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FACTS & FIGURES

Since the beginning of the project in 2019, 54 projects across 38 different sites on 10 islands have been completed and closed for maintenance. 

A total of 611 enthusiastic individuals from more than 50 diverse countries, along with local volunteers, selflessly volunteered, which was only a fraction of the impressive 23,806 who applied.

  • Sundshagi 2024

    Lendisbati is a project of the Faroe Islands National Museum that aims to restore degraded landscapes in the Faroe Islands by preventing soil erosion, improving biodiversity, and restoring wetlands for carbon storage.

  • Leirvík 2023

    Maintenance work is being done in and around ancient Viking ruins in Leirvík, making them more accessible and easier to communicate with visitors.

  • Suðuroy 2021

    The gray team erecting signage for one of many a path between villages on the island of Suðuroy. 

  • Nólsoy 2021

    Volunteers building a bridge in on the island of Nólsoy where the path leads to the lighthouse of Nólsoy (Borðan).

  • Elduvík 2019-2022

    Meanding and securing the village path between Oyndarfjørð and Elduvík has been a part of the project for a few years.

  • Gjógv 2019

    A new timber staircase leading to a popular viewpoint in Gjógv, replacing the eroded pathway.

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Nature is always in an ever-changing state. The spontaneous Faroese weather has molded the scenic landscape for eons, but recent human access and activities are increasingly setting their marks. If we want to preserve safe access to our natural beauty and prevent unnecessary erosion, we need to both understand these changes and act.

Infrastructural improvements need maintenance and unfortunately, nothing seems to be maintenance-free. We’ll therefore likely never be finished, but we believe that important work needs to be done and that this work can be satisfying and socially and culturally fulfilling.

FACTS

  • 54 projects have been closed for maintenance  on 10 different islands
  • 23.806 people have applied
  • 409 foreign volunteers have participated
  • 202 Faroese volunteers have participated
  • 214 staff and coordinators have participated 
  • From more than 50 diverse countries and six continent
Numbers from 2024

TIMELINE

CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE The Faroe Islands is putting measures in place to ensure its natural environment and local heritage remains protected and preserved by temporarily “closing for maintenance” to tourists, for a few days, except for 100 volunteer visitors from all over the world who are willing to work on projects towards the archipelago’s preservation.

Selection process

We select 80-100 volunteers from a pool of applicants who have signed up on our website. If you want to be notified when registration opens, you can sign up for our newsletter. Around 70% of the volunteers are chosen randomly, while some spots are reserved for journalists, photographers, and individuals with certain skills or backgrounds that we believe will complement the projects. Most of the applicants are from Nordic countries, the rest of Europe and the United States. Besides that, registrations are received from all over the world.

CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE The Faroe Islands is putting measures in place to ensure its natural environment and local heritage remains protected and preserved by temporarily “closing for maintenance” to tourists, for a few days, except for 100 volunteer visitors from all over the world who are willing to work on projects towards the archipelago’s preservation.

Qualitative evaluations

Visit Faroe Islands strives to maintain a high standard for the project. To achieve this, the organisation conducts surveys and meetings after each annual event to gather feedback on satisfaction levels, identify common challenges, and explore potential improvements. The goal is to enhance the initiative at all levels, while also keeping volunteers and collaborators engaged, motivated, and satisfied.

Read Also: Why close the Faroe Islands?

Conducting research?

Our innovative initiative has garnered a lot of interest and attention, with many individuals expressing a desire to conduct research or make assignments related to the project. We welcome and encourage this enthusiasm, and invite you to reach out to us at info@visitfaroeislands.com with any inquiries or proposals you may have. We are always happy to collaborate and share our knowledge with others who share our passion for this initiative.

Related articles to Facts & figures

The Faroe Islands

Frequently asked questions

Closed for Maintenance 2019 in Skarvanes, Sandoy. Photo: Tróndur Dalsgarð

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