Ólavur Frederiksen
Summer events and festivals
THE 6 REGIONS: Norðoyggjar
With the warmer weather of summer and the light nights, come the summer festivals and town celebrations. It all begins with Norðoyarstevna in Klaksvík at the end of May. The town is festively decorated with bunting and the guests flock to town; the festivities begin with processions, music and speeches and continue with a programme of meetings, exhibitions and sports competitions. Perhaps the most important competition is the rowing event, where the whole country follows with great excitement as the results come in from the first competition of the year. It was in 2004 that Klaksvík took the initiative of holding a music festival in the summer, inviting well known international artists to perform alongside Faroese musicians and singers. It was a huge success drawing many visitors to the town and has become an annual event in the beginning of august. "Seaman's Day" is held on the third weekend in August in Klaksvík. The focus is upon the Faroe Islands main industry for an entire weekend with competitions, lectures and exhibitions relating to the fishing industry. It ends with a dance on the saturday evening.
the first large church in Scandinavia to be built in the ancient Nordic style. The font is considered to be approximately 3000-4000 years old and is, without doubt, the oldest in use in Scandinavia. If on your trip to the Faroes you have missed visiting the Northern Islands, you have not had the full benefit of your visit. Several times daily a direct bus and car ferry links Klaksvík with the other northern islands, and this journey through the magnificent Faroese scenery is in itself an experience. Take your time and stay for a while in Klaksvík. At Norðoyar Kunningarstova, the tourist information centre, you will get all the information you need about accommodation, travelling, trips, and local events. In April 2006, the 6,2 km long underwater tunnel between Klaksvík and Leirvík was opened to the public. It takes approximately one hour to travel from Tórshavn and Vágar airport to the northern islands. FACTS The toll for driving through the sub sea tunnel between Leirvík (Eysturoy) and Klaksvík (Borðoy), can be paid at any petrol station. See advertisement on page 63.
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FACILITIES IN THE VILLAGES Kirkja 23 inh. Svínoy 32 inh. Viðareiði 346 inh. Hvannasund/Norðdepil 250/164 inh. Klaksvík 4.575 inh.
Kunoy 69 inh. Húsar 44 inh. Syðradalur 6 inh. See explanation of symbols on page 7