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 Shetland Islands

Shetland encompasses over a hundred islands to the north of Scotland, forming a subarctic archipelago in the North Sea. Britain’s northernmost point; where Scandinavia meets Scotland, the Shetland Islands captivate visitors with their unique heritage, striking coastlines and beguiling countryside. While the human population is warm and friendly, the animals inhabiting these shores are just as memorable, ranging from puffins and dolphins to the famous namesake pony. They also have plenty to keep history-lovers occupied, with numerous well-preserved archaeological sites. Many have been dated further back than the Vikings, who left their mark on everything from place names to local dialects, including Iron Age brochs and mystical standing stones. Ferries make the overnight journey from Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland, seven times a week, while there are less frequent, but shorter, routes available from the Orkney Islands, an archipelago to the southwest of Shetland.