30 Hidden Facts About the Faroe Islands

Beyond the Cliffs: 30 Fascinating Facts About the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, a rugged archipelago in the North Atlantic, are often celebrated for their dramatic landscapes and abundant birdlife. However, beneath their striking cliffs and windswept fjords lies a fascinating history of resilience, ingenuity, and cultural traditions. From Viking settlers and mystical legends to geothermal springs and ancient parliamentary traditions, the Faroe Islands offer far more than meets the eye. These 30 unique, lesser-known facts unveil the heart of Faroese culture, its extraordinary natural wonders, and the enduring spirit of its people. Prepare to journey into the hidden stories of this enchanting island chain.

‍1. The Name "Faroe" Means Sheep Islands

The name “Faroe” comes from the Old Norse word Færeyjar, meaning “Sheep Islands.” This reflects the islands’ long-standing reliance on sheep farming, which has been central to their economy and culture for over 1,000 years. Sheep outnumber the human population of the Faroe Islands, and their wool is used to produce traditional garments like the sølvarull, a Faroese wool cloak. The rugged terrain and cool climate make the islands ideal for grazing, and sheep farming remains a vital part of Faroese identity.

2. The Faroe Islands Were Shaped by Volcanoes

Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions formed the Faroe Islands, leaving behind layers of basalt rock that now make up their dramatic cliffs and mountains. Erosion by wind and sea over millennia created the iconic formations seen today, including steep fjords and sea stacks like the Drangarnir. The volcanic origins of the islands are still evident in their striking geological features, making them a treasure trove for geologists and nature enthusiasts.

3. The Mysterious Settlers Before the Vikings

Although the Vikings are famously linked to the Faroe Islands, evidence suggests that Irish monks or hermits may have settled the islands earlier, around the 6th century. Archaeological finds, such as burned bones and grains, point to human activity predating the Norse arrival. The Vikings eventually displaced or assimilated these early settlers, but their influence lingers in local legends and early Christian practices, such as the islanders’ respect for ancient graveyards.

4. A Language With Viking Roots

Faroese, the native language of the Faroe Islands, is one of the closest surviving languages to Old Norse. It evolved after the islands were settled by Vikings in the 9th century, retaining many archaic words and grammar structures. Faroese is spoken by fewer than 80,000 people, making it one of the world’s most endangered languages. Its preservation is a source of pride for locals, who learn it in schools and use it to maintain their cultural heritage through oral traditions like ballads and sagas.

5. The Unique Grass Roof Tradition

Many traditional Faroese houses are topped with turf roofs, a practice dating back to Viking times. These grass-covered roofs provided excellent insulation and blended harmoniously with the natural landscape. Even today, turf-roofed homes are a common sight, particularly in villages like Saksun and Kirkjubøur. The tradition reflects the Faroese people's resourcefulness in using available materials to create sustainable living spaces that protect against the harsh weather of the North Atlantic.

6. Faroe Islands’ Bird Cliffs Are Among Europe's Tallest

The Faroe Islands are home to some of Europe’s tallest bird cliffs, including Enniberg, which rises over 750 meters above sea level. These cliffs host millions of seabirds, such as puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes, making the Faroe Islands a global birdwatching hotspot. Historically, Faroese people relied on bird eggs and meat as important food sources. Climbing cliffs to gather eggs was a dangerous but essential tradition that continues in some communities today, preserving a deep connection to the islands’ wildlife.

7. The Faroese Grindadráp Tradition

The grindadráp, a traditional whale hunt, has been practiced in the Faroe Islands for over 1,000 years. Faroese communities harvest pilot whales and dolphins in a sustainable, communal effort, using every part of the animal for food and tools. While controversial, the practice is deeply rooted in Faroese culture and has evolved to comply with strict regulations. It reflects the islands’ reliance on natural resources for survival and their efforts to balance tradition with modern conservation concerns.

8. The Faroe Islands Have No Forests

The rugged, treeless landscapes of the Faroe Islands are a result of their volcanic origins and strong, salty winds. However, archaeological evidence suggests that small forests once covered the islands before Viking settlers cleared them for farming. Today, the Faroese are reintroducing trees, planting species like rowan and birch that can withstand the harsh climate. These efforts not only improve biodiversity but also help combat soil erosion, reflecting the Faroese commitment to sustainable land management.

9. The Legend of the Selkies

Faroese folklore tells of selkies—mythical seal-like creatures that shed their skins to become human. Stories often revolve around selkies being forced to marry humans or returning to the sea, leaving their human families behind. These tales reflect the Faroese people's deep connection to the ocean and its mysteries. Selkie legends remain an enduring part of Faroese culture, celebrated in literature, music, and local storytelling traditions.

10. The Tórshavn Cathedral Is One of the Smallest in the World

The Tórshavn Cathedral, built in 1788, is one of the smallest cathedrals in the world. Located in the capital city, it has a simple design reflecting Faroese modesty and resourcefulness. The cathedral is central to Faroese religious life, hosting important ceremonies and events. Its white walls and wooden interior create a serene atmosphere, embodying the Faroe Islands’ blend of spirituality and simplicity.

11. The Faroe Islands' Only Bridge Over the Atlantic

The Faroe Islands are home to the only bridge that crosses the Atlantic Ocean. Known as Brúgvin um Streymin (The Bridge Over the Stream), it connects the islands of Streymoy and Eysturoy. Built in 1973, the bridge is a vital link between the two largest islands in the archipelago. While modest in size, it is a symbol of the Faroese people’s ingenuity in creating infrastructure that unites their scattered communities across the harsh Atlantic waters.

12. The Oldest Parliament in the World

The Faroe Islands’ parliament, the Løgting, is one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions, dating back over 1,000 years. Originally established by Viking settlers as an assembly for resolving disputes and making laws, the Løgting has evolved into a modern legislature. It represents the Faroese commitment to self-governance and remains a powerful emblem of their cultural and political identity.

13. The Faroese Chain Dance Tradition

The Faroese Chain Dance is an ancient cultural tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Performed in large groups, dancers hold hands and step to the rhythm of ballads sung in Faroese. These songs often recount heroic sagas or historical events, passed down orally through generations. The dance is more than a performance; it is a living archive of Faroese folklore and an enduring symbol of community spirit.

14. The Faroese Lakes Above the Ocean Illusion

One of the most striking natural phenomena in the Faroe Islands is the optical illusion at Lake Sørvágsvatn. From certain angles, the lake appears to float above the ocean due to the steep cliffs below. In reality, the lake sits near sea level, but its unique surroundings create a breathtaking visual effect. This geological wonder exemplifies the dramatic landscapes that define the Faroe Islands.

15. A Hidden Viking Settlement at Leirvík

Leirvík, a small village on the island of Eysturoy, is home to an excavated Viking settlement. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of longhouses and artifacts that provide a glimpse into the lives of Norse settlers. The site reveals how early Faroese inhabitants adapted to the islands’ harsh environment, using resources like driftwood and turf for shelter. Leirvík stands as a testament to the Faroe Islands’ deep Viking roots.

16. The Faroe Islands' Underground Tunnel Network

The Faroese have built an extensive network of tunnels to connect their mountainous and isolated islands. Some of these tunnels run beneath the ocean, such as the Eysturoyartunnilin, which features a dramatic roundabout adorned with an art installation. These tunnels not only make travel more efficient but also showcase the Faroese people’s engineering prowess in overcoming the challenges of their rugged terrain.

17. The Unique Faroese Weather Vanes

Many Faroese homes feature intricate weather vanes, often shaped like ships, animals, or mythical creatures. These decorative yet functional items reflect the Faroese connection to maritime traditions and the need to track changing weather in a stormy environment. Weather vanes are considered a form of folk art, blending practicality with cultural expression, and are often passed down through generations.

18. The Story of Fugloy: The Island of Birds

Fugloy, meaning “Bird Island,” is the easternmost and one of the most remote islands in the Faroe archipelago. Its towering cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and gannets. The island’s isolation has preserved its natural beauty and wildlife. Fugloy is also steeped in folklore, with stories of enchanted creatures and mysterious lights often told by its few residents.

19. The Faroese Use of Driftwood

With no native forests, Faroese people have long relied on driftwood brought by ocean currents to meet their needs. This wood, often originating from Siberia or Scandinavia, is used for building homes, furniture, and even boats. Driftwood’s scarcity made it a valuable resource, and its use reflects the Faroese people’s ability to adapt and make the most of their environment.

20. The Rare Faroese Sub-Arctic Plants

The Faroe Islands are home to rare sub-Arctic plant species, such as Faroese lady’s mantle and mountain sorrel. These hardy plants thrive in the islands’ cool, wet climate and play an essential role in maintaining the fragile ecosystem. Botanists are fascinated by the unique flora of the Faroe Islands, as it offers insights into how plants adapt to extreme conditions. Conservation efforts ensure these species continue to flourish amid the islands’ pristine landscapes.

21. The Faroese Bird Catching Tradition

For centuries, Faroese people practiced bird catching as a means of survival, scaling sheer cliffs to harvest seabirds and their eggs. This skill required incredible bravery and agility, as hunters dangled on ropes over the Atlantic. While largely symbolic today, this tradition remains part of Faroese heritage, with annual hunts continuing on a smaller scale under strict regulations to maintain sustainability and preserve the islands’ culture.

22. The Unique Faroese National Costume

The traditional Faroese costume, worn during special occasions like weddings and national celebrations, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Hand-knitted wool sweaters, intricately embroidered vests, and silver brooches reflect the islands’ cultural and natural influences. Each costume is unique, with designs passed down through families. Wearing it symbolizes pride in Faroese heritage and a connection to the islands’ history.

23. The Midnight Sun Phenomenon

During summer, the Faroe Islands experience long days when the sun barely dips below the horizon, creating stunning twilight that lasts through the night. This phenomenon, known as the “midnight sun,” is caused by the islands’ high latitude. It offers spectacular opportunities for photography, outdoor activities, and soaking in the surreal beauty of the archipelago bathed in golden light.

24. The Faroese Underground Sheep Legend

A curious Faroese legend speaks of Huldufólk (hidden people) keeping their own sheep underground. According to folklore, these supernatural beings cared for their animals in hidden pastures beneath the earth. The legend reflects the importance of sheep in Faroese culture and the mystical relationship the people have with their land. Even today, locals share stories of encountering the hidden folk during quiet nights on the islands.

25. The Faroe Islands' Natural Hot Springs

The Faroe Islands have natural hot springs, including the one at Varmakelda in Fuglafjørður. Though not as famous as Iceland’s geothermal pools, these springs have long been valued for their therapeutic properties. Varmakelda, meaning "warm spring," is one of the few places where locals once gathered to bathe and socialize in nature’s warmth, showcasing the islands’ lesser-known geothermal activity.

26. The Spectacular Waterfalls That Flow Into the Ocean

The Faroe Islands are known for their dramatic waterfalls, some of which plunge directly into the sea. Múlafossur, located in the village of Gásadalur, is one of the most iconic, cascading down steep cliffs into the Atlantic. These waterfalls are formed by heavy rainfall and natural springs, creating striking scenes that blend the islands’ rugged terrain with the raw power of nature.

27. The Tradition of "Boat Day" in Klaksvík

Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroe Islands, celebrates “Boat Day” every summer. This event honors the islands’ fishing heritage with rowing competitions, boat displays, and traditional Faroese music. It’s a day of camaraderie that highlights the central role of fishing in Faroese life, showcasing the community’s resilience and connection to the sea.

28. The Faroese "Outlaw Valley" of Húsadalur

Húsadalur, a remote and uninhabited valley, is steeped in folklore. It was once rumored to be a hiding place for criminals and outcasts during the Viking Age. Surrounded by steep cliffs and difficult to access, the valley remains an isolated and mysterious part of the Faroese landscape, drawing hikers who want to explore its rugged beauty and hear tales of its shadowy past.

29. The Risin and Kellingin Sea Stacks

Off the coast of Eysturoy stand two towering sea stacks known as Risin (the Giant) and Kellingin (the Witch). According to legend, they were trolls attempting to drag the Faroe Islands back to Iceland but were turned to stone by the rising sun. These dramatic formations, shaped by centuries of erosion, are iconic landmarks and a vivid reminder of Faroese mythology.

30. The Faroe Islands' Whistled Language

In some remote Faroese villages, fishermen and farmers historically used whistling as a form of long-distance communication. These whistles carried across valleys and fjords, allowing people to relay messages or call for help. While this practice has largely faded, its memory persists as a testament to the resourcefulness of Faroese communities adapting to their challenging environment.

The Faroe Islands are a land of awe-inspiring beauty, ancient history, and untold mysteries. From the legends of selkies and trolls to the ingenuity of whistled communication and turf-roofed homes, these islands hold a unique place in the world. Exploring their hidden stories reveals a deeper connection between the people, their traditions, and the dramatic natural world they inhabit. Whether you're drawn to its volcanic origins or its rich folklore, the Faroe Islands never fail to surprise and inspire.