Descendants of Nordic and Celtic settlers, the Faroese maintain traditions in music, boat building, and the controversial whale hunting practice ""grindadráp.

Population

~50,000

Origins

The Faroe Islanders are of Nordic and Celtic descent, with settlement on the Faroe Islands dating back to the Viking Age (circa 9th century). The islands are an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Customs and Culture

Faroese culture is characterized by traditional music, boat building, and knitting. The Faroese language, derived from Old Norse, is still widely spoken. Traditional whale hunting, known as "grindadráp," is controversial but a significant cultural practice.

Activity

Activities include boat tours of fjords and cliffs, birdwatching, hiking, exploring traditional turf-roofed houses, and attending cultural festivals such as Ólavsøka.

Other

Rich in Nordic cultural traditions and unique language