If you think a dance floor needs a DJ, strobe lights and someone spilling beer on your shoes, the Faroe Islanders would like to have a word. On their windswept rocks in the North Atlantic, they’ve been hosting the longest-running dance party in Europe — with no instruments at all.
Welcome to the Faroese Chain Dance: part history lesson, part karaoke session, part Viking-style leg workout.
What Is It?
Picture this: an entire village forms a big circle, everyone holds hands, and instead of scrolling through TikTok dances, they chant medieval sagas that can last for hours.
The steps? Left, right, left, right — repeat until your calves beg for mercy.
The beauty is in the simplicity. Kids, grandparents, visitors and the guy who just came in from tending sheep can all join in. If you can shuffle sideways, you’re officially a dancer.
The Music (Spoiler: There Is None)
No fiddles, no guitars, no Spotify playlists. Just human voices carrying centuries of tradition.
- A skipari (song leader) kicks things off, belting out ancient ballads.
- The rest of the circle echoes back, like a North Atlantic hype squad.
- Some sagas run for hundreds of verses — so yes, you’ll want your codfish and potatoes beforehand.
Why It Matters
For generations, the Faroese Chain Dance was more than entertainment. It preserved language, folklore and identity when outside powers tried to suppress Faroese culture. Every step and every verse became a collective statement of survival: “We’re still here.”
Today, you’ll still see it at Ólavsøka (the Faroese national holiday), village gatherings and weddings. And yes, as a visitor, you’re welcome to join the circle.
👉 Read more at the official Visit Faroe Islands page for background and upcoming events.
Should You Try It?
Absolutely. Just don’t expect a nightclub vibe. Think karaoke-meets-Viking-bootcamp with a side of history. And when else will you get to say:
“I sang a 200-verse medieval ballad on a storm-tossed island while holding hands with half the village.”
That’s not just a memory, it’s a story worth bragging about.
Experience It With Best of Nordic
At Best of Nordic, we can arrange for you to experience the Faroese Chain Dance as part of a tailor-made journey to the islands. Join a circle during Ólavsøka or a smaller village gathering and combine it with unforgettable Faroese highlights:
- Tórshavn city tour — wander Europe’s smallest capital with its turf-roofed houses.
- Puffin and seabird watching — boat trips to dramatic cliffs alive with bird colonies.
- Saksun and Gjógv — picture-perfect villages surrounded by fjords and mountains.
- Boat through sea caves — glide beneath towering basalt walls that feel straight out of a saga.
This isn’t just a dance, it’s a doorway into Faroese life. And we’ll make sure you step right into the circle — no rhythm required.
🔗 Want more quirky Nordic traditions? Read our stories about Norwegian Slow TV and the Finnish Wife-Carrying World Championships.
🌍 Curious about other Nordic cultural gems? Explore unique Nordic food traditions or dive into the history of Iceland.