Recent Articles
Faroe Islands
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A Day Trip to Sandoy One of the Faroe Islands
Sandoy, one of the Faroe Islands, is relatively flat and very green. It was named after its large beach and sandy soil. It is the only island with dunes - black basalt sand dunes. Birds congregate in large numbers on the cliff face of its headland and tourists seeking an adrenalin rush can replicate the hunting techniques of the islanders by rappelling an activity similar to abseiling ...
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Hotel Føroyar – A Special Hotel in Tórshavn, Capital of the Faroe Islands
When I arrived at the Hotel Føroyar I was delighted to see that it had a traditional turf roof. But I could not help wondering if this was genuine. The turf roof comprises a covering of birch bark topped by tiles of turf has been popular since prehistoric times. Today they continue to triumph over other possible materials as the advantages include the absorption of rainwater and the provision of insulation in winter yet they are cool in summer. My doubts were soon removed by the sight of new turf being laid in one section of the roof. The presence of a lone black sheep had me wondering if he was waiting to graze the new grass ...
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Four Highlights of Streymoy one of the Faroe Islands
Streymoy is one of the Faroe Islands, a group of eighteen islands isolated in the middle of the Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland. They are part of Denmark but self-governing. The islands are connected by under-sea road tunnels, ferries, causeways and bridges. The biggest of these islands is Streymor but the airport is on the island of" Vágar. The two islands are connected by an under-sea tunnel. Thin soil and turbulent weather mean the islanders have to scrape a living as best they can. When it rains waterfalls cascade down the slopes of mountains and hills creating a spectacular landscape. One I was able to appreciate as I arrived in the rain ...
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Tórshavn, the Captivating Capital of the Faroe Islands
On arrival in Tórshavn Faroe Islands I caught a tantalising glance of the red and white tower of a lighthouse on a promontory at the far end of the harbour. I decided this should be my starting point and set off to investigate. At first I did not appreciate that the steps I was climbing were actually part of Skansin the only remaining fort of the four that were built to defend the town and Streymoy, its island home. During the sixteenth century Tórshavn had become established as a trading centre and vulnerable to pirate attacks from across the North Atlantic ...