The Faroe Islands are taking a time out from tourism

The Faroe Islands – a group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Norway – welcome approximately 100,000 visitors each year.

Travellers come from near and far, attracted by the country's dramatic scenery, including rugged cliffs, sea caves, spectacular waterfalls and an abundance of birdlife, not forgetting a population of just 50,000 Faroese people and their 80,000 sheep.

But, for one weekend this spring and in celebration of Earth Day, the Faroe Islands will be taking a time out from tourism. 

No visitors, only volunteers

The Faroe Islands do not currently suffer from the effects of mass tourism, but that doesn't mean their soil doesn't need protection. 

The fragile natural environment in a few popular tourist locations has felt the effects of an increase in visitors, and the solution this spring is to 'close for maintenance and open for voluntourism' over the weekend of April 26-27, 2019 – and to repeat and expand on this idea each year if it works well.

The Faroese have announced that only those prepared to work with locals over the maintenance weekend will be able to visit. 

There will be a series of projects led by local people in order to ready it for visitors in 2019.

100 visitors allowed

Just 100 visitors will be able to sign up to volunteer with the local Faroese Crew. In return for their services to the country, they will be gifted both accommodation and food over the three-night preservation period by the Faroese. 

Maintenance projects will take place on Apr. 26 and Apr. 27. Volunteers can also choose to extend their trip to the Faroe Islands should they wish to do so.

The Faroes' Prime Minister, Aksel V. Johannesen, has joined the campaign by inviting volunteers to lend a helping hand.

The campaign will work with local villagers and farmers to identify several areas where care will help to preserve the infrastructure and will pave the way for a sustainable future for the islands.

The Faroe Islands has seen a growth of approximately 10 per cent in tourists in recent years.

For more information or to sign up to be part of the maintenance crew, please visit www.preservefaroeislands.com. 

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