We’re a travel agency in the Faroe Islands, run by local Faroese people with longstanding familial roots in the area.
We take extreme pride in our home and would love to share it with you.
Continue reading to learn a little bit more about how an isolated country of <50,000 people developed their own language, culture, and traditions!
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN THE FAROES
Our team of local experts build fully customized, bespoke cultural experiences for our clients.
Whether you’re looking to experience and see Viking-age relics, attend the G! Festival with exclusive access, join a local fisherman when they go for their daily catch, or simply experience cultural day-to-day life with local Faroese people, we can arrange it.
HISTORICAL ROOTS AND CULTURAL EVOLUTION
The Faroe Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, have a history dating back to the Viking Age. The islands were settled by Norse and Celtic peoples, and this unique blend of cultural influences has significantly shaped the Faroese way of life. Sailing was an influential part of life as it connected the Faroes to the other Nordic countries.
The historical isolation of the Faroe Islands, situated between Iceland and Norway, played a pivotal role in the development of our distinct cultural identity.
With limited external influences for over a millennium, the Faroese people forged a resilient connection to their traditions and customs. This isolation, coupled with the challenging natural environment, influenced not only our daily lives but, but also the development of our own language and the artistic expressions that emerged over centuries.
CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONS AND INTERCONNECTIVITY
As the Faroe Islands gradually opened up to the world, the cultural landscape evolved, giving rise to new forms of artistic expression. While a strong vocal tradition remains at the core, contemporary Faroese artists explore diverse mediums, including painting, design, ceramics, and more. These modern expressions often find inspiration in traditional Faroese motifs, creating a dynamic interplay between heritage and innovation.
Cultural interconnectivity has flourished with the emergence of international events like the Summar Festivalurin and the G! Festival.
These multi-day music festivals not only showcase local talent but also draw artists and enthusiasts from around the globe. The G! Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Syðrugøta, has become a cultural phenomenon, garnering international media attention and further establishing the Faroe Islands as a vibrant hub of artistic expression.
Some of our most famous musicians include Eivør:
Teitur
and TÝR:
…all of whom express themselves in distinctive ways, often relating to their home in the Faroe Islands.
Culture Through Painting and Sculpting
In terms of painting and sculpting, some renowned artists include Sámal Joensen-Mikines, Ingálvur av Reyni, Ruth Smith, and Tróndur Patursson.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
The National Holiday of Ólavsøka (Saint Olaf’s Wake in English)stands out as a celebration steeped in tradition, marked by the donning of ornate regional costumes, spirited chain-dancing, speeches, festive sports events, social gatherings, and more These customs are a testament to the resilience and pride of the Faroese people in preserving their heritage.
Oar Boat Rowing
There are traditional oar boat races throughout the summer that accumulate in Ólavsøka for the final event.
