Facts about Faroe Islands

Interesting Facts About Faroe Islands You Should Know Before Visiting

• More Sheep Than People: The Faroe Islands are home to approximately 70,000 sheep, surpassing the human population of around 53,000.
• High Elevation: About 70% of the land in the Faroe Islands sits over 200 meters above sea level, contributing to its dramatic landscapes.
• National Bird: While puffins are popular, the oystercatcher holds the title of the national bird of the Faroe Islands.
• Minimal Traffic Lights: There are only three traffic lights in the entire Faroe Islands, all located in the capital, Tórshavn.
• Unique Word Contribution: The word "skua," referring to a seabird, is the only Faroese word adopted into the English language.
• Kirkjubøargarður: Located in Kirkjubøur, Kirkjubøargarður is one of the oldest still-inhabited wooden houses in the world, dating back to the 11th century.
• Ólavsøka Festival: Held annually on July 28–29, Ólavsøka is the Faroe Islands' national holiday, featuring parades, rowing competitions, and traditional Faroese chain dancing.
• Risin og Kellingin: These are two sea stacks off the coast of Eysturoy, known as The Giant and the Witch, tied to a local legend about their origins.
• Faer Isles Distillery: Established in 2018, this distillery aims to create unique single malt whiskey by leveraging the island's consistent air pressure, high salinity, and humidity.
• No Native Trees: Due to the windy and harsh climate, the Faroe Islands have no native trees; most existing trees were imported and are found in sheltered areas.