The roar of the surf, the screams from the sea-birds – the ever changing
light which can alter the shape of a mountain. The colours, the deception of
the senses – the acknowledge of inconstancy built into even the most solid
rocky ground. The echoes of eternity resound through space and time, but there
are few places on Earth you will sense it more clearly than on the Faroe
Islands.
It may seem peculiar for the untrained eye, that the Faroes, situated in
the midst of the unforgiving North Atlantic Ocean, in fact is a very attractive
tourist destination. No tropical beaches, no massproduced hotels for charter
tourists and no waterparks or other tourist-traps, which are so common at
traditional tourist destinations.
And still the interest for the Faroes as a travel destination is rapidly
growing. In a comprehensive study from 2007, which covered 111 archipelagos all
over the World, National Geographic Traveller pointed the Faroe Islands out at
the most appealing island-destination in the World. In December last year, The
Daily Mail recommended the Faroes as one of the ten best destinations in 2012.
The interest for the islands has increased during the past few years, after
experienced travel journalists and people who prefer alternative travel
experiences have become aware of the destination.
And there are valid reasons for that. Unspoiled environment and culture,
well-established infrastructure and good accomodations are atractive for
tourists who seek something different than just days in the sun. The rough
beauty of the country is legendary and stimulates the senses. Hikes in the
mountains, boat-cruises to inaccessible promontories and caves – or just to sit
down on a boulder and let the mysterious nature flow into body and soul. There
is room for everything. Unspoiled bird-cliffs and breeding grounds. The secrets
of the sea – below and over the surface. Fantastic geological formations with
millions of years on their rugged backs. The wild, the unspoiled, the
prodigious.
The EUROPE stamps this year give a tiny glimpse of what you could expect
from an active holiday on the Faroes. Hikes and trips in the grandious nature –
by land or by sea. To take a peek into the abyss from a sharp mountain-edge on
one of the northern islands – or a high speed and extreme cruise below the
enormous bird-cliffs of Suðuroy – just a couple of the exiting activities that
wait for you.
And just like the wild outback, the cultural landscape has a lot to
offer. Traces back in time to the first Iron Age settlers. Ruins of Viking
farms, the agricultural landscape of the Middle Ages and well-preserved houses
from days of old. The Cathedral Ruins of Kirkjubøur, a monument over the power
and glory of the Middle Age church. The museums around the islands, which
provide an excellent insight into the colourful history of the islands.
And finally, the modern Faroese society. From the cafées and nightlife
of Tórshavn, the numerous cultural events – to everyday life in villages and
towns. The summer-festivals, the music-festivals, chain-dance and rock
conserts. Art exhibitions and literary events – the cultural life of the Faroes
is as varied and colourful as the village houses.
It is not the lazy life at sunny beaches you will meet on the Faroe
Islands. It is the life in a rough and untamed nature – the beauty of the
grandious and ever changing. The encounter with hospitable people, who may live
in a strange environment, but still are surprisingly cosmopolitan, skilled in
languages and well-informed about the World outside. A modern society
characterized by its environment and history.
You can travel to the Faroe Islands by ship or airplane. The shipping
company Smyril Line offers transport on the modern Atlantic ferry
"Norrøna", which carries both passengers and cars. You can visit
their homepage: www.smyrilline.com for information about departures and prices.
If you prefer to travel by air, Atlantic Airways has daily departures to and
from the Faroes. Their homepage is: www.atlantic.fo
Welcome to the Faroe Islands – we will do our best to give you a memory
for life.
Technical Details
Issue Date: 30.04.2012
Designer: Eyðbjørn Jacobsen
Printer: LM Group, Canada
Process: Offset
Size: 64 x 23 mm
Values: 6,50 kr, 10,50 kr