Skúvoy Island: The Hidden Gem of the Faroe Islands

• HelloHalló
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeFarvæl
  [FAHR-vyel]
• YesJa
  [YAH]
• NoNei
  [NAY]
• Please/You're welcomeVænligst
  [VAYN-leest]
• Thank youTakk fyri
  [TAHK FEER-ee]
• Excuse me/SorryFyrirgef mær
  [FEER-ir-gehff mye-ar]
• How are you?Hvussu hevur tú tað?
  [KHVOOS-soo HEH-vur too tah]
• Fine. And you?Gott. Og tú?
  [GOHT oh too]
• Do you speak English?Talar tú enskt?
  [TAH-lar too entskt]
• I don't understandEg skilji ikki
  [eg SKIL-yee eek-kee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil síggja menukortið, vænligst
  [eg vil SEE-ya mey-NOO-kohr-tee, VAYN-leest]
• I don't eat meatEg eti ikki kjøt
  [eg EHT-ee eek-kee chyut]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gjalda, vænligst
  [eg vil GYAL-duh, VAYN-leest]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [HYOWLP]
• Go away!Far í burtur!
  [FAHR ee BOOR-tur]
• Call the Police!Ring til Politið!
  [ring til poh-lee-TITH]
• Call a doctor!Ring til ein læknari!
  [ring til ayn LAYK-nah-ree]
• I'm lostEg er tapaður
  [eg air TAH-pow-thoor]
• I'm illEg er sjúkur
  [eg air SHOO-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...
  [eg vil KEH-pah]
• I'm just lookingEg er bert at síggja
  [eg air bairt at SEE-ya]
• How much is it?Hvat kostar tað?
  [kvaht KOH-stahr tah]
• That's too expensiveTað er ov dyrt
  [tah air ohv deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kann tú lætta prísin?
  [khan too LET-tah PREE-sin]

• What time is it?Hvussu nógv er klokkan?
  [KHVOOS-soo NOHG-v air kloh-KAN]
• It's one o'clockTað er eitt
  [tah air eyt]
• Half past (10)Hálv tíggju
  [HOWL-v TEE-yoo]
• MorningMorgun
  [MOHR-gun]
• AfternoonHádegi
  [HOW-deh-yee]
• EveningKvøld
  [KVEUHL]
• YesterdayÍ gjár
  [ee DYAHR]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee dahg]
• TomorrowÍ morgin
  [ee MOHR-geen]
• 1Eitt
  [eyt]
• 2Tvær
  [tvaer]
• 3Tríggjar
  [TREE-dyahr]
• 4Fýra
  [FEW-rah]
• 5Fimm
  [feem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Sjey
  [shay]
• 8Átta
  [OWT-tah]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Tíggju
  [TEE-yoo]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er ein/hetta...?
  [kvar air ayn/het-tah]
• What's the address?Hvat er adressan?
  [kvaht air ah-dress-ahn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kann tú vísa mær (á kortinum)?
  [khan too VEE-sah mye-ar (ow KOR-tin-oom)]
• When's the next (bus)?Nær kemur næsta (buss)?
  [nair KEH-moor NIGH-stah (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eitt miða (til ....)
  [eyt MEE-tha (til)]

Sigmundur Brestisson, a key figure in the Christianization of the Faroe Islands, has deep ties to Skúvoy. In the year 999, Sigmundur, who had been exiled to Norway, returned to the Faroe Islands with a mission to convert the inhabitants to Christianity. His base on Skúvoy made the island a central point in this significant cultural shift. Although he faced resistance, Sigmundur's efforts laid the foundation for the Christian faith in the region. His legacy is commemorated with a memorial on Skúvoy, marking his influence on Faroese history.

In the mid-14th century, the Black Death reached the remote Faroe Islands, and Skúvoy was not spared. The plague decimated the island’s population, leaving a lasting impact on its demography and social structure. The churchyard at Skúvoy bears silent witness to this tragic period, as it became the final resting place for many of the island’s inhabitants. The deadly outbreak of the plague drastically reduced the population, altering the course of the island's history.

The Battle of Mannafallsdalur, which took place in the 15th century, is a notable historical event on Skúvoy. It was a conflict between rival chieftains vying for power in the Faroe Islands. The battle, fought in the valley of Mannafallsdalur on Skúvoy, ended in a decisive victory for one of the factions, leading to a shift in local power dynamics. The site of the battle remains a point of historical interest and is often visited by those keen to understand the island’s turbulent past.

Skúvoy is renowned for its dramatic bird cliffs, which have been a vital part of the island's culture and economy for centuries. The cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Historically, the islanders relied on bird hunting and egg collecting as essential sources of food and trade. The tradition of fowling has been passed down through generations, and while it is less critical for survival today, it remains an important cultural practice and a draw for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.

The Skúvoy Church, rebuilt in 1937, stands on the site of an earlier church that dates back several centuries. This church has been a cornerstone of the island’s spiritual life, serving as a gathering place for the local community. The architecture of the church reflects traditional Faroese designs, with its wooden construction and turf roof blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. The churchyard is also a place of historical significance, containing gravestones that tell stories of the islanders' lives and the hardships they endured.

Skúvoy Island is accessible by ferry from the Faroe Islands' capital, Tórshavn. The ferry service is operated by Strandfaraskip Landsins, and it is advisable to check the schedule in advance as the service can be infrequent. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter operated by Atlantic Airways, which offers a faster but more expensive option.

Skúvoy Island is small, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. There are no public transport services on the island, so walking is the best way to get around. For those who prefer not to walk, bicycles can be rented. There are no car rental services on the island, and bringing a car via ferry is not recommended due to limited road infrastructure.

The official currency in the Faroe Islands is the Faroese króna (DKK), which is equivalent to the Danish krone. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case of technical issues with card readers. There is no ATM on Skúvoy Island, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash before arriving.

Skúvoy Island is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are extremely low, and there are no specific areas where tourists are targeted. However, standard safety precautions should still be followed: keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. The island's natural environment can be harsh, so always check weather conditions before heading out and inform someone of your plans if you are hiking.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The island has limited medical facilities, so for serious medical issues, evacuation to a larger island or Tórshavn may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health concerns, there are basic first aid supplies available at local shops.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, as the weather can change rapidly. Layers are recommended. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; the island has a strong Christian Lutheran heritage. Public Transport: Public transport is not available; plan your trips accordingly. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Góðan dagin'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Faroese dishes such as skerpikjøt (dried mutton). Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Skúvoy Island like a local, participate in community events and festivals if they align with your visit. Engage with the locals; they are usually very friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the historic Skúvoy Church and the bird cliffs, which offer stunning views and are a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts.