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Favorite thing: I'm not an expert on the Faroese language, but I have a great interest in languages, and here are my impressions of it.
Faroese is closely related to Icelandic. They are similar enough in print that Icelanders can read most Faroese, and vice versa. However, the accents are very different, such that Icelanders do not understand spoken Foroese. However, Foroese do, for the most part, understand Icelandic. This may be because they have a greater exposure to Icelandic than Icelanders do to Faroese, or just because Icelandic is more phonetic a language than Faroese (which sounds very different than it spells).
I first heard Faroese on the airplane on my flight from Reykjavik to Torshavn. At first, I thought it must be some other language - it didn't sound like a Nordic language at all ! In fact, to my ear, it sounds more like Turkish ! This is because of all the 'ch' and 'j' sounds (that's English 'ch' and 'j' sounds, I mean). For example, the 'kj' combination is pronounced like 'ch' in English.
But if you listen closely, you also hear some Scandinavian words and sounds that you expect from a Nordic language. So to my ear, it sounds like Turkish with an Icelandic influence !
Written Feb 10, 2006
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Favorite thing: Here are some links that might be helpful when preparing a trip to the Faroe Islands:
- http://www.faroeislands.com
- http://www.faroe-islands.net
- http://www.puffin.fo/travel
- http://www.scandinavica.com/faroe.htm
- http://www.visit-faroeislands.com
Updated Jul 5, 2005
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Favorite thing: What always really fascinates me is the fantastic variety of plants in places that seem so vast and cold. If you look very closely you can find beautiful flowers everywhere!
On the Faroe islands it might be even more, since the Gulf stream is responsible for a rather mild climate, so keep your eyes open!
Updated Jul 5, 2005
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Favorite thing: If you like to do birdwatching, then the Faroe islands might be the ideal destination for you:
ornitologists have identified 300 different species of birds - and even if you only see half of them, that will be plenty!!!
Updated Jul 5, 2005
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Favorite thing: What left me quite puzzled is the status of the Faroe Islands - are they independant, Faroese, Danish ...?
They have their own language which is similar to Icelandic in grammar, but in dialect resembles the Norse language....
You pay with Danish crowns, but you get Faroese stamps (that make lovely souvenirs btw...), the Faroe Islands are part of Denmark, but not part of the EU........
Well, I might not understand this, but one thing is for sure: they are definitely Scandinavian!!
For some interesting reading please look here
Updated Jul 5, 2005
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Favorite thing: Be prepared to experience very changing weather conditions with lots of clouds, rain and wind!! We were lucky and had no rain and even some sunshine, but sure enough we had it windy alright!!
If you want to know more about the weather, click here for the weather forecast!
Updated Jul 3, 2005
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Favorite thing: If you can go to the Faroes during the summer, do. The weather is much better, the land is at its most lush green, and there are festivals. The biggest is Ólavsøka, in late July. It's a huge celebration that fills the streets for those two days. I would say it has to be their version of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, only they dress in national costume and their isn't as much sin going on, though there is plenty of drinking and merriment! The Faroese know how to party, and this is the best time to be a part of it, and to witness some cultural activties! Another great thing to check out in the summer is the sunset. Because the Faroe Islands are so far north, the sun only dips below the horizon and then comes back up again.
Fondest memory: The night life, the food, the art, and for me, family. I miss it all.
If you want some great information on the Faroes, and some amazing pictures, check out www.faroeislands.com.
Written Sep 18, 2002
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Favorite thing: It’s very easy to reach every place in Stremoy and Eysturoy. You have short distances to go. So, don’t be in hurry. You don’t find here the monuments or great museums you have to see. The one and only important is nature. Take your time and enjoy beautiful views: green mountains, misty landscapes, high cliffs.
Fondest memory: To sit outside my tent and enjoy sunsets and beautiful view on famous rocks “The giant and his wife” near Eidi.
Written Aug 26, 2002
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Hotel Foroyar Tórshavn
3 Reviews and 23 Opinions I have not stayed in this hotel - but have actually been inside seeking directions. It is pleasant...
Hotel Streym Torshavn Tórshavn
Hotel Torshavn Tórshavn
1 Review and 20 Opinions I found myself in room 213 - sadly with no real view of anything apart from the roof tops, but it...
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