Faroe Islands (Halfway to Norway) - 10/18/17

Villingardalsfjall

 Halfway across Norway and Iceland we made a obligatory stop at an archipelago called Faroe Islands, which is an autonomous country within the kingdom of Denmark.
 First we made ourselves busy with the logistics, making predictions about the place based on our previous experiences. We figured out that the Island has around 1,400 square km (541 mi sq) and a population of 50.030 scattered around 18 islands.
The language spoken is Faroese, which is a North Germanic language with similarities with Icelandic.

Interesting Facts:

• There are no Mc Donalds in Faroe Islands.

• Streymin Bridge, connecting Stremoy island to Eyturoy is the only bridge over the Atlantic in the world.

• You are never more than 3 miles from the ocean in the country.

• The name means Island of Sheep, and there are about 70.000 of them, a big portion roaming freely in the country. sometimes causing accidents.

• The smallest island, Litla Dimum, is uninhabited.

The capital and largest city is Torshavn in the southern coast of Streymoy, it is the only town we'll have the chance to visit.

 As a sign of it's connection with ancient viking settlers, the city is named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor.

The fishing industry (followed by tourism) is the primary economic activity in Faroe Islands, accounting for over 80% of the total export value, which has led to multiple unemployment crisis in the past. However nowadays the unemployment rate in the country is extremely low, due to conscious measures.

Making our way through the Isles, Islets and skerries, climbing mountains and counting sheep, we saw incredible sights which cannot be expressed in words; the best we can do is hope this gallery can make it justice.

If the gallery is not enough, you can warg into this person and see it from his eyes
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We arrived during the Heystfagnaður festival, with workshops, lectures, competitions and music, celebrating the Faroese shepherding culture, village life and related events. It is taking place on October 12. 

Bonus:

• Grindadrap : A controversial Faroese pilot whale hunt where whales are lured and brutally slaughtered by the community on the beaches of Faroe Islands. (Click the link for a documentary)
• Band: Tyr : Faroese folk metal band.

This was a small stop, but significant nonetheless. Most important is to learn something new at each stop, not to worry about all the little things...

On our way to the world's happiest country.

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This is our entire journey until now!

Since arriving in Europe, we have walked a total of 15790.74 miles together, and visited 49 places! All that in 8 months and 10 days.