In the Faroe Islands, land is divided into ‘infield’ and ‘outfield’ areas. Often divided by a fence, the infields tend to be close to towns and are often cultivated, while the outfields are likely to be outside of towns and are left wild or for grassing. In the outfields, you can get a feeling of how life was for our ancestors. Stone houses, boathouses, old strips of fields, peat lands and store places for peat remind us of how close they lived to nature. You can also see old fences, fenced cattle runs, stone sheep runs, stone sheepfolds, sheep sheds and Fransatoftir (Frenchruins), which are the remains of small houses, where people sought shelter from the pirates in the old days. Many birds breed in the outfields: Whimbrels, Snipes, Golden Plovers, Oyster- Catchers, Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas, Ravens and Crows. Sheep, geese and hares are also commonly seen.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVHyF49A6kw[/tube]
Respect Nature
Nature is sensitive, which is why it is very important to treat it well and protect it for future generations.
– Close the outfield gates behind you.
– Treat the cairns, fences and walls well.
– Do not disturb the sheep, birds and plants.
– It is prohibited to pick plants or to take stones, eggs, or chicks.
– It is customary to pick up loose wool that the sheep have shed.
– Do not leave your rubbish behind.
– Beware of loose stones, especially when there are several of you together.
– Beware of not walking out into marsh land, as it can be deep.
– Dogs must not be taken out into the outfields.
– Tents may not be put up in the outfield without permission from the land owners.
– It is prohibited to travel by bicycle or motor vehicle in the outfields or along the cairn paths.
Here are a few suggestions to make your trek pleasant and safe. Remeber to travel with some good clothes, and a lot of water. The weather can change quickly so be prepare for fog and rain. Obtain a detailed map before you head out. Avoid climbing where the soil is very fragile and loose and remember that the stony terrain along the cliffs and at the higher elevations can be quite dangerous because of slippage. Hiking on unfamiliar terrain can be quite dangerous, and there is possible to hire a local guide if wanted, by contacting us.
