In 2007, National Geographic conducted a survey of 111 island communities throughout the world. The Faroe Islands ranked as the most unspoiled island destination on the planet.

I remember reading about this on board of a flight with Atlantic Airways, while heading for the Faroes in May 2008. I was reminded once again about its pristine condition while reading this article Tread carefully on the pristine landscape of the Faroe Islands on metronews.

The article also mentioned the town of Gjógv, 67 kms from the capital of Tórshavn. In Gjógv, traditional dishes, such as the ones made with pilot whale meat, will soon be history.

A bit of Faroese paradise in Gjógv

The Faroe Islands, only accessible by plane or ship, are the most untouched destination I have ever been to. 75,000 sheep grace the islands compared to a population of about 50,000 Faroese.

The capital city of Tórshavn around 8:30 p.m. in May

For more about life on the islands, I also conducted an interview with my longtime Faroese friend, Mariann, before my trip.

To see the complete list of destinations rated by National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, which conducted this fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey (aided by George Washington University), visit National Geographic.

In a way I wish for many people to see these islands, but I also would like to keep it safe from mass tourism.

In October a panel of 522 experts were asked by National Geographic to vote on which islands avoid the danger, which are succumbing to it, and which hang in balance.

The winner – totally unanticipated, at least by the Faroese population – were the Faroe islands.

If you want to know more about this gem in the sea, then visit my favorite Faroese website Framtak, which gives a comprehensive introduction to the Faroes (Faeroe Islands). It also serves as a useful resource for tourists, schools, businesses and individuals. It offers translation services, weather reports, shopping, and all kinds of other information like the following quiz:

What do you know about the Faroes?

I am happy to report I scored 100%!

How well did you do?