Tórshavn is the capital of the incredibly beautiful Faroe Islands. A charming city with a rich, fascinating history. It is also the place from which most people venture out to explore the 18 islands. But there’s plenty to do and see in Tórshavn itself. In this unique city, you can soak up the culture, wander through the old Reyn neighborhood and enjoy exceptional food in traditional restaurants. In this article, you’ll read about the city’s history, discover the sights in Tórshavn and find out what you absolutely shouldn’t miss in this city.
Where is Tórshavn located?
Tórshavn is located on the island of Streymoy, about a 40-minute drive from the Faroe Islands’ only airport, Vágar Airport (FAE). Streymoy is connected to the islands of Vágar and Eysturoy by an undersea tunnel. Tórshavn is also the arrival point for ferries from Denmark (Smyril Line), the departure hub for ferries to the islands of Suðuroy (Smyril Line) and Nólsoy (Ternan) and the starting point for nearly all day trips and tours. This makes Tórshavn the perfect base for exploring the Faroe Islands.
The History of Tórshavn
The history of Tórshavn dates back over 1,000 years. The story of Tórshavn begins with the arrival of the Vikings on the islands in the 9th century. The Vikings, mostly from Norway and Denmark, settled on the Faroe Islands and established several settlements. Tórshavn was originally a small Viking village called Tórshavn or Thorshaven, which means Thor’s Harbor. It refers to the Norse god Thor, who was worshipped by the Vikings. The settlement was strategically located on the east coast of the island of Streymoy, surrounded by sheltered bays and fertile farmland.
In the 13th century, Tórshavn became the seat of the bishop of the Faroe Islands. This brought more influence and power to the city and it grew into an important religious and political center. In 1271, Tórshavn was officially recognized as a city with municipal rights, making it one of the oldest still-existing parliamentary cities in the world. Tórshavn was a key trading hub during the Middle Ages. Ships from all over Europe visited the harbor, contributing to the city’s economic growth. Merchants brought goods like wood, salt, grain and textiles to the Faroe Islands and took products such as wool, fish and seal skins back with them. This thriving trade brought prosperity and development to Tórshavn.
In the 16th century, the Faroe Islands came under the rule of Denmark and Norway. Tórshavn became the administrative center of the islands and Danish authority had a strong influence on the city. Despite these external influences, Tórshavn managed to retain its unique character and traditional Faroese culture. In the 20th century, Tórshavn grew steadily and began to modernize. Infrastructure was improved, new buildings were constructed and the city expanded to accommodate its growing population. Today, Tórshavn is a modern city with all the amenities you would expect.
Things to do and see in Tórshavn, sights and tips
Although Tórshavn is not very large in terms of size, there’s plenty to do and see. It’s a pleasure to return here every evening after a day full of discoveries on the Faroe Islands!
Tinganes and Reyn
Tinganes is the small peninsula located between the two harbors. It’s home to the Faroese government, housed in old red-painted warehouses. While in many other countries you can’t even get close to government buildings, here you can leisurely stroll through the area between the buildings. Reyn (Úti á Reyni) is the neighborhood on the peninsula. Reyn is the oldest district of Tórshavn and here you’ll still find many traditional, centuries-old turf houses. It’s definitely worth visiting Tinganes and Reyn. It’s a small area, but you’ll truly feel like you’ve taken a step back in time.
Heima í Havn
In Reyn, you’ll find several excellent restaurants gathered in one place called Heima í Havn. If you really want to try Faroese dishes, especially those with fermented ingredients, this is the place to be.
Skansin Fort
The Skansin Fort in Tórshavn was built in 1580 to protect against the increasing number of attacks from the sea. The fort was destroyed by French pirates in 1677 and later restored. During World War II, the fort served as the headquarters for the British Royal Navy. While not much remains of the fort as it once was, it is still a beautiful historical site in Tórshavn. From Skansin, you have a lovely view of the neighboring island of Nólsoy and the harbor. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Tinganes.
Listasavn Føroya
Listasavn Føroya is the art museum of the Faroe Islands, showcasing rotating exhibitions of works by local and international artists. In addition to photos of nature and culture, you can also view unique items made from local materials, such as Faroese horsehair. The museum’s main attraction is a massive mirrored room. There is also a café, a shop and a workshop space where activities for children are organized.
Tórshavn Harbor – Eystaravág
Tórshavn has two main harbors: Eystaravág (eastern harbor) and Vestaravág (western harbor). The eastern harbor is located east of the Tinganes peninsula and is the oldest harbor in Tórshavn. Historically, this harbor has been an important trading hub and was originally the only harbor in Tórshavn. It is still a busy port where fishing boats and cargo ships dock. The ferries to nearby islands, as well as to Iceland and Denmark, also depart from the eastern harbor.
Tórshavn Harbor – Vestaravág
The western harbor, Vestaravág, is located on the western side of Tinganes. Over the past few decades, this harbor has been significantly expanded. It now features a sizable marina, as well as the location where the daily fish market used to be: Vágsbotnur. Cozy cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops are housed in the former colorful warehouses along the quay. Fresh fish is still sold here weekly. Today, this part of Tórshavn is considered one of the most vibrant areas of the city.
The Nordic House
A popular cultural center on the Faroe Islands is The Nordic House in Tórshavn. Each year, more than 400 cultural events are held here, including exhibitions, concerts and festivals for children. Over 120,000 people visit The Nordic House annually. Even if you don’t plan on attending a specific event, it’s still worth visiting The Nordic House or even just viewing it from the outside. It’s a beautifully designed building—modern yet distinctly Faroese.
Dómkirkjan (Havnar Kirkja)
Dómkirkjan, also known as Havnar Kirkja, is the second-oldest church on the Faroe Islands. It was built in 1788 on the Tinganes peninsula and has since been renovated and restored several times. The current building dates back to 1865. Dómkirkjan is one of the most famous landmarks in Tórshavn.
Delicious Food in Tórshavn
As mentioned above, there are many excellent restaurants in Tórshavn where you can enjoy traditional Faroese food. Some restaurants I’ve heard great things about include those in Heima í Havn: Barbara Fish House, Áarstova, Ræst Fermented, Mikkeller Tórshavn and ROKS. Personally, I’ve had great experiences at Skeiva pakkhús, a cozy restaurant in the harbor offering delicious dishes. Paname Café is also an incredibly popular spot.
What to See Near Tórshavn?
If you’ve explored all the sights in Tórshavn itself, it’s time to venture a little further! There are many beautiful things to see near Tórshavn, with several attractions just a short distance from the city. Here are a few tips for places to visit near Tórshavn.
Tjóðsavnið
The National Museum of the Faroe Islands, called Tjóðsavnið, is located in Hoyvík, next to Tórshavn. Tjóðsavnið features a permanent exhibition on everything related to the Faroe Islands, including history, geology, botany, archaeology, folk life and much more. The museum houses some cultural treasures, such as the 15th-century church pews from Kirkjubøur, historical Viking-era finds and traditional Faroese clothing.
Svartafoss
Centuries ago, Svartafoss was located far outside Tórshavn, deep in nature. Today, the waterfall is located in a built-up area, right on the old border between Tórshavn and Hoyvík. During wet periods, the waterfall has a strong flow of water, but in dry periods, it almost runs dry. If you’re visiting Hoyvík, be sure to stop by and see the waterfall!
Kirkjubøur
From Tórshavn, you can walk to the beautiful village of Kirkjubøur in just under two hours (7 kilometers) through hilly landscapes. Throughout the village, you’ll find the iconic traditional black-tarred houses with grass roofs, as well as the ruins of the Gothic Saint Magnus Cathedral. You can walk back to Tórshavn, but there is also the option to catch a bus from Kirkjubøur to the capital.
Norðradalur
If you have a rental car, you can drive to the beautiful Norðradalur from Tórshavn in just 20 minutes. As you descend into the valley, you’ll drive along the most winding road on the Faroe Islands. It’s quite a sight!
Tórshavn as a Base for Exploring the Faroe Islands
You might think that driving from accommodation to accommodation across the Faroe Islands is a good idea and it certainly is; especially if you want to stay in beautiful, unique spots. However, if you’d prefer a fixed base to return to each evening, Tórshavn is an excellent choice for exploring the Faroe Islands. Since nearly all the islands are connected by tunnels, travel times are short. For example, you can reach Viðareiði, the northernmost village in the Faroe Islands, from Tórshavn in under an hour. You could say that most places are within an hour’s reach, except for the islands that require a ferry. Having a fixed base in Tórshavn can be quite convenient. Personally, I explore the Faroe Islands from one location, staying for a week at Hotel Føroyar in Tórshavn. It’s a hotel with beautiful rooms and a great, extensive breakfast; a perfect place to return to every evening!
