Føroyar - The Faroe Islands Trivia Quiz

Answer: Denmark

The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, are a group of eighteen volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Iceland and Norway. The Faroe Islands have their own government and parliament (Løgting), responsible for internal affairs such as education, culture, and healthcare.

While they are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, they have a high degree of self-governance, including control over their fisheries, as well as their own flag and language.

Their relationship with Denmark has historical, cultural, and political roots.

Answer: True

The Faroe Islands were first settled by Norse Viking explorers in the 9th century, with the initial migrations likely coming from Norway and other parts of Scandinavia. These early settlers established communities, bringing their language, customs, and way of life to the islands. Faroese culture is deeply rooted in their Viking heritage and maritime traditions. Traditional Faroese music, dance, and storytelling play an essential role in their cultural identity.

Answer: Pilot whales

Grindadráp, often referred to as the "grind," is a traditional hunting practice in the Faroe Islands where pilot whales are driven or herded into shallow bays or fjords and then slaughtered. The practice has a long history and has been a source of controversy and debate both within the Faroe Islands and internationally.

On one hand, grindadráp has been a part of Faroese culture for centuries. It is believed to have originated as a means of securing a vital source of food in the harsh North Atlantic environment. The meat from pilot whales has traditionally been an important part of the Faroese diet. Furthermore, the whales are not endangered and the amount of whales killed is regulated heavily by the Faroese government to cause minimal impact on the population.

On the other hand, grindadráp has faced criticism and opposition from animal welfare organizations and some international groups. Critics argue that the practice is inhumane and that it poses a threat to the pilot whale population, although proponents argue that it is sustainable and conducted with a focus on minimizing suffering.

Answer: Thor

Tórshavn is the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands, located on the southern part of Streymoy, the largest island in the chain. The city's history dates back to the Viking Age, and Tórshavn is considered one of the oldest capitals in Europe. The name "Tórshavn" translates to "Thor's Harbor" in English, reflecting its Viking heritage. It is the political center of the Faroe Islands and is where the Faroese government is based. The Løgting, the Faroese parliament, convenes in Tórshavn.

The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and the North Atlantic Ocean. Scenic viewpoints like the hill of Valur offer panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It is a relatively small city, numbering just over 20 thousand (for the entire metropolitan area) in 2020.

Answer: Sea cliff

Suðuroy is the southernmost of the major islands of the Faroe Islands. It is home to several charming towns and villages, including the main town, Tvøroyri. Tvøroyri is known for its colorful houses, a picturesque harbor, and cultural events. The village of Hvalba is another notable settlement, known for its history of whaling and its stunning surroundings. Interestingly, the island also has its unique dialect of the Faroese language, with some distinct differences from the dialects spoken on other islands.

Beinisvørð is a famous natural feature on Suðuroy, known for being a majestic sea cliff that rises high above the ocean. It is situated on the northern coast of the island, near the village of Lopra. It overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding waters and nearby islands.

Answer: False

While there are many important ports in the Faroe Islands, including Tórshavn, Vágur, Klaksvík, Runavík, and Sorvágur to name a few, the only international airport in the island chain is not found on the same island as the capital. Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the main island, however, the airport is located on the nearby island of Vágar in the town of Sørvágur. Not adjacent at all.

During World War II, the British Army decided to build several emergency airports to allow their pilots additional strips to safely land on. The British were occupying the Faroe Islands for most of the war and British Army Royal Engineers completed the airport in 1942. The same unit had also previously built Iceland's Reykjavík Airport in 1940 for the the same reason. Since the Faroe Islands are self-governing, the airport does not fall under the European Union umbrella.

The IATA code for the airport is FAE.

Answer: Tilapia

The Faroese fishing industry is a vital component of the Faroe Islands' economy and culture. With their Viking heritage, fishing has deep historical roots and plays a central role in the livelihoods of many Faroese people. As the main part of the Faroese economy, the people take great pride in the quality of the fish that they export, hence, the Faroe Islands are known for their high-quality seafood products, particularly Atlantic salmon and mackerel. Herring, also a Scandinavian delicacy, is caught by Faroese fishermen. The main market for these products is the European Union, however, on occasion you can find Faroese fish all over the world.

Tilapia is a freshwater tropical fish from Africa and the Middle East, so it's not a part of the Faroese fishing industry.

Pictured is a Faroese fishing crew from 1898. The photograph has been colourized. The colouring is speculative and may differ significantly from the real colours.

Answer: Lutheranism

The main religion in the Faroe Islands is Christianity, particularly the Evangelical Lutheran faith. The Church of the Faroe Islands, also known as the Evangelical-Lutheran Church, is the established national church of the Faroe Islands. It came to the islands during the Viking Age, as more and more Norse began to convert from their pagan ways. Over the years, it became the dominant and nearly solitary religion.

The Faroe Islands, like many other modern societies, are religiously diverse, and there are individuals and communities adhering to other Christian denominations and religious beliefs. Roman Catholicism is the number two religion on the island, while all other beliefs, religions, and creeds numbered in the hundreds in the 2011 census.

There is a small but growing interest in the revival of Old Norse pagan religions, sometimes referred to as Ásatrú or Heathenry, in the Faroe Islands. Ásatrú is a modern revival of the ancient pre-Christian beliefs and practices of the Norse and Germanic peoples. It has gained some recognition and legal status in the Faroe Islands and Iceland, allowing practitioners to conduct ceremonies and rituals in accordance with their beliefs. Some Faroese see it as a way to connect with their cultural and historical heritage.

Answer: Lighthouses

Seeing as how the Faroe Islands are located halfway between Norway and Iceland, the Vikings used them as a navigational aid on their voyages west. These islands are home to a number of picturesque lighthouses, many of which are perched on dramatic coastal cliffs, serving as vital navigational aids for mariners in the North Atlantic. As a necessity in navigating the potentially treacherous waters, they also serve as attractions for visitors.

Some of the Faroese lighthouses have history attached to them. Located in the capital city of Tórshavn, Skansin Lighthouse is one of the most famous lighthouses in the Faroe Islands. It stands near the historic fort of Skansin and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline. The Nólsoy Lighthouse, on the island of the same name, is the oldest Faroese lighthouse still in operation, having opened its doors in 1893. Finally, Kallur lighthouse is perched on the northern tip of the island of Kalsoy. It is known for its stunning location which requires quite a hike to reach, but the breathtaking views of the cliffs and the sea make it a popular destination for tourists and photographers.

These and other lighthouses make for the Faroe Islands to be a great destination for pharologists around the world!

(Pictured is a cliff on a coast, referring to the waters that sailors need to navigate)

Answer: Saint Olaf

Ólavsøka is an important national holiday in the Faroe Islands. It begins on July 28 and ends the following day and and is one of the most significant cultural events in the Faroese calendar. The holiday is named after Saint Olaf (Ólavur in Faroese), a Norwegian king who played a pivotal role in the Christianization of Norway and the Faroe Islands in the 11th century. Ólavsøka commemorates the arrival of Christianity in the Faroe Islands, and it has both religious and secular aspects.

Ólavsøka typically begins with a church service, where religious leaders and the local community come together to remember Saint Olaf and the Christian heritage of the islands. It is also an occasion for a feast; traditional Faroese dishes, such as ræst kjøt (fermented mutton) and skerpikjøt (dried mutton), are often enjoyed during this time. In the evening of the first day are the boat races. Traditional Faroese wooden boats known as føroyingaskeið are rowed for 2000m for adults, but children can also get in on the action on shorter courses. Finally, the second day marks the opening of the Faroese government, the Løgting, and new members of parliament are sworn in in a traditional ceremony.