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Capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands
Photo: Matthew Ross, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Tórshavn (lit. Thor's Haven) is the capital of the Faroe Islands. At the foot of a mountain range, the archipelago's largest city has a long history dating back as far as 850 AD.
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The oldest part of the town. Settlement started and the parliament has been meeting at this site since 900 AD. Most of the houses were destroyed by a fire in the 17th century but construction continued in the traditional style with wooden facades and roofs covered with grass. Some of the buildings are nowadays used by the Faroese government. You may walk along the alleys but keep in mind that this is not an open air museum. People live and work in these buildings, so you should respect their privacy.
Dómkirkjan, Havnar Kirkja
An attractive white building with clock tower, built in 1788.
Norðari Ringvegur 14
The main cultural institution on the islands. Events and exhibitions. Has a cafe.
Tjóðsavnið
A good overview of geology, history, archaeology, biology, economy and modern society of the Faroese. Compact but well worth a visit.
Listasavn Føroya
2,600 works of art.
See, feel and hear Faroese music in the newest and most popular tourist attraction. Free live concerts Mondays to Fridays and on special occasions (see website for programme) from 14 June to 13 August and free coffee.
Central location and non-smoking inside, American-style menu and salad bar.
A burger restaurant. Has a drive-thru which continues to operate even after the shopping mall closed.
A Danish chain of sandwich and burger restaurants.
A Chinese restaurant with pretty plain interior. Also sells Asian groceries.
Mediterranean and middle eastern restaurant. Has board games. Parking can be a bit tricky.
An Italian restaurant, nicely decorated and excellent food.
A fusion of tapas and local cuisine.
Sushi.
On a hill above Tórshavn with great views (if there is no fog), non-smoking.
Lamb, rib-eye, strip loin.
An eclectic pub if there ever was one. This signless watering hole attracts a mixed, friendly crowd and has reasonably priced (DKK 35) beers on tap. On the bottom floor there are pool tables.
Guinness and other Faroese beer on tap. Kitchen closes at 21:00.
Pretty low-frills campsite for both tents and trailers. There is a spartan kitchen, hot showers, WiFi plus coin-operated laundry facilities. A convenient walk to town and not too far from a large supermarket further up the road to the northwest. Operates Apr 1-Oct 1.
Around the corner from the port and thus in a relatively quiet setting but just 10 minutes walk away from the centre. Has its own parking space and a large public one is nearby. Single rooms are small. The hotel has its own car rental service at competitive rates.
There is an excellent view over Tórshavn. Due to its location outside of the town you need wheels to get anywhere.
In the town centre.
Down by the harbour.
Multiple smaller outlets within the store. Carries modern fashion products and traditional souvenir.
A well-known Faroese wool fashion company with two stores in Tórshavn, one in SMS mall and one in downtown by the waterfront. Sells wool hats, scarves, mittens, socks and sweaters made from 3D manufacturing process. Also sells yarn and knit patterns.
By plane
By ferry
Smyril Line sails from Hirtshals in Denmark and Seyðisfjörður on Iceland to Tórshavn.
By car
You can take the car with you on the ferry mentioned above. It is also possible to rent a car at the airport.
By bus
Red city buses are free to ride and they operate 7 routes which reach most of the city. Some even take you as far as Kirkjubøur.
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Vágar · International · FAE
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