Disadvantages: More expensive than the UK, gets ignored when thinking about a short break
moose 18.05.2001 (31.07.2002)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of General: Denmark
Advantages: Not as expensive as expected, friendly people, easy to get around, great beer! Disadvantages: More expensive than the UK, gets ignored when thinking about a short break
moose 18.05.2001 (31.07.2002)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of General: Denmark
Advantages: Location - easily reached by car and public transport Disadvantages: Cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired, expensive rooms and substandard service
Oct 18th, 2000
helpful by (50%):
somewhat helpful by (50%):
