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Jens-Kjeld Jensen Workshop
Jens-Kjeld Jensen Workshop
Í Geilini 37, Nólsoy, Faroe Islands
T: +298 327064
Web: http://www.jenskjeld.info
GPS: 62.010395, -6.677532Jens-Kjeld Jensen, originally from Denmark, has been living in the Faroe Islands since 1970.
Jens-Kjeld Jensen Jens-Kjeld is a very specific and quite peculiar kind of specialist.
When it comes to knowledge of the birds, insects or any other kind of animal in the Faroe Islands, he is a self-taught expert.
His passion for learning absolutely everything there is to know about birdlife has rightfully earned him a place as a local expert on the subject.
Jens-Kjeld Jensen stuffing bird Jens-Kjeld Jensen has also written several books about animal life, with a special focus on birdlife in the Faroe Islands.
Jens-Kjeld Jensen Book on Fulmar In May 2015 he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Faroe Islands for his devotion to the subject.
Jens-Kjeld Jensen Vitin Diploma Locally, Jens Kjeld might be best known by his expertises in stuffing birds, but he also has great interest in all Faroese flora and fauna.
His knowledge of the local plants and animals of the Faroe Islands has made him a well known expert throughout the world.
His website is a great resource of collected information gathered from his extensive research.
Jens-Kjeld Jensen also has a protected piece of land where he cares for a variety of willows. These willows once covered the Faroese islands in ancient times, but have since become scarce due to the multitude of hungry sheep.
With all of his intensive self-study of nature, it should bot be surprising that Jens-Kjeld Jensen is also an outspoken environmental activist.
He often uses his position as a respected expert to raise awareness of environmental issues and to keep the Faroese government focused on keeping the Faroe Islands’ nature pure and pristine.
But with all of his world-wide acclaim, he still works in his workshop on the tiny island of Nólsoy.
If arranged in advance, he is happy to guide visitors through his workshop, where it is possible to purchase stuffed birds and other unique Faroe Islands souvenirs.
jens-Kjeld and his wife Marita
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Traveling, researching, writing, filming, editing, and publishing these educational films to a free, interactive website takes time and money. But we wouldn’t be doing this if we were not passionate about it. If you enjoy this content, if it has helped you to better understand the country or city you are in, and if it has added to your overall travel experience, please consider leaving a tip to help keep this vlog going.
To tip by Debt or Credit Card, scan the PayPal QR code below.
Or go to ko-fi.com/sizzlemap and tip your guide just a few dollars.
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SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Mato Katedralac
Legend of Mato Katedralac
Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary
Zagreb, Croatia
GPS: 45.814476, 15.979868This is the story of a legendary character by the name of Mato Katedralac, and how he got his dream job.
As you walk past any great cathedral in the world, chances are you look up momentarily to admire the beauty of the architecture. Also maybe you see a cross, and say a few words to god, and maybe he’ll send you a sign that he is listening.
Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary On one particular morning, a few minutes after 10 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, April 6, 1932, a housewife had finished her daily shopping at the Dolac market and Zagreb.
As she was walking home past the cathedral, she looked up into the sky. She looked to the very top of the highest spire of the Zagreb cathedral, and she started screaming.
This lady didn’t see a sign from god, or an angel or anything else that would have made a lot more sense actually.
What she saw 108 meters (354 ft) in the air was a man doing a handstand on the cross at the very top of the building.
Mato Katedralac On top of Cathedral She screamed “Man on the cross!” Loudly and repeatedly until a crowd began to form.
Within just a few minutes, the entire Dolac market had emptied out and the crowd was massive.
This is when the man on the cross really began to put on an acrobatic show.
The crowd cheered enthusiastically, and it wasn’t long until the fire brigade arrived to retrieve this man off the building.
The man continued his routine just a little while longer, and then he calmly climbed down off of the building.
After he came down, the young man was taken to the police station, from where he was released after being identified.
Mato Katedralac the legend On that morning, a man by the name of Mato Juričić entered Zagreb history, and he became a legend.
You see, just a short time prior to climbing the tallest building in the entire country of Croatia and doing an acrobatic routine, Mato had applied for his dream job, to be a part of the Zagreb Fire Brigade.
Mato did not pass the entrance tests. He was told he lacked the courage, bravery, and fear of heights qualifications.
So, at the age of 26, Mate Juričić, or ‘Mato Katedralac’ (Mato Cathedral) as he was called now, got his wish.
Immediately, Mato was offered a job on the Zagreb Fire Brigade due to his unique and spectacular “job application”, and thus became the most famous Zagreb firefighter of all time.
He spent the rest of his life in the Fire Brigade.
36 years, five months and 23 days – without a day of sick leave or absence from work.
He became the Commander of the Fire Brigade.
In his career, he put out many massive Zagreb fires and saved many lives.
During World War II, he joined the anti-fascist movement working to undermine the Nazis.
Even today, the Zagreb Fire Brigade talks about the legendary Mato Cathedral.
And now the annual award for outstanding firefighter is named after him.
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Traveling, researching, writing, filming, editing, and publishing these educational films to a free, interactive website takes time and money. But we wouldn’t be doing this if we were not passionate about it. If you enjoy this content, if it has helped you to better understand the country or city you are in, and if it has added to your overall travel experience, please consider leaving a tip to help keep this vlog going.
To tip by Debt or Credit Card, scan the PayPal QR code below.
Or go to ko-fi.com/sizzlemap and tip your guide just a few dollars.To tip by Venmo, scan the code below with your Venmo app,
or use this link to our account @SizzleMap
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Martyr Tydfil
Martyr Tydfil
St Tydfil’s Parish Church
Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
T: 01685 553529
E: help@parishofmerthyrtydfil.com
Web: parishofmerthyrtydfil.com
GPS: 51.742893, -3.378061To begin learning about the rich history of the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil, it is a good idea to look into the mythology of how the town got its name. The legend of Martyr Tydfil.
Stained Glass Martyr Tydfil The story starts with the legendary 5th Century king Brychan Brycheiniog.
Brychan had four wives and several concubines and was said to have had 24 sons and 25 daughters.
Most of Brychan’s children were well educated, girls and boys, at a school in Gwenddwr on the Wye and went on to live deeply religious lives.
Tydfil was his 23rd daughter by his fourth wife.
Tydfil decided to make her home in the Taff Valley, which was sparsely populated by Celt farmers.
She established an early Celtic monastic community.
She became known for her compassion and healing skills as she nursed both sick humans and animals.
In approximately 480AD, the elderly King Brychan wanted to visit his children one last time.
He took with him his son Rhun and his grandson Nefydd as well as several servants.
They visited his third daughter at her religious community at Hafod Tanglwstl, what is now known as the village of Aberfan, south of Merthyr Tydfil.
King Brychan wanted to stay with his daughters a little longer, so he told most of his warriors and his grandson to continue on home without him.
At the time, Wales was experiencing raids from Scottish Picts who had settled in Radnorshire, and it was during King Brychan’s journey from Hafod Tanglwstl that one of these raids occurred.
The king and his followers were robbed of their jewelry, money and clothes, and everyone in the party, including servants, was killed.
While the rest of the family fought or ran, Tydfil knelt and prayed, before she too was brutally slain.
The Picts retreated over the Aberdare mountain, chased by the grandson and his warriors.
He avenged the deaths of his family at “Irishman’s Hill” before returning to bury the dead.
Tydfil was buried within the church she founded, and a Celtic cross was put up in a clearing near the Taff to mark the place where ‘Martyr’ Tydfil was slain.
MerthyrTydfil Town ParishChurch In 1894, St Tydfil’s, the Old Parish Church of Merthyr Tydfil, was built to keep sacred the spot at the lower end of the High Street where Tydfil was killed.
It is thought that some form of church has stood on this spot for nearly 1500 years.
The name of the town Merthyr Tydfil thus comes from the supposed martyrdom of St Tydfil.
The lore of this story is that she was killed for her Christian beliefs and thus canonized and made a saint.
However, since the Scottish pagans slaughtered absolutely everyone in her family indiscriminately, it doesn’t seem that she was killed because of her faith, so wasn’t really a martyr per se.
So her sainthood was based on three things.
- – Her quiet witness.
- – Her great faith and dignity in the face of death.
- – Her love and compassion towards others – human and animal.
But not martyrdom.
For a more detailed history of Martyr Tydfil, visit www.merthyr-history.com
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Traveling, researching, writing, filming, editing, and publishing these educational films to a free, interactive website takes time and money. But we wouldn’t be doing this if we were not passionate about it. If you enjoy this content, if it has helped you to better understand the country or city you are in, and if it has added to your overall travel experience, please consider leaving a tip to help keep this vlog going.
To tip by Debt or Credit Card, scan the PayPal QR code below.
Or go to ko-fi.com/sizzlemap and tip your guide just a few dollars.To tip by Venmo, scan the code below with your Venmo app,
or use this link to our account @SizzleMap
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Tarira Statue
0075 Tarira Statue
Viðarlundin Park
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
GPS: 62.014334, -6.778321The unveiling of the Tarira Statue.
The year 2000 was the 100th birthday of William Heinesen, artist, violinist, but best-known as the Faroe Island’s most-loved author. That entire year seemed to be one long commemorative celebration in his honor.
William Heinesen was born right here in Tórshavn, in the building that is now the Katrina Christiansen Restaurant.
On 14 January 2000, the day before his birthday, the events began with the release of three books filled with William Heinesen’s previously unpublished texts.
Then, on his birthday, 15 January, the statue of Tarira, created by Hans Pauli Olsen, was unveiled
The statue “Tarira”, is also called the Elf Girl, and is prominently displayed at the top of a small hill in Viðarlundin Park, in the center of Tórshavn.
At the age of 70, William Heinesen began creating colorful collages from cut paper.
The image of Tarira was born in a cut-paper collage that William Heinesen created when he was 79 years old.
Fiddler and Tarira – William Heinesen – 1979 Through the layers of paper, cut to resemble a violinist playing feverishly, while caught in a cage of brambles.
The violinists audience, a lively young woman, seems to be bursting from the Earth, almost floating.
Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – Landscape This woman, Tarira, is desire and enchantment. She is the representation of youth, life, and joy itself.
Tarira Childs Book Character To solidify the metaphor that Tarira is the essence of youth and life, William Heinesen created another, lesser-known piece of art titled ‘Life’, in which Tarira is depicted, in her favorite pose, surrounded by an abstract swirl that includes human embryos and young children playing.
Tarira in William William Heinesen’s artwork – Life By the time Heinesen put his scissors down at the age of 85, Tarira had appeared in many pieces of his art.
The statue of Tarira is cast in bronze and created by the well-known Faroese sculptor, Hans Pauli Olsen. Olsen has many more bronze sculptures throughout the park.
Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – Artist Plate The stone on which Tarira so delicately stands, is quite symbolic.
The hollowed-out front of the rock presents a silhouette of the author, William Heinesen.
Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – William Heinesen Profile Tarira is dancing her way out of the mind of William Heinesen. This is because she is the representation of Heinesen’s imagination and creativity. She is his muse.
If you walk around the back of the statue, you will see the familiar figure of the man with a violin.
Tarira Statue – Viðarlundin Park Tórshavn – Fiddler The aside from being yet another symbolic reference to the author (Heinesen also played the violin) the silhuoette could also reference one of Heinesens famous works “Glataðu Spælimenninir” (The Doomed Fiddler) (1950).
Glataðu Spælimenninir stamp collection
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Traveling, researching, writing, filming, editing, and publishing these educational films to a free, interactive website takes time and money. But we wouldn’t be doing this if we were not passionate about it. If you enjoy this content, if it has helped you to better understand the country or city you are in, and if it has added to your overall travel experience, please consider leaving a tip to help keep this vlog going.
To tip by Debt or Credit Card, scan the PayPal QR code below.
Or go to ko-fi.com/sizzlemap and tip your guide just a few dollars.To tip by Venmo, scan the code below with your Venmo app,
or use this link to our account @SizzleMap
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Tinganes Compass Rose
Tinganes Compass Rose
Tinganes Peninsula
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
GPS: 62.007435, -6768741Many people go looking for the Tinganes Compass Rose, but never find it.
Tinganes Compass Rose on Rocks by Water As you walk out onto the rocks at the very tip of the Tinganes peninsula for the fantastic view, what you might not realize is that quite literally, you might be walking on history.
If you search closely, you will find several ancient engravings.
Though still a challenge to initially find, the largest, and easiest to spot of these engravings is a large circle divided into segments.
The most commonly heard theory, is that this marking was used as a sun dial, carved by Vikings in the 10th century, so that the men could know when parliament, or the Ting, began and finished.
If you visit this site at most hours of the day, you will see the faint outline of this large circle. So it does, kind of, look like a sundial.
Sundial Outline Example If this was a sundial, these segments would be called “økt”s and would represent 1/8th of the day = 3 hours.
But these segments are evenly spaced and are spread the full 360 degrees around the circle. That is not how sundials work. It is also missing the center hole for a shadow-stick. For these reasons, and more, it is agreed among historians that this is, indeed, a compass rose.
Compass Rose Compass Rose
If you visit this engraving at just the right time, when the sun is at just the right angle, more details of the engraving suddenly become clearly visible.
Tinganes Compass Rose Perfect Photo The most visible telltale signs of this being a compass:
- – East, West, and South have extended lines from the circle with a cross at one end
(This cross on the East side of the East-West axis symbolized the direction of the Holy Land) - – A French lily flower, or fleur-de-lis, pointing north, which was customary in Dutch cartography in the 15 to 1700s
Tinganes Compass Rose with Outline It is unclear who made this engraving. But chances are it was either a Faroese person who sailed with the Dutch, or a Dutch sailor.
In 1972 a historian could read the year “1569” directly under the compass rose, but that engraving is no longer visible today.
Faroe Compass Historian Study Photo And there is yet another, possibly even older, compass rose on the other side of the building.
(GPS: 62.007847, -6.769432)
Second Compass Rose on Tinganes Peninsula Tórshavn Faroe Islands This one has been partially covered by the building, so it hasn’t had as much foot traffic walking on it, so the engraving is a but more defined.
The presence of these compass roses speaks of the major importance of Tórshavn as a commercial center in the 1500’s.
Tinganes Compass Rose Faroe Islands with Hand Similar compass roses are also seen on rocks in Norway, Sweden and Finland, which are from 1500 to 1700.
In Norway, compass roses were used as guides, when ships needed to orient their travel directions while in thick fog or bad weather.
The Faroes were known for the thick fog, and were actually referred to by sailors at the time as ‘the foggy islands.’
If you search closely on the rocky peninsula of Tinganes, you will find even more engravings and runes that do date back to the first Ting.
Anxient Engravings Tinganes Faroe Islands These engravings are mere shadows of their original forms.
Though rain and harsh weather are the original culprits, an increase in foot-traffic from unaware leisurely strollers and tourists has accelerated their erasure.
In just a few more decades, all of these markings could be lost completely.
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Traveling, researching, writing, filming, editing, and publishing these educational films to a free, interactive website takes time and money. But we wouldn’t be doing this if we were not passionate about it. If you enjoy this content, if it has helped you to better understand the country or city you are in, and if it has added to your overall travel experience, please consider leaving a tip to help keep this vlog going.
To tip by Debt or Credit Card, scan the PayPal QR code below.
Or go to ko-fi.com/sizzlemap and tip your guide just a few dollars.To tip by Venmo, scan the code below with your Venmo app,
or use this link to our account @SizzleMap
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
- – East, West, and South have extended lines from the circle with a cross at one end
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Listasavn Føroya
Listasavn Føroya
The National Gallery Of The Faroe Islands
Gundadalsvegur, 9
Viðarlundin Park, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Web: www.art.fo
GPS: 62.017738, -6.780543When you imagine the Listasavn Føroya, a National Art Gallery in a country with a population of only 50,000 people, you might assume that the collection would consist of only few pieces, gathered together only for the sake of opening the gallery.
Listasavn Føroya – National Gallery of the Faroe Islands In the case of Listasavn Føroya, this could not be further from the reality.
These tiny islands, with some of the most stunning nature and landscapes in the world, have had a profound impact on Faroese art, and have been inspiring artists of all kinds for centuries.
And some of the notable artists in the Faroese collection could easily stand up, on par with the biggest names in the international art community.
Tróndur Patursson
Christen Holm Isaksen
Sámal Joensen-Mikines
William Heinesen
Steffan Danielsen
Ingálvur av ReyniThe National Gallery of the Faroe Islands was established in 1989.
Their permanent collection of approximately 2,500 works of art showcase not only the work of Faroese masters, but the work itself gives a wonderful insight into the culture, history, and emotions of the Faroese people over hundreds of years.
FAROESE CULTURE
Sámal Joensen-Mikines
Dansen (The Dance)
1994
FAROES HISTORY
William Heinesen
Fólkemøde / Fundarfólk á heimferð
(Popular Meeting / After the Popular Meeting)
1955 / 1964
FAROES EMOTION
Sámal Joensen-Mikines
After av jarðarferð
(Returning from a Funeral)
1937But the biggest star in this collection, are the landscapes of the Faroe Islands.
Green mountains, steep sea cliffs with rich bird life, the unforgiving ocean, dramatic weather, colossal rock formations, the countless sheep, and picturesque villages.
Unique to this gallery, the Faroese tradition of knitting has its own room to celebrate one of the country’s oldest and most tenacious industries.
Listasavn Føroya has also tapped into the excellence of local musicians to create links between art and music.
Five bands and musicians have composed songs that were inspired by a singular piece of art in the National Gallery’s collection.
As one of the local musicians selected for this project, Lea Kampmann chose to create the music to enhance the experience of viewing the work of her great-grandfather, Jack Kampmann.
While standing in front of Jack Kampmann’s painting, Smack on Slipway, play the track and allow Lea’s music to unlock the emotions of the piece, as seen through the local Faroese.
You can listen to this music by scanning QR codes within the museum, so be sure to bring your headphones with your smartphone.
And now the snow is resting
on the village
I have yet to say:
“There’s so much I have yet to…”And now snow is resting
On me as a light sheet road*
And we’re walking hand in hand
At Niðaravegi (Common street name, lit: The lower road)And now the snow is resting
And I want some rest as well
The frost-bidden words are still hanging,
As sheets on the clothesline , they’re still hanging
A winters’ eve with heavy snowAnd now the snow is resting,
And I need some rest as well
Fear and earthquakes are far, far awayThe National Gallery of Art is located in Viðarlundin Park in the center of Tórshavn.
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Tórshavn Coat of Arms
0074 Symbols of the City of Torshavn
Cobblestone Tórshavn Coat of Arms
Corner of Kongagøta and Niels Finsens gøta
Tóshavn, Faroe Islands
Web: wwwVisitTorshavn.fo
GPS: 62.011999, -6.774593The Tórshavn Coat of Arms has been In use since the 1920’s although it has never actually been certified or formally adopted as such.
The name of the city is literally translated as “Thor’s harbour” or “Thor’s haven.”
Coat of Arms of Tórshavn So naturally the Coat of arms would represent that.
Within the coat of arms is the muscular arm of the Nordic god of War, Thor.
Holding his legendary hammer, Mjölnir.
Below the arm you will see shimmering ripples of water, representing the waves of the harbour.
The first draft of this coat of arms design was originally drawn in 1921 by Jógvan Waagstein with this sketch.
Original Tórshavn Coat of Arms Sketch The Official Seal for the City of Tórshavn
Seal of Tórshavn The official seal for the city of Torshavn includes the coat of arms with the words Tórshavnar Kommuna, or Tóshan Municipality, encircling the coat of arms.
The Tórshavn Municipality covers the southern half of Streymoy island and adjacent minor islands and has an area of 173 km². It became an independent municipality in 1866 and is the largest in the Faroes.
Torshavn Municipality Throughout the municipality you will see this official seal on Government buildings and official government vehicles.
Throughout Torshavn however, you will see many variations of the Torshavn Coat of Arms.
This symbol has been altered and used to show local pride in many ways.
As fence posts.
In fashion.
And in one crosswalk the Coat of Arms appears through the creative use of Cobblestones.
Keep your eyes out for the Torshavn Coat of Arms, and share any creative variation you discover here.
!! PLEASE TIP YOUR GUIDE !!
Traveling, researching, writing, filming, editing, and publishing these educational films to a free, interactive website takes time and money. But we wouldn’t be doing this if we were not passionate about it. If you enjoy this content, if it has helped you to better understand the country or city you are in, and if it has added to your overall travel experience, please consider leaving a tip to help keep this vlog going.
To tip by Debt or Credit Card, scan the PayPal QR code below.
Or go to ko-fi.com/sizzlemap and tip your guide just a few dollars.To tip by Venmo, scan the code below with your Venmo app,
or use this link to our account @SizzleMap
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Eysturoyartunnilin
0069 Eysturoyartunnilin
Eysturoy Tunnel and Undersea Roundabout
GPS: 62.098717, -6758426Long before the Eysturoyartunnilin was even thought possible, back in 1999, a young student from the small village Rituvík on Eysturoy island was fed up with his long car trips to the capital, Tórshavn.
Looking from his village across the water, Torshavn is not that far away.
However, the bridge that connects the two islands is far away, and what should be a very short trip, takes over an hour.
So Tóki Højgaard wrote to his local paper and suggested that they build a tunnel under the Tangafjørður strait.
15 years later, in 2014, the Faroese government decided to do just that.
On 19 December 2020, the Faroe Islands opened their longest under-sea tunnel, which also contains the world’s very first undersea roundabout.
The Eysturoyartunnilin (Eysturoy tunnel) is an impressive 11,2km (6.9 miles) two-lane tunnel network that reaches a depth of 189 metres (613.5 feet) under the North Atlantic Ocean.
The tunnel network cuts down travel time between the capital Tórshavn and Runavík from 64 minutes to just 16 minutes.
Undersea Art Installation
But this tunnel isn’t just a fast way to get around, it is also a work of art.
Tróndur Patursson Local artist Tróndur Patursson was commissioned to turn the deep-sea drive into a creative experience.
His design installation of moving, multicolored lights, illuminating the domed ceiling has locals affectionately calling this ‘the jellyfish roundabout.’
Eysturoyartunnilin Artist Installation Tróndur added an 80m-long sculpture in the center of the roundabout which shows the silhouettes of dancers participating in a traditional Faroese line dance.
Eysturoy Tunnel art installation As you drive your car around the circle, these dancers move in unison to the left.
This is a dance of community, of unity, and it was Tróndur Patursson’s vision for this art, that together, we can accomplish anything.
Ambient Immersive Experience
Jens L. Thomsen – Composer of Ambient Tunnel Experience Jens L. Thomsen, a Faroese musician and sound-engineer created an ambient soundscape to add to the experience of your undersea journey.
All sound elements in his musical creation were recorded during the construction of the tunnel.
In order to listen to the music, tune in on FM radio 97.00 while in the tunnel.
Future Faroe Island Tunnels
This tunnel project was the largest single investment ever made in the Faroe Islands, totaling around 260m Euros.
Eysturoyartunnilin Entrance The price for entering the underwater tunnel as a commuter is 75 DKK (12 USD).
You will be charged 150 DKK (about US$23) for a one-way journey without a tunnel pass.
The income from this new tunnel is expected to fund future tunnel projects on the Faroe Islands.
Future Tunnels of the Faroe Islands Two more are already under construction, and another 14 are on the drawing board or wish list.
The biggest of the future tunnel projects will be the tunnel from the southmost island of the Faroe Islands, Suðuroy, to the island of Sandoy.
This tunnel is expected to cost around 3.4 billion DKK (450 million Euro) and will be around 24 kilometers (15 miles) long, which will make it the longest undersea car tunnel in the world.
SPECIAL THANK YOU:
Gunnleyg Mikkelsen (voiceover)
Lofi Records – LofiGirl.com (music)
Goson x Dreamfield – Believe In Yourself
Provided by Lofi Records
Watch: https://youtu.be/MueYgyCZpgQ
Download/Stream: https://fanlink.to/DreamsofAngels
Kringvarp Føroya – KVF.fo (additional footage)
Ringurin í Atlantis (Tróndur Patursson) – https://kvf.fo/dokumentarurin?sid=122364
Eysturoyartunnilin Part 1 – https://kvf.fo/dokumentarurin?sid=132233
Eysturoyartunnilin Part 2 – https://kvf.fo/dokumentarurin?sid=132519
Eysturoyartunnilin Part 3 – https://kvf.fo/dokumentarurin?sid=132812
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Niels Finsen Memorial
Niels Finsen Memorial
Ladabrekka Pathway
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
GPS: 62.009868, -6.769455Just a few meters from the harbor, and hidden behind some buildings in Tórshavn, is a mystical-looking group of rocks guarded by stone pillars and an iron fence. This is an obscure monument to a man by the name of Niels Finsen.
Upon first glance, this heavily guarded corner looks as if it could be an ancient Celtic burial site, or a sacred shrine to the huldufólk or ‘hidden people’ that are said to inhabit the rocks.
But the real story here is actually much more interesting, and tells of how some random 1800’s graffiti by a young boy became a national monument.
On December 15th, 1860 a boy by the name Niels Ryberg Finsen was born. The son of the bailiff in Tórshavn.
He lived in the capital of the Faroe Islands for the first 14 years of his life before being sent to boarding school in Copenhagen.
While a young student in 1883, Niels noticed symptoms of chronic heart and liver ailments, which constantly made him feel cold.
This led to his eventual devotion to the study of medicine at Copenhagen University.
Niels Ryberg Finsen by Wentoft At school, Niels’ room faced north, so it never had the warmth of direct sunlight.
Then, Neils made a seemingly trivial observation of a cat sunning itself on a flat roof below his window.
As the sun moved through the sky, changing the direction of its light beams, the cat moved so that it would stay within the light of the sun.
As someone that was always cold, Neils was a bit jealous of this cat, and he began to take walks in the sunshine.
It was then that he first noticed the beneficial effects of being in the sun, that went beyond just warmth.
At this point in time, smallpox was a big problem, and patients were kept out of the sun to reduce skin eruptions.
So Finsen became interested in the possibility of a less drastic protection of the smallpox patient’s skin by means of red glass, or red curtains at the windows, to exclude the ultraviolet rays.
In an article ‘Light as Stimulus’ in 1895, Finsen, for the first time, proposed the use of general light radiation, in a natural or artificial light bath, for medical purposes.
Then, in his thesis ‘On the Use in Medicine of Concentrated Chemical Light Rays’ he first describes the method which would eventually create his fame.
Finsen said: «Thus we now see that from a theoretical viewpoint there is no obstacle to, on the contrary there is every indication in favor of a use of the light in local, external, bacterial skin diseases.»
Lupus vulgaris (also known as tuberculosis luposa) are painful, tuberculosis skin lesions most often on the face around the nose, eyelids, lips, cheeks, ears and neck.
Lupus vulgaris had previously been therapy-resistant, but light treatment provided a beneficial, bactericidal effect.
Finsen’s Medical Light Institute Copenhagen
In 1896 the modest Finsen’s Medical Light Institute was opened in Copenhagen.
On 12 August 1896, the modest Finsen’s Medical Light Institute was opened in Copenhagen and welcomed its first two patients.
The treatments were massively successful, and patients came flocking.
By 1901, just five years later, Finsen’s Medical Light Institute had treated 804 patients whom had traveled to Copenhagen from all across Europe for treatment, and claimed an impressive cure rate of 83 percent.
When the Nobel Prize for Medicine was to be awarded in 1903 the judges had approximately 30 candidates on which to decide.
And on October 15th, 1903 Niels Ryberg Finsen was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine.
Though the 1903 Distribution of the Nobel Prizes ceremonially occurred in the presence of the Swedish Royal Family, with King Oscar II presenting the awards, prize-winners M. and Mme Curie and Finsen were unable to attend.
Niels Finsen, winner of the 1903 Medicine Prize, did not hold any Nobel lecture.
His health steadily deteriorated and on September 23rd, 1904 his long suffering came to an end.
After his death, a letter to the Copenhagen newspaper read:
To the Editor: — After a week spent at Finsen’s Light Institute I have begun to realize the magnitude and extent of the work performed here. Each day from 150 to 200 patients receive treatment, among whom one can recognize types from all civilized nations. The institute itself is situated in a quiet part of Copenhagen, the streets leading thereto being amply provided with shade trees which produce a pleasing and restful effect as one approaches the buildings. The institute physicians, four in number, are well trained and courteous. The government annually subscribes 30,000 kroner toward the maintenance of the institution. This, together with the Nobel prize money which Finsen munificently tendered the institute, has rendered possible its present complete organization. All who seek treatment obtain it. Those who can afford to pay do so, and those who can not afford to pay receive treatment gratis.
Copenhagen, July 11, 1905One hundred years later, and NASA is studying light’s effects in promoting wound healing in astronauts by helping cells and tissues grow.
Dermatologists and estheticians commonly use light therapy to treat a range of skin issues.
One century after his initial discovery, Niels Ryberg Finsen’s light therapy technology has evolved to help millions of people in ways he could never have imagined.
During the first 14 years of his life, while he lived in the Faroe Islands, Niels R. Finsen carved his initials “NRF” into a stone on this spot in Tórshavn. You can see the carving just inside the sturdy iron fence.
Niels Finson Monument NRF Carving On the fence, you will see several patterns referencing the life of Niels Finsen.
The year of his birth: 1860
The year of his death: 1904
The initials that he carved into the rock: NRF
And a design with the rays of sunshine, paying respect to Niels Finsen’s contribution to mankind, the use of light for medicinal purposes.
The moral of this story may also be, if you want your petty vandalism and graffiti to be declared a national monument, you better also plan on winning the Nobel Prize.
SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.
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Gulliver Park
0068 Gulliver Park
Turia Gardens, Valencia, Spain
GPS: 39.462468, -0.359588Gulliver Park lies in the east part of the Turia Gardens, or “El Rio”, near the City of Arts and Sciences.
This huge 70-meter-long attraction features Gulliver from the story of Gulliver Travels, a famous work by writer Jonathan Swift. This is one of the most popular playgrounds in the city, perfect for you as well as something to do Valencia with children.
The admission to the playground is free and is open at different hours depending on the month of the year.
This park is not only a children’s playground, but serves an important function within the Turia Gardens: to drain rainwater.
In the book ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, Gulliver is tied down by fearful Lilliputians who climb all over him in an attempt to subdue the “giant” and visitors can relive this famous literary scene at the Parque Gulliver in Spain.
This surreally large play park is constructed to resemble a giant stylized Gulliver which kids and adults alike can climb all over and slide down. The structure features multiple slides and stairways hidden around the massive body and hidden in the concrete folds of his clothes. The park’s sleeping colossus is so large that even the strands of Gulliver’s hair are huge slides.
Gulliver’s towering hat is off to the side of the playground as though casually dropped at his side. The hat acts as a roof, and there is a miniature model of Gulliver park under the hat, so that visitors can get an idea of what the site looks like from above.
The Gulliver Park is a one of many fun things to see and do in Valencia.
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SizzleMap.com – By diving deep into the history of each location we visit, SizzleMap uncovers the fascinating legends, fables, and mythology of the worlds least talked about monuments. Each attraction is forensically researched and the facts are boiled down into a short ‘Sizzle Reel‘ film that reveals everything you need to know to give you a full appreciation of that attraction.
Forrest Mallard (@forrestmallard) – SizzleMap Video Producer – US Marine Sergeant, Theatrical Producer, Writer, Cross-Continent Hiker, Karaoke Star, and life-long travel addict. Two of Forrest’s passions, Travel and Story-Telling, eventually combined to create SizzleMap. Forrest prides himself as more of a travel historian than a travel personality, and he loves to share what he learns through short, educational and entertaining films.
Tramposaurus Treks (www.tramposaurus.com) – The ultimate guide to taking a nice walk. Around the block or across the continent. Find the trail that is right for you and start your adventure today.