The Faroe Islands will close to the public for three days next year, in a bid to preserve its fragile ecosystem and protect itself from the effects of overtourism.

Just 100 volunteers will be allowed onto the islands from April 15–17 2020. In return for free accommodation, food and transport, they will take part in maintenance projects to help preserve the islands.

Fourteen tourist sites will be closed to the public, including Slættaratindur – the highest mountain in the Faroes. The last stretch of the walk is not currently safe, so a new route will be bolstered and signposted.

The Danish territory has seen a spike in tourist numbers in recent years. In 2013, 68,000 tourists made the trip here. Last year that figure reached 110,000 – over double the islands’ population of 51,312.

With two new hotels set to open in 2020, the number of tourist arrivals is expected to keep going up.