
https://www.62n.fo/en/car-rental/
The speed limits are 50km per hour and 80km per hour. Daytime headlights and wearing seatbelts are obligatory here. Watch out for the sheep on the road. They are everywhere and walk freely all the time. In case you hit a sheep, you must call the police. It is very probable you would have to compensate the farmer for his losses, so keep an eye on the road.
Transportation
The infrastructure here is highly advanced. Roads are safe, intersected with many tunnels. Many of the tunnels are one way, with lay-bys. Each tunnel has a road sign in front of it, which tells you who has the right of way. There are 18 tunnels altogether, of which 2 are undersea (6km long). The third undersea tunnel is still under construction. It is planned to be finished in 2019. Its length will be 11km, and it is going to connect the capital on the Streymoy Island with Eysturoy Island. Many will breathe a sigh of relief, as it will surely save a lot of time. It is planned for more tunnels to be built. These will take you to the Sandoy and Suduroy Islands. To go there and back through the tunnel will cost you 100DKK. Rented cars already have a memory chip in them. In case you are driving a car of your own, you will pay at the nearest petrol station. Car rentals also offer a deal for 300DKK, which will let you use all the tunnels with unlimited access.
Helicopters
Helicopters are a common means of transportation here. They are run by the local Atlantic Airways co. Prices are reasonable, plus, they offer a regular transport to outlying places, and places which are not easily accessible. Helicopters are a good way to get to know the Islands better. One ride will cost you (depends on how far you fly) from 85DKK to 360DKK. That is nothing if you compare it to prices in other destinations. The problem is that they are meant for the locals mainly. That is why you cannot buy a return ticket for the same day. Last season, one ride to Mykines Island was 145DKK. Days which the helicopters operate are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Routes and timetables are on this website: https://www.atlantic.fo/en/book-and-plan/helicopter/timetable/.
Ferry
We used this means of transport when going to Suduroy and Kalsoy Islands. It is not possible to book a ticket in advance, so you simply have to come early. Some ferries offer also beverages. For more info about timetables go to www.ssl.fo . You’ll pay for a return ticket, except when going to Mykines.
You also can buy a Travel Card. You’ll get it at the airport, or in Thórshavn. A 4/7 day card will cost you 500/700DKK. It allows you to use the services of all buses and ferries with unlimited access. As always, everywhere, except Mykines!
Ferry no.36 to Mykines, from Sørvágur, operates only from May1 to August 31. You will have to buy a ticket in advance for 120DKK.
Ferry no.56 to Kalsoy Island. Leaving from the centre of Klaksvik, it takes you (car + driver) to Kalsoy and back for 160DKK in 45 minutes.
Ferry to Suduroy leaves from the harbour in the capital.
Prices
Danish krone and Faroese króna are on a par. However, we did not even have to bring any money, as it was possible to pay with your card, practically anywhere we went. Groceries are quite expensive, as they are in all the Nordic countries. In restaurants, alcohol is everything but cheap. If you are a wine person it will cost you 200DKK and if a beer one, it is about 60DKK for a pint.
Tipping or negotiations are out of place.
Faroese Quisine
Definitely meat oriented. Lamb is the base of many Faroese meals. Skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton) is one of the favourite ones. Except lamb, you can enjoy many kinds of fish meals. A drying shed, known as “hjallur”, is a common feature in many Faroese homes, especially in small towns or villages. Ræstur fiskur is very popular too – matured fish, then meals made of Pilot whale, sea birds Puffins, or their eggs. Alcohol is no longer prohibited since 1992. However, you can’t buy it in any supermarket or a grocery store. As in most Nordic countries, you would have to visit a special store which, here in The Faroe Islands, is called Rúsan. It may come as a surprise, but there are only 6 of these here. It no longer seems odd, why all the inhabitants coming back to the country buy so much liquor at the airport. Áarstova and Barbara, are the best rated restaurants in the old town. If you want to dine there, you have to book a table in advance. There is also one restaurant with a Michelin star on the Faroe Islands. It may come as a surprise, but the restaurant Koks is not situated in the capital, as one would have expected. It is relatively isolated in a remote place, not far from Leynar village at the Leynavatn Lake. If you are interested in a gastronomic delight, be ready to pay. A tasting menu with wine will cost you 2500DKK which makes approximately 340 euro.
Security
This is one of the safest countries with no prison. Criminality rate is really low, which you can see everywhere around. (Just couple of examples: unlocked cars at the airport rental, cars with engine on at petrol stations, while the driver is shopping inside.) Of course, there are exceptions here, as anywhere else. And in case someone is sentenced to serve for more than a year and a half, he or she is sent to jail in Denmark.
Language
Faroese is one of the Germanic languages, which is spoken by a very small amount of people. Its closest extant relative is Icelandic language. Faroese language is spoken as a first language on the Islands, but Danish is the official one here. If you speak English however, you will have no problem to be understood. Even in the remotest corners of the Islands.
What to buy
Knitting is a popular activity here. It cannot go unnoticed. Faroese inhabitants knit everywhere. Knitted products became one of the most typical and precious objects and souvenirs. Prices move from as low as 750DKK up to 1000DKK for the more trendy and stylish ones. You can support the local economy by purchasing their knitted goods in Heimavikri store. The best one is said to be situated in Klaksvík. Local women sell their products which are tax free. It makes them cheaper and more authentic than the mass production items from Snaeldan or Sirri.
Other nice souvenirs which you can take into consideration are stamps which have been printed here since 1975.
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