Just a two-hour flight from the UK, these beautiful islands are closed to tourists on certain days of the year – and with good reason.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine environment, the Faroe Islands have taken bold steps to protect their natural beauty by “banning” tourists for certain periods each year.
The initiative aims to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure sustainable tourism into the future. The Faroe Islands are an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway.
Comprised of 18 rugged volcanic islands, the Faroe Islands are known for their dramatic cliffs, tranquil fjords and lush rolling hills. A haven for nature lovers, the islands offer stunning scenery and unique wildlife, including puffins, seals and a variety of seabirds.
These islands are known as some of the most pristine and unpolluted places on Earth.
But a recent surge in visitor numbers is putting pressure on some of the most popular – and sensitive – sites.
To address this, the Faroe Islands government launched an innovative campaign in April 2019 to close the islands for maintenance and open them up for volunteer tourism.
During this period, 11 popular tourist sites were closed to regular visitors but were open to volunteer tourists.
These volunteers, who included the then Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands, Aksel V. Johannesen, took part in a variety of maintenance activities, giving the natural environment a much-needed respite and helping to restore and prepare the site for future visitors.
Due to the success of the first campaign, it was repeated and expanded every year.
Currently, parts of the Faroe Islands close for one weekend each year, usually around April, for this unique maintenance program.
The campaign will work with municipalities and tourism boards across the island to engage local communities to identify and address areas that need attention.
Local community participation is a key element of this effort.
They work with volunteer tourists to protect infrastructure and natural habitats, ensuring the islands remain pristine while withstanding the influx of tourists.
This collaborative effort not only benefits the environment, but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among residents and visitors.
