About Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 small islands situated in the Gulf Stream, north-west of Scotland, about halfway between Norway and Iceland. The land mass equates to just under 500 square miles and the islands have a combined coastline of around 600 miles. The islands are an archipelago and autonomous country with their own governing Parliament, flag, and coat of arms. The population is around 50,000 residents, speaking a national language of Faroese, which is rooted in Old Norse - however, Danish and English are also widely understood within the Faroe Islands. As well as local ferry services, there is a weekly international ferry service linking the Faroe Islands to both Iceland and Denmark. Smyril Line offers year round sailings to the Faroe Islands port of Torshavn with their luxurious ferry - MS Norrøna with services departing from Hirtshals in Denmark and Seydisfjordur in Iceland. There is no functioning railway system on any of the Faroe Islands due to the volcanic landscape causing difficult and rocky terrain. There are, however, local bus services as well as an extensive road system. There is a 370 mile network of road and tunnels throughout the Faroe Islands, including sub-sea tunnels and bridges to connect the islands and allow for travel between them. The public transport system on the Faroe Islands is extensive and privately-run; the different bus routes available ensure that there are routes to almost every settlement of the islands at least once a day. One of the main reasons for such high levels of tourism within the islands is their beautiful natural terrain - formed from layers of volcanic basalt - and the islands' picturesque landscape. Alongside the natural attraction on the Faroe Islands there are also many shopping districts, including one shopping center housing several popular chains. The Islands' also have a wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to explore.

About Norway

Norway is the westernmost country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe, comprising a mainland, the Svalbard archipelago to the north and the island of Jan Mayen to the west. A country of countless geological delights, Norway leaves even the most seasoned travellers speechless. Best of all, as one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, you may even get the deep fjords, vast ice fields, glistening glaciers and mesmerising displays of the Northern Lights all to yourself. Populating these beautiful landscapes are some of the most fascinating and varied animals on the continent; polar bears in Svalbard, Eurasian lynxes, arctic foxes and musk oxen are all common, so be sure to organise a wildlife watching tour. The capital, Oslo, stands on the south coast, boasting internationally acclaimed museums, excellent restaurants and happening nightclubs next to green open spaces and lush forests. It’s easy to reach Norway by ferry, with numerous port cities and ferry terminals all the way from Bergen on the southwest coast to Oslo in the southeast. Aside from the plentiful domestic routes, there are regular international ferry crossings from Scandinavia and northern Germany, too.