Storytelling with Hans Esbern Heinesen - on history and the present in Tjørnuvík
2024-05-29
Vegetation of the Faroe Islands
2024-06-10
Islands of the Sheep
The Faroe Islands are, literally translated, islands of sheep. They appeared here with the first settlers and are an integral part of the Faroese landscape. There are about 75,000 of them and they outnumber the human population (about 54,000 people). The sheep are definitely the calling card of the archipelago, their wool has a high resistance to weather conditions and jumpers made from it are highly waterproof.
Sheep and more
Among mammals, apart from sheep, wild rabbits are found on the Islands, and rats and mice have been observed on a few islands. Amphibians and reptiles, however, have not been recorded. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the archipelago are home to, among others, grindwalas, seals, dolphins and countless species of fish. The fish world is primarily salmon, cod, saithe, haddock and mackerel.
However, it is the world of birds that captures the attention of numerous tourists and nature lovers. The rocky cliffs and grassy expanses provide an ideal breeding ground for oceanic birds. The most numerous birds are fulmars and gulls. Although not very popular, they are perfectly adapted to life by the ocean and their sounds can be heard in every corner of the archipelago.
Atlantic puffin
The puffins are the living mascots of the Faroe Islands. The small birds, known as northern parrots, are excellent fliers and divers. Their largest colony is on the island of Mykines, where they can be observed from a short distance. The puffins are burrowing birds in which they lay 1 egg, which is laid alternately by both parents. They are charming birds, quite clumsy on the ground, but their photogenic nature cannot be denied.
The Islands are also home to snipe, curlews, otters, guillemots, terns, storm-petrels and eiders. And those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the common piping plover, whose likeness can be found in the logo of local shipowner Smyril Line.
Eurasian oystercatcher
Another symbol of the Faroe Islands is worth mentioning. It is the Oystercatcher, the national bird of the archipelago. This small black and white bird with a long orange beak is synonymous with courage and bravery, and from April to August it can be seen practically everywhere. Its distinctive whistle reverberates through the valleys and mountains and often accompanies hikes in the Faroe Islands.
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