The Faroe Islands, a beautiful archipelago of 18 islands. With great waterfalls and inner lakes. A large population of sheep and birds outnumber the inhabitants. Home to fishermen and farmers. People of nature, but don’t be mistaken: this is also Scandinavia. Homes full of design, wonderful music and ecological food.
They are not rich but living with the elements gives them another kind of richness. “People here still live in small communities and help each other”, says Ottars wife Jónhild. “Without talking about it, poor people or single moms get support from the community. They find food on their doorsteps. That is what the Faroe Islands are all about.” In Jóhannus little hamlet, his family has lived for over 500 years. There is no longer a school.
The children in the village take the ferry to Klaksvik. Not that there are fewer children in the village. “For generations we haven been counting the same numbers.”
Seal woman
A village further near a fjord in Mikladalur houses the seal woman. The woman of the well known myth that also touches his village named after the trolls. Much further in capital Torshavn lives the woman he loves. Maybe they’re going to live together one day, but not now. First she wants to a police woman. On a crime barren archipel. Trøllanes with its 12 inhabitants is for Jóhannus ‘more than enough.’ As are the 40 ducks and geese that he keeps. And enough are the 200 sheep. “If you’re asking whether I’m rich, I answer: it’s enough to live on.” Images: Nicole Franken – Text: Anneke de Bundel
