text:
Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills is a city in Oakland County in Michigan. It almost completely surrounds the smaller city of Farmington.

Do
Visit the Civic Theater in Downtown Farmington. For around $3.50 you can go see a movie. The feature has usually been out in theaters for a while, but it is something fun to do with your friends and family.

There are also many ice cream shops around such as Cold Stone, Hershey's Ice Cream, and Silver Dairy.

There is also an outdoor market in Downtown Farmington with produce on Saturdays from 9am-2pm.

The month of July marks the Founder's Day Festival. This three day event is perfect for families to purchase great food and homemade items as well and see performances and hear great music.

Visit Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, which offers a unique mixture of modern and antique arcade games. Admission is free.

Go next

 * Detroit

title: Farmington Hills


text:
Farmville

Farmville is a city in Virginia.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Farmville


text:
Farnborough

Farnborough is a town in the northeastern corner of the English county of Hampshire, adjacent to the borders with Surrey and Berkshire. Once an isolated hamlet, Farnborough grew into a medium-sized town over the course of the 20th century. This growth was built on the back of the aviation industry; Farnborough was the site of the first powered flight in Britain, made by Samuel Cody in 1904. Today, the aerospace, defence and technology industries thrive and aviation heritage is evident all around the town. Farnborough is best known as the home of the biennial Farnborough International Airshow, which has been running since 1948.

The town is also the final resting place of deposed French Emperor Napoléon III and his wife Eugénie de Montijo.

Orientation
The northeasternmost town in Hampshire, Farnborough is contiguous with Aldershot (with which it shares a local authority, the Borough of Rushmoor) to the south, and Camberley (in Surrey) to the north. The town's eastern boundary is marked by the River Blackwater, on the other side of which are the suburban villages Ash, Frimley and Mytchett, which are nowadays considered part of Camberley. Farnborough Airport is immediately to the south-west of the town centre, and west of that is beautiful mixed forest and heathland leading to Fleet.

Although locals divide Farnborough north and south, and into other named areas not relevant here, the visitor may understand it better as a town of four quadrants: The modern town centre sits where these four quadrants meet.
 * The north-west covers the mostly residential areas known as Cove and Southwood, which were formerly independent villages. Although there are some older buildings, the bulk of this part's urbanisation took place in the mid- to late 20th century, and there is little here of interest to a visitor.
 * The north-east is separated from the NW by Farnborough Road. This is the oldest part of town and contains the former village centre (Farnborough Street), the parish church of St Peter, St Michael's Abbey and Farnborough Hill House (Farnborough Park).
 * The south-east was Farnborough's 19th-century town centre, and is still today predominantly Victorian in character, known as South Farnborough or North Camp. It is mixed residential and commercial, and has many of the best restaurants and pubs.
 * The south-west is dominated by Farnborough Airport, and the high-tech industry, business parks and hotels which surround it. This is also the location of the RAE Heritage Quarter and FAST Museum.

Early history
While Farnborough has been settled for at least 1000 years (it was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Ferneberga, Old English for "Fern Hill"), it was for most of its history a tiny hamlet in the midst of a lawless and remote heathland, on the outer edges of Windsor Forest, a royal hunting estate. Its location at the borders of Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire meant it was frequently used by outlaws as diverse as highwaymen and illegal boxers; before the 20th century, county police forces had no powers beyond their areas of jurisdiction, so all criminals had to do to escape justice was pass from one county to the next. The area's comparative remoteness and frontier town vibes kept Farnborough small for centuries; there are therefore few buildings today that date from before the 19th century, and those that do are rustic-looking timber-framed cottages.

The arrival of the British Army to neighbouring Aldershot in the mid-1800s brought more settlers to the area, and many officers built fine villas in what is now Farnborough's southern suburb of North Camp - so called because it is north of the Army garrison ("camp"). Shops, services and a town hall sprang up to serve the growing community, and North Camp remained Farnborough's commercial centre for another hundred years.

The French Connection
The town welcomed foreign royalty in 1880, when the Empress Eugénie de Montijo moved into Farnborough Hill, a manor house and estate. Eugénie was the Spanish-born widow of Emperor Napoléon III of France. Following the Franco-Prussian War and revolution of 1870, the deposed imperial family fled to England, where they settled in Kent. The Emperor died in 1873, but was survived by his wife and the couple's only child, Louis Napoléon Eugène. The prince imperial was the last hope for a Bonapartist restoration, until he was killed by Zulu warriors while serving with the British Army in southern Africa in 1879. The following year, the grieving Empress moved into and greatly expanded Farnborough Hill, transforming it into a château where she received regular visits from her close friend, Queen Victoria. On the estate, she ordered the construction of a neo-Gothic Roman Catholic monastery, to which were invited monks of the Benedictine order from France, who were to watch over the imperial mausoleum. Named for St Michael, the monastery was made an abbey by the Pope in 1903. Remaining in Farnborough until her death in 1920, Eugénie is buried in the family crypt of the abbey alongside her husband and son.

Aviation pioneers
Farnborough got its economic breakthrough when the Army set up a balloon factory on what was then a grassy plain on the western edge of town. In 1904, the Iowa-born wild west showman Samuel Franklin Cody designed and flew his 'Army Aeroplane Number One' in what was Britain's first powered flight. Within a few years the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), as the Army balloon factory was now known, had made Farnborough its headquarters, and the grassy plain was transformed into an airfield. Cody continued to develop prototype aircraft, and became increasingly ambitious, entering competitions such as the 'Circuit of Britain' and the 'Michelin Cup'. In 1913, his luck finally ran out when his latest prototype broke up mid-flight; Cody and his unfortunate passenger were thrown to their deaths. His funeral procession was attended by 100,000 people and he is buried in Aldershot Military Cemetery.

Ever since Cody's era, the town has been synonymous with the aviation industry. Captured enemy aircraft were 'reverse engineered' in Farnborough during the Second World War, helping to give the RAF the edge over the Luftwaffe. This caused tragedy when a test pilot lost control of a Dornier Do-335 over the town and crashed into a local primary school, scattering burning debris and fuel over the schoolyard. The pilot was killed instantly, but by extremely good fortune, there were only a few minor injuries sustained by the children and their teachers. Post-war, the innovation continued. Jet engines were pioneered here in the mid-1940s, while supersonic passenger flight was successfully engineered with Concorde in the 1960s, continuing Farnborough's French connection. The RAE and airport were privatised in the 1990s, but several large aerospace and defence corporations continue to have their headquarters in the town, while the airport is now Britain's busiest for business aviation.

Airshow
The first Farnborough International Airshow was held in 1948, and it has taken place every two years continuously in even-numbered years, with the exception of 2020. It is one of the largest airshows in the world, and is held over one week in the summer. FIA is primarily a civil and military trade show, facilitating trade and investment in aircraft and new technologies. It attracts a lot of press attention, usually sees the visit of high profile politicians and/or royalty, and also draws anti-arms trade and climate change protesters. The airshow ground is open to the public at the end of the week, on Saturday and Sunday. However, air displays take place every afternoon of the show, and these can easily be seen from most parts of the town.

Farnborough today
Farnborough's centre of gravity shifted away from North Camp in the 1960s, when a civic and shopping area was constructed closer to the town's geographical midpoint. The town's population of 57,000 (2019) largely stems from the post-war era, when slum clearance brought thousands of inner-city Londoners to new housing estates. Today's town centre dates from that period of questionable architectural tastes and car-centric planning. Farnborough is now firmly in the capital's commuter belt.

Since the 2000s, thousands of Nepalese people have made their home in Farnborough, Aldershot and the surrounding area, after a long campaign to give former British Gurkhas and their families the right to live in the UK. The presence of Nepali people, language, traditional dress and businesses is very noticeable.

Visitor information

 * Farnborough Visitor information from Visit Hampshire website

Get in

Farnborough is 35 miles south-west of central London.

By car
Farnborough is served by the M3 motorway (junctions 4 and 4a) which runs from London to Southampton. The town is about an hour's drive from central London, and 15 minutes from junction 12 of the M25. The A331 Blackwater Valley Road is a fast dual carriageway running from junction 4 along the eastern edge of Farnborough and Aldershot to the A31 Hog's Back Road (which links the A3 at Guildford with Winchester).

All listed 'see' and 'do' attractions, and most of the sleep listings, have on-site or nearby parking, and visitors to the town in general won't have trouble finding a car park. The Meads multi-storey car park on Kingsmead is particularly helpful, as are the Pinehurst car parks slightly further down the same road. Less useful is the "secret car park" on the roof of Sainsbury's; since it was painted up, it has only been accessible to pedestrians, as a ramp up from the road was never built! Its 'discovery' by a reporter in 2016 prompted much derision in the national media.

By train
Farnborough is served by five railway stations, listed in decreasing order of utility:

For longer-distance rail travellers, Reading station is a regional hub for CrossCountry trains from Oxford, the Midlands, and the North, and for GWR trains from Wales and the West Country. From here, catch an onward train to North Camp or Farnborough North. Some CrossCountry services also stop at Basingstoke, which has more frequent links to Farnborough Main.

By bus
Frequent and direct local buses serve Farnborough from Aldershot, Camberley, Fleet and a few neighbouring villages. See below for details.

By plane
Farnborough is well served by airports. For travellers coming directly to Farnborough, the closest airports are:
 * London Heathrow Airport is  away. Drive to Farnborough via the M4, M25 and M3 motorways. Public transport options from Heathrow to Farnborough are indirect and take much longer than driving. You can either take a Rail Air bus shuttle to Woking railway station, and catch the train, or take the London Underground (Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus, then Bakerloo line to Waterloo) to London Waterloo and catch the train from there.
 * Southampton Airport is  away. Drive to Farnborough via the M27 and M3 motorways. You can also catch a train 2-3 times per hour from Southampton Airport Parkway to Farnborough Main, changing at either Winchester or Basingstoke; this takes about one hour.
 * London Gatwick Airport is  away. Drive to Farnborough via the M23, M25 and M3 motorways. Direct trains to Farnborough North and North Camp operate from Gatwick Airport station.
 * London Luton Airport is  away. Drive to Farnborough via the M1, M25 and M3 motorways. Trains connect Luton Airport Parkway to London St Pancras International every 35 minutes. From there, take the London Underground (Victoria line to Oxford Circus, then Bakerloo line to Waterloo) to London Waterloo station.

Farnborough also has its own private airport. There are no scheduled commercial flights to and from ; rather it is dedicated exclusively to private and business aviation. If you have the money, the sky really is the limitǃ

Get around
Farnborough is a small town and it is very easy and quick to get around on foot or by car. The town centre has lots of signs, maps and information boards for pedestrians. Parking is widely available, though you will be hard-pressed to find anything free.

By bike
Farnborough has a good network of cycle routes, the majority being either off-road or along lanes segregated from motor traffic. Some of these are shared with pedestrians, and some are reserved for bikes. There are a few unsegregated cycle lanes, but these are mostly on minor roads. Signage is comprehensive with accurate distances, though some of the signs have been vandalised and now point the wrong way, so it would be best to have a map to hand, so check out CycleStreets.

By bus
Local bus routes serve the town from in the town centre. All routes are operated by Stagecoach, though Surrey County Council publish the most informative timetables and maps.

Count on a single within Farnborough costing up to £2 and a return costing up to £4. Alternatively, you can buy a "day rider" for £6.30 or a "night rider" for £2.50; these allow for unlimited travel within the specified time and cover the whole network in the Blackwater Valley: Farnborough, Aldershot, Camberley, Farnham, Fleet, and surrounding suburbs. Pay with contactless if you can, though the driver should also accept cash. (October 2021)

All times given are the earliest and latest departures from Kingsmead:
 * 1: Camberley-Frimley-Farnborough (Main station, Kingsmead, College of Technology, North Camp)-Aldershot. Daily 5AM-midnight every 10-15 min during the day, every 30 min after 8PM.
 * 2: Farnborough (Kingsmead, Cove, Fernhill, Hawley Lane)-Frimley-Frimley Park Hospital-Heatherside-Camberley. M-F 5:50AM-8:20PM every min. Sa 7:05AM-8:20PM, every 30 min. Su 9AM-6:10PM, every hour.
 * 9: Within Farnborough (Kingsmead, Cove, Southwood). M-F 9:10AM-2:10PM. Every hour.
 * 10: Farnborough (Kingsmead, Sixth Form College, Cove)-Fleet-Church Crookham. M-F 7:35AM-5:40PM roughly every hour, Sa 8:25AM-5:25PM. every 90 min.
 * 11: Farnborough (Kingsmead, Main station, Rectory Road)-Mytchett-Frimley Green-Deepcut-Heatherside-Camberley-Frimley Park Hospital. M-F 7:50AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-6PM. Every hour.
 * 41: Frimley Park Hospital-Farnborough (North station, Highgate Lane, Kingsmead, Farnborough Park, North Camp, North Camp Station)-Ash Vale-Ash-Tongham. M-F 9:20AM-1:10PM. Every hour.
 * YoYo: Within Farnborough (Kingsmead, Cove, Cherrywood Road, Prospect Estate). M-F 5:55AM-5:45PM every 10 min, Sa 7AM-7:15PM every 15 min, Su 8:15AM-6:15PM every 30 min
 * (October 2021)

By taxi
Farnborough has both hackney carriages (black cabs), which can be pre-booked or hailed on the street, and minicabs, which must be pre-booked. Minicabs' fares are unregulated, so prices can be negotiated. Hackney carriage fares are regulated by the borough, and use a meter: weekday daytimes cost £3 base fare, plus £0.20 for every 150 yards travelled. Evenings and weekends cost £3.60 base fare, plus £0.20 for every 150 yards travelled; after 11PM, this goes up to £4.50 base fare, plus £0.30 for every 150 yards travelled. (October 2021)

See
In general terms, Farnborough is not a tourist town, but there are a few sights worth seeing, especially for those interested in history.

Aviation
After touring the museum, you can visit the following sites on foot:

Many of the Royal Aircraft Establishment's buildings and structures are listed, and have been sympathetically integrated into a modern mixed-used business and residential neighbourhood beside the airport called the RAE Heritage Quarter. This area is accessed by walking 300 m north from the museum along Farnborough Rd. At the car dealership, turn left onto an unsigned road which is confirmed as O'Gorman Ave after 100 m. First along here, on both sides of the road, are three buildings that house the. There are a couple of information panels to read, but otherwise there's not much to see, other than the on wind tunnel building Q121, Hall Rd. The FAST Museum runs guided tours of the tunnels from March to October; see below. Walk clockwise around Q121 to its rear, and descend a set of steps; you'll then come to the. This handsome art-deco building recalls some of the glamour of early air travel, and its important archives are open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Also inside is the Aviator's Café (M-F 8AM-3PM), serving coffees, cakes and sandwiches.

From outside the library, a passage between two red office buildings will get you to the quarter's central piazza, popular with lunching office workers and scootering children, and dominated by the cathedral-like metal. Built in 1911, this vast skeleton is a ghostly reminder of how different aviation could have been were it not for a series of catastrophic accidents in the 1930s which killed off the nascent airship industry.

Other sites around town which may be of interest:

Imperial and religious history
"A little corner of England which is forever France, irreclaimably French"

- Monsignor Ronald Knox, on St Michael's Abbey, Farnborough

The Empress Eugénie's former home is now a private girls' school, called. This is an impressive grade-I listed monument, essentially a country château mixing French neo-gothic and English mock Tudor styles. It is not open to the public at any time. The best view of the house you can get without trespassing on the estate is from a which runs between Ship Lane and Highgate Lane. The distance allows you to view the building in its entirety, but you can't see many of the architectural details. When the school is closed, look out for wildlife including foxes and Canada geese.

Indoor activities

Outdoor activities

Parks and greenspace
All but one of these are owned and managed by the borough's parks department,.

Tours
Volunteer experts from the FAST Museum run guided visits to some of the unique aviation heritage. With limited numbers of visitors allowed on each tour, reservation is essential.

Work
Farnborough has a high concentration of science and technology firms, and is a frequent destination for business travel. Macquarie Infrastructure operates the airport, while Farnborough International are responsible for the airshow and a large events venue. Defence corporations BAE Systems and QinetiQ both have their world headquarters here, and BMW has its UK HQ in the town. The government's Air Accident and Rail Accident Investigation Branches (AAIB/RAIB) are based on the edge of the airfield. Other major employers include Autodesk, FlightSafety, Fluor, Gulfstream, Syneos Health, Qualcomm, and Zurich.

Buy
The town centre is reasonably well-equipped with high street chains and supermarkets, but it has a smaller range of shops than might be expected for a town its size. Built between the 1960s and the present day, with some parts still a literal construction site, the result is a depressingly ugly mix of indoor shopping malls (Kingsmead and Princes Mead), pedestrianised high street (Queensmead) and retail parks.

In the south of Farnborough, the suburb of North Camp has a varied selection of independent specialist shops, including bakeries, butchers, delicatessens, book shops, and sports and outdoor equipment stores.

For a more complete shopping experience, the nearby town of Camberley is more promising, and slightly further afield Basingstoke, Guildford, Kingston upon Thames, Reading and Woking are the leading regional shopping centres, central London notwithstanding.

Eat
North-East Hampshire is the place to try Nepalese food in Britain, being home to around 10,000 Nepali people. The town also has a good choice of independent restaurants and cafés to suit any taste or budget and, with some exceptions, is mercifully free of the chain restaurants found everywhere else (if you're looking for the likes of Pizza Express or Nando's, go to Aldershot). Some pubs listed in the 'drink' section also serve food, but are primarily known as drinking establishments.

Budget
You will find most of the usual selection of chain coffee shops and fast food, but below are some independent budget eateries worth your time:

Drink
Farnborough is something of a ghost town after dark, despite the cinema and great restaurant selection bringing in extra evening footfall. Visitors looking for proper nightlife are advised to head into London. The glittering lights of the wallet-munching West End are only 45 minutes away on the train and Tube, after all. The last train home leaves Waterloo just after 1AM, though true night owls will hold out for the first morning service at 5:30AM!

For those content with a quieter evening, Farnborough does offer a selection of decent pubs and bars, many of which hum with locals on weekend nights. If nothing else, you will find a proper pint and good conversation.

Sleep
Farnborough is a common destination for business travellers, and is a well-connected location for exploring London and the South East (see below), so has a strong and varied accommodation base. Rooms are most in demand in the weeks before, during and after the airshow.

Phone
Farnborough's area code for landline numbers is 01252 when dialled from within the UK or +44 1252 from outside the UK. Calls made from one local landline to another do not require the area code to connect.

Worship
Churches for most Christian denominations are present in Farnborough. Camberley has the nearest mosque, while Aldershot hosts Buddhist and Hindu temples. The nearest synagogue is in Guildford.

Go next
If you're exploring South East England, Farnborough is a great place to base yourself. All the towns and attractions listed below are within 30 miles of Farnborough (with one obvious exception!), and many are a lot closer.

Immediate vicinity

 * Aldershot, Farnborough's immediate neighbour to the south, is the natural next port of call. The "home of the British Army" is home to two military museums, an artificial ski slope and a lido, as well as Rushmoor's two theatres.
 * Camberley, the neighbouring town to the north with a wider range of shops, the Royal Logistics Corps Museum and the popular canal-side Frimley Lodge Park.
 * Farnham, an historic market town with an attractive selection of independent shops and a castle. Just to the south is avian zoo Birdworld.
 * Fleet, the neighbouring town to the west, has the 28-ha Fleet Pond and surrounding nature reserve.
 * Guildford, the nearby county town of Surrey has the newest Anglican cathedral in Britain, an art deco masterpiece dating from the 1930s.
 * Odiham, a small Georgian market town surrounded by pretty countryside and a castle which was once besieged by the French.
 * Sandhurst, a village whose name is synonymous with military prestige, as it is where all British Army officers receive initial training.
 * Woking, another commuter town like Farnborough with its own sights, including the oldest mosque in Britain.
 * Brookwood Cemetery, a vast civilian and military cemetery with potentially hours of interest. One stop on the train from Farnborough Main and the south exit of Brookwood station leads directly into the cemetery.

Further afield

 * London is impossible to sum up in a sentence, and impossible to miss out when you're this close.
 * Alton is a pretty mid-Hants market town, start of the Watercress Line steam railway, and near to the homes of Jane Austen and Gilbert White.
 * Ascot is perfect for a day at the races, with the annual highlight being Royal Ascot.
 * Hampton Court Palace is often compared unfavourably to Versailles - by fools overlooking the magnificent 500-year-old royal palace in front of them!
 * The South Downs National Park's rolling chalk hills are south of Farnham.
 * Winchester, the ancient cathedral city of King Alfred the Great.
 * Windsor, home to the famous royal castle and expansive Great Park. Nearby Eton is home to the prestigious boys' school, while Runnymede was the island where King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta.
 * A trio of theme parks: Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland and Thorpe Park
 * Tons of fine gardens and stately homes: RHS Wisley, Clandon Park, Hatchlands Park, Leith Hill, Loseley and Painshill (all near Guildford), Bushy Park (Kingston-upon-Thames), Ham House, Richmond Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew), The Vyne (Tadley), Highclere Castle (north Hampshire, near Newbury), Valley Gardens and Savill Garden (Windsor Great Park).
 * Oberursel, Farnborough's German twin town, is a medieval gem near Frankfurt.

title: Farnborough


text:
Farnham

Farnham is an ancient medieval town in Surrey, full of interesting historical sites and beautiful Georgian buildings.

Understand
With evidence to suggest that Farnham has been a settlement for tens of thousands of years, the town is rich in history. Taking in the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, the Romans and Saxons also settled in Farnham. The town boasts an intact Norman castle and keep, built for the Bishop of Winchester as a half-way point between his home in Winchester and London. Part of the castle and its keep are now open to the public. Farnham and its castle played a major part in the English Civil War, with visits from King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. Following this period, the town became known for its market, which the author Daniel Defoe described as the greatest after London. Industries in the town have included the production of pottery, wool, crops, flour, and beer.

Farnham borders on the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Downs Way long-distance path starts here. Alice Holt Forest is nearby, as are Frensham Ponds and many heaths and downland scenery.

Farnham School of Art, associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement, was opened in 1866, and is now part of the University for the Creative Arts.

By bus
Buses run from Farnham to surrounding towns and villages usually every hour. Contact Traveline for bus information on 0871 2002233 or visit the Traveline website.

By plane
Farnham is well served by London airports. For travellers coming directly to Farnham, the most convenient are:
 * Heathrow Airport, about 35 minutes drive along the M25 motorway then the M3 motorway. Alternatively, the airport is linked directly to Woking rail station by the RailAir express bus service.
 * Gatwick Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes drive via the M23 (northbound), M25 (clockwise) and M3 (southbound) roads.

Southampton and Bournemouth airports are also nearby and easily accessible.

By train
is served by commuter and regional train services from many different directions. There are regular services to and from London Waterloo which take approximately one hour. The trains from Waterloo to Farnham are timetabled to Alton (two stops beyond Farnham), and normally leave Waterloo from platforms 8-12 (but do vary).

Train times can be found on the National Rail website or by calling +44 845 7484950.

By coach
Coach services are available from Heathrow to Farnham, via London Victoria. For more information visit the National Express website.

Get around
Farnham is very easy to navigate on foot and most places are easily walkable. The train station is about 10 minutes walk from the town centre.

By taxi
There are taxi ranks at the railway station and at the bottom of Castle Street. For a list of taxi companies, visit the town council website.

See

Buy

Eat

Drink

Go next

 * Guildford
 * Godalming
 * Woking
 * London

title: Farnham


text:
Far North Queensland

Far North Queensland, commonly abbreviated as FNQ, is a coastal region in the north of Queensland. Sometimes colloquially called Tropical North Queensland (though parts of Central Queensland are also within the tropics), you'll find nice warm 25-30°C sunny days year round, warm coastal waters, some of the world's oldest rainforests (including the oldest) and a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Far North Queensland is huge. It may look small on a map, but in reality, it's about from one end to another, excluding the Torres Strait Islands, and is an extra  including the Torres Strait Islands, meaning it's almost  from end to end.

Cities

 * – visitor gateway to the north of Townsville
 * – known for its waters and landscape
 * – the oldest place settled by Europeans in Australia, though not continuously
 * – the only Qld town to have a North Coast
 * – famed for its market and alternative lifestyles, near Cairns
 * – known for its sugar and banana industries
 * – once thrived as a port town during the gold rush
 * – known for its beaches
 * – an hour north of Cairns are the beachfront resorts missing in Cairns
 * – an area close to Townsville, Qld's second capital
 * – boasts one of the largest number of UFO sightings in Queensland.

Other destinations

 * - to the north of Port Douglas, and home to the world's oldest living rainforest
 * - a natural wonder of the world, easily accessible from Cairns and Port Douglas, and stretching far down the length of Central Queensland as well
 * - at this island, Captain Cook claimed possession of the entire Australian coast for the British Empire, on 22 August 1770. Today, it's the centre of the eponymous National Park, an area of, established as a Protected Area in 1977, and managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
 * - a unique geological formation
 * - at this island, Captain Cook claimed possession of the entire Australian coast for the British Empire, on 22 August 1770. Today, it's the centre of the eponymous National Park, an area of, established as a Protected Area in 1977, and managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
 * - a unique geological formation
 * - a unique geological formation

Understand
Far North Queensland is the northernmost coastal region of Queensland. It is full of tropical rainforests, extremely remote communities and for the most part very hard to get into. The northern city of Cairns is a good base with a lot of tourist infrastructure to begin to explore.

In June 2024, the Cape York Peninsula was added to UNESCO's tentative list as a mixed site (under criteria i, v, vi, vii, viii, ix and x). If/when it does become a world-heritage site, it'll become the third site to pass 7 criteria, and the second in Australia (after Tasmanian Wilderness).

Talk
Although you should be fine with English, this part of Australia does in fact speak many different tongues. Many remote communities will speak native Aboriginal languages. The Torres Strait Islanders can speak Kalaw Lagaw Ya, which belongs to the Pama–Nyungan languages found in mainland Australia, or Meriam Mir, which belongs to Trans-Fly languages also found in Papua New Guinea, as well as Torres Strait Creole.

Get in
For the Eastern part, the international airport in Cairns is probably your best bet to get in. For the Western part, Darwin may provide the quickest access.

Get around
Travelling around the North Queensland region is best accomplished by car. From Townsville heading North there are many picnic areas, swimming facilities, and national parks only accessible by car. An example of such places include Crystal Creek, Paluma, Mission Beach, as well as the northern beaches of Cairns. The Atherton Tablelands also becomes available for you to explore at your own pace.

Rental cars are readily available in both Townsville and Cairns, with one way hires available (sometimes with a substantial fee, so remember to make sure).

Roads are generally of good condition, with the Bruce Highway providing the primary link to North Queensland with access to the coastal towns. Some dirt roads do exist near particular attractions so checking your hire car insurance policy would be worth while.

Fuel is generally easy to come by along the highways. If driving between Townsville and Cairns and the many attractions in between, fuel is available at towns such as Ingham and Tully. Cash, credit card and bank cards are generally all accepted, and many of the fuel stations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See
The most important thing to see in Far North Queensland are the Wet Tropics of Queensland, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A trip to Far North Queensland is never complete without seeing one of the world heritage listed national parks. Of all the national parks part of the world heritage region, the Daintree Rainforest is the most visited one, with the Daintree National Park being the most visited of them all. Other popular national parks in this region include the Barron Gorge National Park and the Kuranda National Park although there are several other national parks too.

For those willing to do the rough and harsh drive up to the Cape York Peninsula, it is well worth the views. It is the northernmost point of the Australian mainland, and where vibrant Torres Strait culture can be seen. The landscape there is often more known to be that of Asia's rather than of Australia's. Just like the Wet Tropics of Queensland, there are many national parks in the peninsula, often covered with thick forests. Getting here is usually not possible for around four or five months of the year, as the roads close due to monsoon/wet season.

For something much closer to the cities, the Crystal Cascades is a cascade waterfall on the Freshwater Creek just to the west of Cairns. It includes numerous waterfalls and swimming waterholes with the largest waterhole is sited alongside a sheer cliff which locals and tourists climb to jump into the adjoining deep waterhole.

For a more inland experience, the Gulf Country is a region of woodland and savanna grassland and is one of the few "wet outback" experiences that one can get. It is also home to World Heritage Fossil finds at Riversleigh.

The Tablelands Region is just one of the regions large vast natural wonders. It's mostly taken up by Atherton Tablelands and is home to several gorges and trails.

Do
Trekking or hiking in the tropics and the Far North of the state is very different to the rest of the country. Unlike the Outback, trekking during winter will not be cold but still be too hot and humid for trekking as the temperatures commonly reach the low 30s during the day, and the high 20s during the night and the climate for trekking is much similar to that of Borneo given the area is only 10 degrees from the equator.

Other things to do in Far North Queensland include catching the Savannahlander from Cairns to Forsayth - this unique four-day train trip is a great way to see the wet northern parts of the Australian outback and the wet tropics of Queensland.

The Savannah Way
Whether you call it starting in Far North Queensland or ending in Far North Queensland, the route goes from Broome in Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland, the 3500-km adventure through the heart of Australia’s northern tropics snakes through some of the region's best tourist attractions.

Although a four-wheel drive is recommended on this drive, you can get through the Savannah Way without a 4WD as all the roads are paved, except once you head into the Outback. Allow at least a week for the Far North Queensland section or 30 days for the entire journey.

Snorkelling and boat tours
See the Great Barrier Reef page for that.

Kuranda Scenic Railway
Although rated as one of the world's 10 most dangerous railway lines in the world, this tourist train is one of the best rainforest views in the Tropical North. Trains leave from either Cairns or Kuranda and pass through several national parks.

Eat
When it comes to eating, apart from Cairns, there is little variety of food found in Far North Queensland, merely due to the lack of demand. But nevertheless, the non-ethnic aspects of Australian cuisine can be found in most places here.

Drink
Along with the rest of the state, the local mass produced Queensland beer is "XXXX", which is also known locally as "fourex". Almost all pubs will have "XXXX" in it and you may come across it in football (rugby) games. While large cities will have places to drink almost everywhere, most smaller towns have at least two places to get a drink, a pub and a club although many towns have more than one pub.

Unlike the south, Far North Queensland is not known for wineries.

Stay safe
Saltwater Crocodiles are very common in certain portions of northern Queensland; the species general range extends from Rockhampton to the Torres Strait, along with the rest of northern Australia. Population sizes vary depending on the area, but it is wise to avoid swimming in any rivers or lagoons unless they are known to be safe (signposted for swimming). Read warning signs carefully.

In summer months (Oct-May) don't swim in the ocean or estuaries without a stinger suit due to the risk of fatal jellyfish stings. They especially inhabit in shallow water near beaches.

Go next

 * Your only choices are to head down to Central Queensland

title: Far North Queensland


text:
Faro

 * For the island in Sweden, see Fårö.

Faro is a city in the Algarve region of Portugal that is a popular sun destination in the summer, and a base for exploring the surrounding area.

Understand

Faro (FAH-roo, /ˈfa.ɾu/) is the southernmost city in mainland Portugal. During summer, Faro is a popular destination for sun-seekers from northern Europe and the UK, especially due to the presence of its international airport. It also enjoys a reputation as being more friendly than many other parts of the region.

Outside of summer, the beach-goers are mostly gone, but it is still a base to explore the more remote areas of the Algarve, a convenient stop between Lisbon and Seville (or Spain in general), and what it loses in partying outside summer, it gains in peacefulness, reverting to a quaint and charming small city.

By plane
Other airports around are in Lisbon and Seville.

By bus

For buses from and to local nearby towns and cities, check out the list of lines and their timetables at the Algarve transport company Vamus Algarve page.

By car
Car hire is an option for visitors. You can arrange car hire at the airport, however, as with many tourist locations it is wise to arrange your vehicle hire prior to arrival - this can save both money (the airport car rental desks can be far more expensive) and disappointment as availability during peak season may be very limited. Organising it from home before you arrive is now a very simple process with numerous companies specialising in pre-booking car hire in Faro.

Roads can be quite busy, but if you want to see a bit more of the city and indeed the Algarve region then driving by car is an easy option. Driving in the Algarve region is far easier than in the rest of Portugal, there are more non-toll roads and road-signs are plentiful and relevant.

By boat
Main harbours: Portimão, Faro.

On foot
Downtown is small and close to the public transport options: the train and main bus stations being within 250 m of one another few hundred metres from the city centre. Walking is very viable for most visitors.

By bus
Regional buses are run by the Vamus Algarve that connects Faro with other cities in Algarve.

Local buses are run by the Proximo company. Buses 14 and 16 go around the city, to the airport and to the beach of Faro. Tickets can be bought from the driver for €2.70 (Jan 2024).

By e-hailing
Bolt and Uber cover the town.

By train
Faro lies on the Algarve rail line connecting Lagos to V. Real St. Antonio and it's feasible to use the train system for getting to nearby towns especially to the east - Olhao (~10 minutes), Fuseta (~20 minutes), or Tavira (~40 minutes), see Get in - Train section and the train services operator Comboios de Portugal.

By car
It can be difficult to find a parking slot in the center. Most of the parking stations near the restaurants and shopping malls are payable. However, there is a free car park located alongside the bus station which is close to the Hotel Faro and a huge free car park located behind the old town heading in the direction of Olhao.

By boat
Regular ferries run to four destinations:

 * Faro beach (Praia de Faro) on a narrow peninsula by the airport. Large number of departures during high season, from 29th of October to 31st of December 5 times daily. Adult €2.15/€3.75 one-way/return.
 * Ilha Deserta dock next to Ilha deserta beach (Praia de Ilha Deserta) on the Ilha de Barreta island. Available as ferry (45 minutes) or shuttle (fast boat, 15 minutes). As of Nov 2023, there are altogether 11 daily departures. Adult €5 one-way for ferry and €10 for shuttle (when booking online in advance, shuttle has to be booked as a return trip; combining different boat types is possible).
 * Ilha do Farol and Ilha da Culatra docks in the respective small settlements on the Ilha da Culatra island. The settlements are about 3km apart via Praia do Farol beach or via a network of footpaths. Ilha do Farol: From 18th of May to 30th of September, 4-6 times daily, adult €3/€5 one-way/return. Ilha da Culatra: From 1st of June to 31st of August, twice daily, adult €3.50/€6 one-way/return.

The regular ferries are run by private operators, see the Faro municipality website for the summary of timetables.

It is possible to get to the islands also via various hop-on/hop-off, tour, or water taxi services. Tour operators have booths by the harbor at the Avenida de República. ( updated Nov 2023)

See

Buy
You can buy groceries in the many minimarkets in town. Somewhat more products you find in supermarkets Algartalhos and Minipreço in the city centre and at Pingo Doce at Tridente. The large supermarkets in Faro are Auchan and Continente.

Budget
The restaurant of the supermarket Pingo Doce at Tridente has very affordable meals for lunch and dinner.

All these are in the city centre:

Sleep
Faro has a thriving trade in both package deal hotels and short-term apartment rental. If that fails, locals have become very comfortable renting out every scrap of space in their homes to desperate travellers. Book months in advance for the high season, many places are closed during the low season.

Stay safe
Faro and the Algarve region are reasonably safe year round. Pickpockets are not unheard-of, however, especially near beaches at night, so be on your guard.

Not unlike other Mediterranean tourism hot spots like Alicante or Mallorca, Faro attracts its share of poorly-mannered tourists (especially from the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany) that go to Faro to drink and let loose. Though the police does a great job at maintaining order, do be careful at night.

Go next

 * Seville - via bus
 * Serra de Monchique
 * Lagos
 * Silves
 * Quinta do Lago — a golf resort 17 km away
 * Tavira
 * Sagres

title: Faro


text:
Faroe Islands

The Faroe or Faeroe Islands (Faroese: Føroyar; Danish: Færøerne) are an archipelago of 18 islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, with roughly 54,000 inhabitants (2022). Like Greenland, the Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory of Denmark.

When visiting the Faroes you are never more than 5 km (3 mi) away from the ocean. The countryside is dominated by steep mountains and there are about 70,000 sheep and some 2 million pairs of sea birds, including the largest colony of storm petrels in the world. The Faroe Islands are undeniably beautiful: green, rugged and wind-swept. Most visitors to the islands come between early July and late August.

Regions
The archipelago is composed of 18 islands covering 1,399 km² (545.3 sq mi) and is 113 km (70 mi) long and 75 km (47 mi) wide. 17 islands are inhabited, leaving just one uninhabited island, the smallest island, Lítla Dímum. There are a lot of smaller islets and skerries around the Faroe Islands. Including the 18 islands, there are 779 islands, islets and skerries in the Faroe Islands. A large part of these are around the island Suðuroy, which consists of 263 islets and skerries, including the island itself. The precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands. The islands are connected by tunnels, causeways and a regular public ferry service.

Towns and villages

Until the late 19th century, people spent most of their lives in the same village. Towns didn’t start to appear until very late. For instance, the capital, Tórshavn, only counted about 100 inhabitants in 1900, whereas today the number has increased to nearly 20,000. In the Faroe Islands the traditional village was to a certain extent self-sufficient. Historically there was a limit to how many families it could support. When the fishing industry took off in 1872, it was the beginning of the end for the traditional way of life in the small villages as fishing replaced farming and the growing population chose to settle in the fast growing towns instead.

Today there are still over a hundred villages in the Faroe Islands. Nearly every one of them is situated near the ocean, and to new visitors they may all seem to be very much alike. The houses are either painted in bright colours or the traditional black, whilst the roofs are often turf covered. The buildings are usually built very close to each other, which is very cosy. Each village is surrounded by a cultivated infield, and surrounding it is the uncultivated outfield. In most places the sheep occupy the outfield throughout the year.

Towns

 * – the capital and largest city
 * – the main industrial centre and is the largest town in the Northern Islands
 * – located north from Tórshavn and now effectively a suburb.
 * – the second largest city on Suðuroy
 * – the largest town on Suðuroy
 * – the largest village in Eysturoy, kind of an agglomeration together with Toftir and Saltangrá
 * – has a cultural centre that has become one of the main cultural attractions in Eysturoy

Other destinations

 * (Vestmanna Birdcliffs) – The bird cliffs are situated north of Vestmanna. The half of a kilometre high cliffs are one of the high points of a trip to the Faroes.
 * (Foggy Valley) – A valley overlooking the Kalbaksfjørður fjord, rising to the peak of Sornfelli mountain.
 * – The old town of Tórshavn.
 * in Hvalba, Suðuroy.

Understand
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing island territory of Denmark, although they aim politically for greater independence. The islands have a population of 51,000 (2018), and a language and culture of their own.

The Faroese tourist season is very short. It begins in May and ends by September. Most visitors come between July and August by far. If you would like to avoid the busiest season, it is best to visit the Faroes in late May or early June. The Faroese weather has its own temperament and is a lot like the weather in neighbouring regions, just more unpredictable.

One of the main reasons that people visit the Faroe Islands is the incredible nature and scenery. The Faroe Islands turn extraordinarily green during the summertime. The fresh air, the deep blue ocean, the vertical sea cliffs and the green mountains with their picturesque valleys, is something which would amaze anyone who enjoys being surrounded by nature.

There are bus rides, horse trekking, mountain hikes and boat trips which allow you to enjoy the magnificent wild green landscape. Sometimes the summer fog creates a mystical landscape, in which you may vividly imagine the great history and mystical stories belonging to the islands. Some have said that when the landscape is surrounded by this sort of weather it reminds them of the landscape in J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The tranquility of the islands are great if you want to escape from big city madness. The Faroese love to take things easy and are not at all worried about arriving on time. But if you ever find yourself in the mood for a night out in town, you will find that Tórshavn caters for your every need with its great shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.

Because the islands are so close to the Arctic Circle, the amount of daylight varies by season. The sun sets briefly each night in June, so there are several hours of twilight, before the sun comes back up again. During the winter there are no days of complete darkness, but about five hours of daylight.

The Faroe Islands' primary industry is the fishing industry and the islands have one of the smallest independent economic entities in the world. The fishing industry accounts for over 80% of the total export value of goods, which are mainly processed fish products and fish farming. Tourism is the second largest industry, followed by woollen and other manufactured products. The unemployment rate in the Faroes is extremely low. The Faroese are trying to diversify their economy, but are divided about how to go about it. Most Faroese people work in the public sector as teachers, caretakers or having office jobs, etc. The rise in the public sector workforce is highlighted by the fact that it is getting less and less popular to work in the fishing industry, and the private sector isn't big enough to support an educated and more demanding workforce.

People

The Faroes were colonised by Norwegians in the 9th century – according to history the first settler was Grímur Kamban, a Norwegian Viking who made his home in Funningur on Eysturoy in 825. The Faroese population has largely descended from these settlers. Recent DNA analyses have revealed that Y chromosomes, tracing male descent, are 87% Scandinavian. However, the studies also show that mitochondrial DNA, tracing female descent, is 84% Celtic.

About 20,000 people live in the metropolitan area which comprises Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur, Velbastaður, Nólsoy, Hestur, Koltur, Hoyvík, Argir, Kaldbak, Kaldbaksbotnur, Kollafjørður, Signabøur and Oyrareingir (Tórshavn Municipality). About 4,700 people live in Klaksvík, the second largest town in the islands. 4,750 people live in Suðuroy, the southernmost islands (2010) and 1330 people live on Sandoy island (2010).

Faroese, the national language, is rooted in Old Norse.

Politics
The Viking settlers established their own parliament, called a "ting", around 800. The main ting was established on Tinganes in Tórshavn and local tings were established in various parts of the islands. Around the turn of the millennium, the Faroes came under the control of the Norwegian king. In 1380 the Faroes, along with Orkney,  Shetland, Iceland and Greenland, joined Norway in a union with Denmark. At the end of the Napoleonic wars, in 1814, the Treaty of Kiel forced Denmark to cede Norway to Sweden, but it kept the Faroes, Iceland, and Greenland. Two years later, in 1816, the Faroes became a Danish county and the old parliament was abolished. The Danish Governor became the highest authority in the Faroes.

In 1849 the Danish parliamentary constitution was made to apply in the Faroe Islands. In 1852 the Faroese parliament was reinstated as a county council, but served mainly as an advisory power. The Danish governor presided at all meetings and was a co-opted member. At the same time, the Faroes came to be represented in the Danish parliament. Although the Faroe Islands recognise the Royal powers, they have never been a part of Denmark, only the Danish kingdom.

During World War II, Denmark was occupied by the Germans, while the Faroes had a friendly occupation by the British. During this time the Faroese parliament carried both the legislative and the fiscal responsibility. The Faroese people had a taste of self-government and a return to the status quo seemed impossible.

After a referendum, which led to a very small majority voting for independence, in 1946 negotiations took place between the two countries and the outcome was the Home Rule Act in 1948. The Faroese were from then on responsible for most matters of government except for foreign affairs and defence. The parliament may legislate on matters of local importance and Danish laws may be rejected. The parliament has between twenty-seven and thirty-two members. The leader of the cabinet has the status of prime minister. The Faroes are still represented in the Danish parliament by two representatives. Also, since 1970 the Faroes have had independent status in the Nordic Council. Furthermore, the Faroes have their own flag (Merkið). Unlike Denmark, the islands are not a member of the EU and all trade is governed by special treaties.

Climate
The weather is maritime and quite unpredictable. It can change quickly and it varies extremely, from moments of brilliant sunshine to misty hill fog, to showers – there can be sunshine on one side of the mountain range, while it's raining on the other side. During the summer the islands are often overcast by summer fog. The Gulf Stream south of the islands tempers the climate. The harbours never freeze and the temperature in winter time is very moderate considering the high latitude. Snowfall occurs, but it is short-lived. The average temperature ranges from 3°C in the wintertime to 11°C during the summer. The temperature can be much higher, but the air is always fresh and clean no matter the season.

Landscape
With their volcanic origin the 18 islands are rugged and rocky. The average height above sea level for the country is 300 m (982 ft). The highest peak, Slættaratindur, is 880 m (2887 ft) above sea level. There are 1,100 km (687 mi) of coastline and at no time is one more than 5 km (3 mi) away from the ocean. Mountains and valleys mostly characterize the inner landscape. The Faroese west coast is characterized by steep slopes and bird cliffs, that in the summertime are full of nesting seabirds such as puffins. Something that first meets the eye of a traveller is the lack of trees in the Faroes. The reason for this are the thousands of sheep that occupy the islands.

Visitor information

 * Official tourism website

Talk
The main official language of the Faroe Islands is Faroese, which is the mother tongue of most inhabitants. Danish has a co-official status; it is taught in schools and most services and official documents are available in Danish.

Faroese is a Germanic language stemming from Old Norse and mutually intelligible to some extent with Icelandic. Danish, Norwegian and Swedish share these roots, but have been much more influenced by especially Low German. English speakers will recognise some cognates from Old Norse and other influences, but modern loanwords are quite few.

Most locals speak English as a second language; it is compulsory in Faroese schools. However, learning some basic Faroese greetings will help to endear you to the locals.

Visas
If you do not need a visa for Denmark, you can generally visit the Faroe Islands visa-free for up to 90 days, provided your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date. Citizens of the Nordic countries may stay in the Faroe Islands indefinitely with no restrictions including on employment. If you need a visa for Denmark, inform the embassy when you apply that you'll be visiting the Faroe Islands, as Schengen visas issued for the mainland are not valid for the Faroe Islands (or Greenland). Citizens of all EU and Schengen countries can enter with only a valid ID card, but should still carry their passport as a backup, since it is possible for flights to be diverted to Scotland where such cards are not valid.

By plane

Airlines serving the airport are:

 * Atlantic Airways is the national carrier and connects the Faroes with several places in Scandinavia and continental Europe. The Faroes are accessible by regular commercial air service from Copenhagen (3 times a day), as well as Billund and Aalborg in Denmark. From Norway there are direct flights from Oslo. From Iceland there are direct flights from Keflavík airport near Reykjavík (twice a week). From Britain there are direct flights from Edinburgh. From Spain there are direct flights from Barcelona, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria. From France there are direct flights from Paris-CDG.
 * SAS flies almost daily from Copenhagen (April - October only).
 * Widerøe flies regularly from Bergen, Norway.

Summer fog is a problem when flying to the Faroes in the summer months. The planes cannot land in this weather and will often divert to Iceland or Scotland where you will stay until the weather clears. This also means that flights out of the Faroes can be disrupted too. Allow yourself a few days either side of your visit to the Faroes in case of flight delays.

By boat

 * Smyril Line operates a year-round passenger and car ferry service to the Faroe Islands, twice a week in summer. The ferry sails between Hirtshals (North Jutland, Denmark) and Seyðisfjörður (on the east coast of Iceland). It is the only ferry service with scheduled services to Iceland.

Getting to the Faroes by boat takes longer than by plane but has the advantage of allowing you to take your own vehicle. As of 2023, prices for single passage without vehicle start at in off-season and  in high season.

For people arriving by yacht, there are several harbours around the islands. The best are found in Tórshavn (the capital), Klaksvík, Tvøroyri, Vágur, Vestmanna, Sørvágur, Miðvágur, Runavík, and Fuglafjørður.

Get around
The Faroe Islands are a small country and getting around is easy. All of the Islands are connected by public transport.

Travelling between islands
The two largest islands, Streymoy and Eysturoy, are connected by a bridge, Sundabrúgvin ("the Channel Bridge"). Toll tunnels connect the islands of Vágar with Streymoy, and also Borðoy to Eysturoy. Road causeways connect Borðoy with Viðoy and Kunoy. The other main islands Sandoy and Suðuroy have excellent car-ferry connections to Streymoy, making driving in the Faroes easy and pleasant.
 * Route 7 Tvøroyri - Tórshavn: M/F Smyril has 2–3 daily departures from Tórshavn, sailing to Krambatangi ferry port in Suðuroy.
 * Route 36 Sørvágur - Mykines: M/F Jósup has 2 daily departures in summer from Sørvágur on Vágar island to Mykines island, less in winter time. Due to the popularity of the destination, this is the only route that requires booking tickets in advance (via mykines.fo).
 * Route 56 Klaksvík - Syðradalur: M/F Sam has up to 7 daily departures from Klaksvík to Syðradalur on Kalsoy island.
 * Route 58 Hvannasund - Hattarvík: M/F Ritan has 3 daily departures from Hvannasund on Viðoy island to the islands Svínoy and Fugloy in summertime, less in wintertime.
 * Route 60 Skopun - Gamlarætt & 61 Gamlarætt - Hestur: M/F Teistin has around 8 daily departures from Gamlarætt ferry port to Skopun on Sandoy island. Teistin has also a few departures to Hestur island, but only on request. Gamlarætt is located on the west coast of Streymoy, not far from Tórshavn and near the villages Kirkjubøur and Velbastaður.
 * Route 66 Sandur - Skúvoy: M/F Sildberin has only one regular daily connection between Sandur and Skúvoy, all others must be requested by phone some hours prior to departure.
 * Route 90 Tórshavn - Nólsoy: M/F Ternan has 5–7 daily departures from Tórshavn to Nólsoy.

Strandfaraskip Landsins, the Faroese public transport service, publishes an annual timetable (Ferðaætlan) containing details of all ferry and bus schedules. It is available from the Passenger Terminal in Tórshavn, and all tourist information centres. It is not possible to make advance bookings on car ferries. You should be at the pier at least 20 minutes before scheduled departure, and much earlier on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Sub-sea tunnel fares
You have to pay toll to use the sub-sea tunnels in the Faroe Islands. As of summer 2022, there are 3 tunnels that charge tolls: Two more large sub-sea tunnels are under construction in 2022, connecting the southern islands of Sandoy and Suðuroy to the overall road network. You have three days to pay after using the tunnel before an invoice is sent to the car owner. If you have rented the car, the rental agency will charge a large fee if this occurs. You may pay at any petrol station on the islands or online.

Most car rental companies offer flat rates at the equivalent of 3-5 return tunnel trips. If you prefer to pay for all your tunnel trips yourself, make it clear when you hire the car. The rental company will charge you if it is unaware that you have already paid the tunnel operator.

If travelling with your own car it is also possible to purchase a subscription by registering at tunnil.fo and paying a non-refundable fee of dkk400 (or dkk600 when also using the Eysturoyartunnel) (2022). This will give you access to discounted tunnel prices, but you will have to pre-pay for your trips by loading money into your account at the website (dkk400 minimum for each payment).

By car

The first motor road connecting two villages wasn’t built until 1916, and travellers were limited to mountain paths and rowing boats. Nevertheless, today driving is easy with an excellent 600 km network of well maintained tarmaced roads and tunnels. The density of cars is one of the highest in Europe.

The numerous road tunnels in the Faroe Islands mean that drivers of large vehicles must plan their routes by finding out in advance which tunnel they can enter. Driving is on the right and most road signs follow international standards. Headlights and seat belts must be on when driving. The speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph) outside towns and villages, and 50 km/h (30 mph) in the towns and villages. For cars with trailers, the speed limit is 50 km/h and for caravans the speed limit is 60 km/h. The consequences for speeding are severe. Sheep graze freely on both sides of the main roads and will cross at will. Also they may hide from bad weather just inside the tunnels, which causes many collisions each year.

Parking in the towns of Tórshavn, Klaksvík and Runavík is restricted and parking fines cost dkk200. Parking discs must be displayed in the lower right hand corner of the front windscreen showing the time you parked your car. These display discs are available for free at banks and tourist offices.

Off-road driving is prohibited by law in the Faroe Islands. Respect the islands' pristine nature by keeping to sealed roads.

Car rental
 Vágar

 * Avis Føroyar, Vágar airport, FO-380 Sørvágur. Tel: 358800/212765.
 * 62N.fo (formerly Hertz), Vágar airport/Hotel Vágar, FO-380 Sørvágur. Tel: 340036/213546, [mailto:hertzl@ff.fo hertzl@ff.fo]
 * Unicar, FO-360 Sandavágur. Tel: 332527, [mailto:unicar@olivant.fo unicar@olivant.fo]

By bus
Passenger road transport is run by private companies, but is coordinated by a public body, Strandfaraskip Landsins.

The inter-town bus system (Bygdaleiðir) and the public ferry company have established a coherent and well-developed public transport system which takes in all settlements on the islands. This means that there are bus services to all places - maybe not often, but every day!

Bygdaleiðir's buses are blue. A schedule (Ferðaætlan) listing the various timetables for the inter-town buses (and ferries) may be purchased from the tourist office, as well as the central bus station near the harbour in Tórshavn. Transport is quite expensive, so check for student discount or multiple-ride-cards. Students, children and pensioners are eligible for discounts on fares provided they show a student or pensioner identity card. There is a four-day travel card meant for tourists which is valid for all buses and ferries. It is well worth its price if you are planning to get around the islands by public transport.

The buses are equipped with radios. If you are planning to change buses, do tell the driver in advance, as he will make sure the other bus waits for you.

The capital Tórshavn offers a local bus service (Bussleiðin) with four routes that reach most area of the town which is free. The red coloured-buses operate every half-hour during the day throughout the week and hourly on weekday evenings. The buses don't operate on Saturday or on Sunday evening which can be inconvenient for tourists. Route maps and schedules may be obtained on the buses, at Kiosk Steinatún in the centre of town, or at Kunningarstovan, the local tourist information in Tórshavn.

By helicopter
You can splurge, and take a helicopter (instead of the cheaper ferry) to all the faraway islands – for example to Mykines, the picturesque island far west.

Atlantic Airways offers a helicopter service to selected towns and villages throughout the Faroes. Contact Atlantic Airways directly. Booking is required. The service is intended for locals on remote islands, and as such tourists can only book one way of a journey but you can use the ferry and bus services to make the return journey.

Bad weather may result in helicopter flights being cancelled.

Non-residents don't get subsidised prices any more; tickets cost about thrice as much as for locals.

Hitchhiking

The Faroe Islands are the spot to start your hitchhiking career because it's one of the easiest places to catch a ride. Firstly, most people speak English, so you can have a meaningful conversation with insights into their culture. Secondly, locals are also curious about travellers, and they like to show them places, too. So people would drive out of their way to show you interesting places, chatting along the way. Faroese people enjoy driving around the islands and admiring their beauty. Thirdly, the islands have a decent economy, allowing people to purchase vehicles, so the roads have enough cars on them. Fourthly, the low population and excellent education system mean crime is low. Last but not least, distances are very short, so you will not be stuck with the same person for a long time.

Considering car rental prices, the infrequency of public transport, ease of hitchhiking and short distances, hitchhiking is the best way to explore the islands. You will usually get picked up by the first or second car to pass.

See

 * Gasadalur village and a waterfall.jpgViðareiði sunset.jpg
 * Gásadalur  is both a village and waterfall. This village is arguably the most iconic representation of the Faroe Islands. Here, you'll be treated to a picturesque scene where a few traditional, environmentally-friendly houses stand against the backdrop of a hill perched on a high cliff, with a majestic waterfall.
 * Gasadalur village and a waterfall.jpgViðareiði sunset.jpg
 * Gásadalur  is both a village and waterfall. This village is arguably the most iconic representation of the Faroe Islands. Here, you'll be treated to a picturesque scene where a few traditional, environmentally-friendly houses stand against the backdrop of a hill perched on a high cliff, with a majestic waterfall.
 * Gásadalur  is both a village and waterfall. This village is arguably the most iconic representation of the Faroe Islands. Here, you'll be treated to a picturesque scene where a few traditional, environmentally-friendly houses stand against the backdrop of a hill perched on a high cliff, with a majestic waterfall.

Lakes
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes lies the tranquil lakes of the Faroe Islands. These lakes mirror the surrounding emerald hills and can even cause you to question your perception of vision.

 * Sørvágsvatn, perhaps nicknamed as the lake above the ocean, is the largest lake in the Faroes. It is 30–40 m above the sea and its curve sweeps close to sheer cliffs in Vágar.
 *  Lake Toftir (Toftavatn) south of Eysturoy is a lake that's one of its kind. The low rolling hills around the idyllic lake have the widest stretches of heather on the islands. They are considered unique in the Faroes. Furthermore, the terrain is a splendid choice for an outing.

Do

 * Sea kayaking. Kayaks are widely available for rent.
 * Birdwatching.

Hiking
It is possible to hike in Faroe Islands, however, you must stick to prepared trails, and it is not permitted to put up tents outside designated areas. Most famous hikes are accessible only by paying a fee (e.g. the hike along Leitisvatn/Sørvágsvatn out to Trælanípa and Bøsdalafossur waterfall for dkk200 or Mykines past the village for dkk250, as of 2022). Credit card payment is available everywhere.

Weather is unpredictable, there might be rain storms, so bring suitable clothes. A combination of hiking and bus transport is advised, so you don't need to walk back the same way again. The tourism authority produced a hiking guide which is available from their website. It offers detailed descriptions with small maps for 23 short tours on virtually all of the islands. Going on your own, check with the regional information centres about farming and hunting activities.

Tourist information offices, including the one in the airport, distributes booklets about hiking around the Faroe Islands, suggesting various routes. Another great source for hiking tracks is the mobile application called Maps.me which displays walking paths as well as roads. In any case, one is not far away from picturesque paths in any given location. In the worst case, one can walk along the roads as cars rarely pass by.

Buy
Almost everything in the Faroe Islands is expensive. All consumer sales include 25% VAT (sales tax) and displayed prices always include this.

Money
The Faroese currency is the Danish krone (plural: kroner), denoted by the abbreviation "kr." (ISO code: DKK). The Faroese government prints its own banknotes, the Króna, although Danish coins are used. The coins come in 50 oyra (half of a Króna), 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 króna. Paper notes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 króna. The exchange value on notes is equivalent to the Danish crown, and there is no service charge on exchange, as Danish notes are equally acceptable as the Faroese króna throughout the country.

Before leaving Faroe Islands you should exchange the Faroese notes to either Danish notes or other foreign currency since Faroese notes are usually not known by banks outside of Denmark.

Shopping
Opening hours in the Faroes are longer than they used to be, but many smaller stores still close early on Saturday (usually at 14:00) and nearly everything is closed on Sundays.

Tórshavn is the obvious choice for shopping, although both Runavík and especially Klaksvik have some nice shops selling clothes and knick-knacks.

Wool and woollen clothing are popular on the Islands, and 'you will find some fashionable sweaters, jackets and (cheaper) hats, shawls and gloves. Check out the shops "Sirri" and "Guðrun og Guðrun".

There is only one proper shopping centre: SMS (Sølumiðstøð). Containing the largest supermarket, Miklagarður, and some different shops and a few chains including Burger King, Bath and Body Works and Vero Moda. Yasmin sells women’s clothing. The Shopping Centee has glass art-work by artist Tróndur Patursson.

There are a few second hand shops in Tórshavn.

If you are from outside the EU/Scandinavia you can have your VAT refunded when leaving the country, for certain purchases not for use in the Faroes.

Eat
Most traditional Faroese cuisine involves either lamb or fish. The traditional Faroese kitchen mainly owes its food traditions to the archipelago's harsh climate, similar to the cuisine of Iceland. This is because in earlier days the food culture on the islands was not very extensive. It is hard to find a Faroese dish on the menu of a restaurant, but it is possible at certain restaurants and hotels. Distinctive Faroese foods include:
 * Wild seabirds, e.g. puffins. The puffins are stuffed with cake and served with potatoes and wild berries
 * Skerpikjøt, dried mutton that has been hung for over a year and is eaten raw
 * Ræst kjøt, meat that has been hung for a couple of months to mature before cooking
 * Ræstur fiskur, dried fish that has been hung in the same way as ræstkjøt
 * Turrur fiskur, dried fish
 * Tvøst og spik, whale meat and blubber
 * Rhubarb, since it is easy to cultivate

Restaurants
There are more restaurants in Tórshavn (the capital), a few good ones are mentioned below. In general, though, there are very limited dining selections in Tórshavn. Outside Tórshavn, the quality and quantity of the restaurants declines greatly.

There is no McDonalds on the Faroes, but Burger King has arrived. In Tórshavn you can find fast food restaurants at the shopping centre SMS and City Burger is in the town centre.

All over the Faroes you will find gas stations, Effo and Magn. Nearly every gas station will serve fast-food, especially sausages.

 * KOKS at Hotel Føroyar. From the restaurant there is an excellent view over Tórshavn. Their cuisine offers Faroese specialities as well as international cuisine.
 * Áarstova down by the harbour, right next to Café Natúr. Áarstova serves some traditional Faroese food.
 * Toscana nice and small Italian restaurant downtown.
 * Etika is a delicatessen and take-away. It has great sushi on account of the splendid local fish.

Drink

The legal drinking age in the Faroes is 18. The Faroese love to party, and drinking is much more popular than doing drugs. There are two brands of Faroese beer: Føroya Bjór and Okkara. Føroya Bjór is well-established and is the oldest of the two breweries. It has picked up occasional awards abroad. Okkara was established in 2010 and is growing in popularity, mainly for their craft beer.

Alcohol is very expensive. Light beer may be purchased in shops and unlicensed restaurants and cafés. Stronger beer, wine and spirits can only be purchased in the Government Monopoly stores (Rúsdrekkasøla) in major towns and in licensed restaurants, cafés and bars etc. How much you can bring to the Faroe Islands as duty-free imports is listed on the taxation office's website - taks.fo.

Government Monopoly Stores
Streymoy
 * Hoyvíksvegur 51, Tórshavn
 * Á Hjalla 14, Tórshavn
 * Niðari Vegur 81, Vestmanna

Eysturoy
 * Svartheyggj 2, Norðskáli
 * Heiðavegur 25, Saltangará

Borðoy
 * Sævargøta 6, Klaksvík

Sandoy
 * Heimasandsvegur 58, Sandur

Suðuroy
 * Langabakki 5, Trongisvágur

Vágar
 * Skaldarvegur 5, Miðvágur

Nightlife
There are few bars and nightclubs outside of the capital. In Tórshavn the real Nightlife is down by the harbour. Here you can find the bar Cirkus Føroyar, where musicians hang out. Hvonn is at Hotel Tórshavn again situated by the harbour, across the street from Cirkus. Most young people come here during the weekends.

The bar Café Natúr is close by. Every Wednesday there is a pub quiz at Café Natúr. The wooden interiors are similar to English or Irish pubs, and have live music (usually in the form of a singer or guitarist).

Another place is Cleopatra right in the town centre which has a restaurant on the lower floor, with the main bar on the next floor up. The entrance to the bar is up some green felt stairs.

A nightclub is Rex, on the third floor in the same building as "Havnar Bio", the cinema. You need to be 21 or over to get in.

For young people the nightclub Deep is a place to visit. It is the same as in most European cities a you have to be eighteen or older to get in.

Cafés
For a coffee go to the Western harbour "Vágsbotn", just below Tórshavn Dome and have a cup of coffee at café Kaffihúsið. Kaffihúsi is located down by the sea and has a very nice atmosphere.

The Café Dugni is in the middle of town. Bill Clinton had a cup of coffee there when he visited the islands a few years back. At Dugni you can buy Faroes handicrafts while having coffee and homemade faroese cakes at the same time.

Other cafés include Café Kaspar at hotel Hafnia, and Baresso at the shopping centre SMS. Hvonn is one of the most popular places at night, keeping it sophisticated and clean, and also includes a brasserie.

Youth hostels
The youth hostels of the Faroes are spread across the islands. The limited geographical size of the Faroes ensures that the next youth hostel is always well within one day’s walking distance allowing visitors to travel from one youth hostel to the next one at will.

Accommodation is mostly in 2 to 6 rooms of limited size but of good standard. There are few dormitory accommodations at the Faroese, with one exception being at Bládýpi which has 2 dorms, as well as apartments. Most of the youth hostels don´t have a regular reception with daily opening hours, so be sure to make arrangements with your host by e-mail or phone before arriving at the hostel.

Prices vary slightly with the cheapest being around dkk200 per night/person for adults. Variable discounts for children 2–11 years old. YHF members get a dkk20 discount while groups get special discounts.

Camping
Legally camping is only allowed in designated places but in reality, you can camp anywhere as long as you are not impudent. Locals are aware that camping prohibition law is few centuries old and might not apply these days. Safe distance might be half an hour walk away from the village. There are few objects to hide behind so you would be visible from far away, but as long as you pitch a tent in evening and pick up early morning, you should be fine. Once again, camping outside designated areas is not legal but locals do this too. If you decide to break the law and camp in the wild, be aware of frequently changing weather conditions. It's advisable to look a for hideout from the wind and pitch a tent to sustain from strong gusts. No one would like to wake-up in a night to repitch a tent.

One can easily find a stretch of land just to oneself to enjoy the tranquillity the Faroe islands gives after a sunset.

Also, be considerate and take your rubbish with you. Or as a saying goes "leave no trace, only footprints".

Learn
The main university in the Faroe Islands is the University of the Faroe Islands. Most classes are conducted entirely in Faroese, so if you don't know any Faroese, courses are unlikely to be of any interest to you.

Every summer the university hosts a program that allows people to get a good introduction to Faroese language and literature. More information can be found here. If you are deeply fascinated with Nordic culture, the islands are a great place to start.

Work
Unless you are a citizen of a Nordic country, you will need a work permit to work in the Faroe Islands, even if you are a citizen of an EU or Schengen country.

Stay safe
The Faroe Islands are generally safe. Crime and traffic are minor risks. While there are no major natural disasters or dangerous animals, fog can be a danger for hikers and drivers. Sheep may be startled by cars, and leap out in front of them. If you happen to collide with a sheep, you should immediately contact the police in Tórshavn at telephone number for assistance.

The hare hunting takes place in November and December, mostly on Saturdays, but also in weekdays. Hiking is safe on Sundays.

Stay healthy
There are emergency wards at the hospital in Tórshavn, Klaksvík on Borðoy and Tvøroyri on Suðuroy. Doctors around the islands provide emergency assistance. A lot of hospital staff are residents of Denmark who spend periods on the Faroes to supplement the local health staff. The coast guard and Atlantic Airways have helicopters that may be used in emergencies. Police stations are found in most parts of the Country.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Health insurance
Citizens of the Nordic countries and the UK are covered by their own national health insurance. It is advisable for citizens of other countries to take out travel health insurance.

Emergency or Fire

 * Dial 112

Pharmacies

 * Tórshavn (by the SMS shopping centre) on Streymoy. Tel:
 * Klaksvík on Borðoy. Tel:
 * Runavík on Eysturoy. Tel:
 * Tvøroyri on Suðuroy. Tel:

Car problems
For breakdown and immediate help on the two larger islands Streymoy and Eysturoy, contact the fire station in Tórshavn, telephone number. It is advisable to arrange for insurance coverage for your car to save you the worry of a spoilt holiday due to unexpected garage bills.

Respect

Faroese people are known to be very helpful, friendly and hospitable.

 * The Faroese are not Danes. They are a separate ethnic group altogether. Keep that in mind when conversing with local people, and never say that you are in Denmark when visiting the Faroe Islands.
 * The Faroese are often stereotyped negatively in Denmark. Try to avoid perpetuating any negative stereotypes about them; it is a quick ticket to getting yourself on someone's bad side.
 * Whale hunting is incredibly popular in the Faroe Islands and is an important cornerstone of Faroese culture. Each year, hundreds of Faroese people participate in seasonal whale hunts and some 700–1000 long-finned pilot whales end up getting killed in these hunts. Comments about how cruel or inhuman this cultural practice is may end up offending someone.
 * The possibility of the Faroe Islands becoming independent is a sensitive issue and is certainly much debated. Unless you have a heart for lengthy, passionate debates, try not to discuss it.
 * The old part of Tórshavn, around Tinganes, is visited by many tourists. Respect the privacy of people living there.

Connect
There is widespread cellular phone and Internet access. The islands do not belong to the EU, and the roaming charges are much higher than they are inside EU for EU residents. However, some prepaid SIMs from Denmark available to tourists (specifically Lebara) include a roaming allowance good in the Faroes, although it will be significantly smaller (for example, a dkk100 plan with 100 GB of data in Denmark will only have 5 GB available to use in the Faroes). It can be a good idea to buy a SIM in Denmark if you are transiting there on your way in, as a local SIM with the same dkk100 will only get you 2 GB. Many tourists use the Town library or the National library to go on-line instead. They are both in Tórshavn. Public wifi widely available for example in ferries or SMS shopping mall in Torshavn.

Posta is the Faroese postal service and they issue own postage stamps (postage stamps from Denmark are not valid). A mailed postcard from the Faroe Islands is very much appreciated amongst collectors. As of March 2023 an ordinary letter/postcard (sized max. 23x33x1 cm) to destinations worldwide (incl. Denmark), with a weight of up to 100 grams, cost dkk31.

title: Faroe Islands