Geologically, the 18 islands that make up the Faroes are of volcanic origin & the same age as the British Isles, though so small that you can hardly find them on a map.
First discovered by Irish hermits, they were only permanently settled in the 9th century by the Vikings, who arrived around the year 850, seeking new land. They then used the islands as stepping stones on their explorations north & west, to Iceland, Greenland & even North America.
Torshavn, the capital, lies at the southern end of the island of Streymoy & approaching by sea, the town looks unexpectedly large for its 20,000 inhabitants, with houses fanning out along the coast & up the hillsides.
The islanders claim Danish citizenship & send representatives to the Danish parliament. The Faroes are on GMT + 1hr & currency is the kroner.
While we were in Torshavn on July 29th, it was a national holiday, with people observing St Olav's Day--a time of great celebration.
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