JOIN ME IN AN INTERVIEW WITH SABINA POULSEN FROM THE URBANISED VILLAGE OF RUNAVIK MUNICIPALITY IN FAROE ISLANDS.
Sabina Poulsen, the owner and proprietress of Fjordcottage http://fjordcottage.com/en/ is not a typical Faroese housewife, spending time knitting woollen sweaters and looking after sheep. She is passionate about climbing, mountaineering and cooking Faroese dishes. By profession, Sabina is a teacher and a babysitter in a kindergarten. If planning a trip to the Faroe Islands, Fjordcottage can be your base camp, and along with Sabina, you can go on a trip to the mountains, or she will lead workshops for you from the Faroese cuisine.
WHICH IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT RUNAVIK AND WHY ?
I like spring the most. In April and May, nature begins to wake up. The mountains are covered with lush greenery, lambs are born and each day is longer. This is the most beautiful moment to visit the Faroe Islands. You can also see Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from Faroe Islands between November to February, but no one can tell you for sure when you can spot it.
WHICH IS THE MOST CONVENIENT AND FAVOURED TRANSPORT IN RUNAVIK?
We do not have any trams or trains in the Faroe Islands. The only public transports are buses and taxis. But in my opinion, if we want to be independent, we need to rent a car. Distances are small here and we can get quickly and cheaply by car. But maybe I say that because I love my car !
WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 MUST VISIT PLACES IN RUNAVIK?
Mykines is the most picturesque island of the Faroe archipelago. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a paradise for birds. We have thousands of puffins there that are so close that you can easily photograph them. Walk to the lighthouse, which is one of the most spectacular places in the Faroe Islands. There is a cosy cafe in the village, and the picturesque views of the mountains are an extraordinary inspiration for any artistic soul. You can get to the island by a ferry or a helicopter.
WHAT IS THE MOST CELEBRATED HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR IN RUNAVIK ?
The most important holiday is Olavsøka on July 29th. This is our national day. Inhabitants of the entire archipelago on this day dress in beautiful folk outfits. Traditionally, we are going to the capital to celebrate together, sometimes we spend there the whole weekend.
WHERE CAN ONE FIND AMAZING STREET FOOD IN RUNAVIK?
The most wonderful (and only) street food is hot dogs at gas stations. But if you want to learn how to prepare a fish soup or try Faroese cuisine, I invite you to Fjordcottage.
WHERE TO HEAD FOR AFFORDABLE SHOPPING IN RUNAVIK?
Prices in the Faroe Islands are quite high, which is why we do shopping in supermarkets. But regional products, such as the famous Faroese jumpers, for example, can be bought at Torshavn or Runavik, where there are company stores of large handicraft companies.
WHICH IS THE MOST LOVED LOCAL FOOD IN RUNAVIK ?
In the Faroe Islands, we like rhubarb dessert with vanilla sauce. We also drink rhubarb beer. And a dish that requires courage to try it (if you are not familiar with this kind of delicacies), is a fermented sheep. You can try everything on our estate.
WHICH SIDE OF THE ROAD DOES RUNAVIK DRIVES ON ? IS YOUR CITY CYCLE FRIENDLY?
We have right-hand traffic. The roads are narrow and there are not too many cyclists here, mainly because we have a very steep terrain.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ANY APPS FOR RUNAVIK OR FAROE?
We are a very small community so there are no such apps I can recommend but if you are planning to visit the Faroe Islands, you are very welcome in my Fjordcottage. You will find anything and everything you need from transport, food and hospitality to a host who will take care of you during your stay.