Torshavn may very well be one of cutest little capital cities there is. While considered a city, it packs a lot of natural beauty and countryside charm throughout its small city limits. A visit here is surely to be a tranquil and serene experience. It’s the perfect introduction to the Faroe Islands, before you head off to explore the rest of the insane beauty of this island nation. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in Torshavn!
Introduction
Torshavn is the capital city of the Faroe Islands. It’s located on the southeastern part of the main island of Streymoy. With a population hovering at around 21,000 people, it’s comparatively tiny for a capital city. The history of Torshavn dates back to the Middle Ages. In 850 AD, Torshavn was first established as a Norse settlement. I’s location right on the peninsula made it a favorable hub for trading activities. Today, the life in Torshavn is easygoing. It’s slow paced for a capital city, with fresh air, pristine nature and a well preserved, historic city center to walk through. It’s small enough that one day in Torshavn is plenty of time to see all the highlights.
When to Go
The weather in the Faroe Islands stays pretty cold and grey year round. No matter the season you choose to visit, you’ll still probably need a jacket. If you come in winter or shoulder season, you should also expect a lot of rain, so pack accordingly.
However the hands down best time to visit is in the summer. This is when you have the highest chance for sunny days, and the temperatures will be comfortable.
While this is the peak season for tourism, the Faroe Islands never gets too crowded. It’s remote location may have spared it from the mass overtourism in other parts of Europe.
So, a visit in summer is ideal, as it offers best weather without too big of crowds.
What to Do
Explore the Waterfront
The port and waterfront is a great starting point for your day in Torshavn. Here you’ll see colorful buildings built in the traditional Nordic style, lining the harbor.
The harbor is usually full of little fishing boats, some of which maintain an old world look.
When the weather is good, you could opt to take a harbor tour by boat to experience the capital from another angle.
Explore Tinganes
This is the historic old town, an area that must not be missed for your day in Torshavn. While considerably smaller than most old towns throughout Europe, this one is truly unique in style.
The traditional architecture styles of the Faroe Islands is characterized by red and black wooden buildings, often with grass on the roof. The old town is well preserved and shows off this traditional style.
This area may look unassuming, but it’s actually home to the Faroe Islands Home Rule Government. It doesn’t look like a typical place for government meetings, but it has been for years. Historically, it was even an annual Viking parliament meeting area from as early as 900 years ago.
Visit Torshavn Cathedral
Its clock tower can be seen from the port, peaking up above the buildings. This cathedral is the second oldest one in the Faroe Islands. The style is true to Nordic church architecture. It’s painted white, and covered with dark, slate roofs.
See the Grass Roofed Houses in Reyn
Another part of the old town, is Reyn. This is a smaller section of the historic city center , and is characterized by black wooden houses instead of red building structures.
The roofs have grass on them, inline with the traditional style of buildings and structures in Torshavn.
It’s an incredibly charming part of the city, and one that deserves lots of photo opts. However, bear in mind that these homes are still used by locals today! So, exercise respect when exploring this area.
Stroll Around Viðarlundin Park
This park will easily be the highlight of your day in Torshavn, as it offers a serene natural escape that makes you feel like you’re anywhere but in a city.
There are streams throughout the park, and even a natural waterfall. The water in the Faroe Islands are exceptionally clean, so feel free to refill your water at the waterfall if you want to give it a try.
In this park you’ll come across plenty of sheep, goats and horses, grazing lazily on the grassy hills.
There also are some super cute iconic red cabins in the park that make great photo opportunities.
Visit the National Gallery
Listasavn Foroya is the national gallery of the Faroe Islands. It features the best of both traditional and modern Faroese art, for a comprehensive insight into the art culture of the nation.
A visit here will show off some truly unique artistic styles, that really show you the heart and soul of this country.
Entrance Fee: 65 DKK for adults
Visit the Lighthouse
The Skansin lighthouse is not big or particularly special, but it’s still a notable part of the Torshavn cityscape. As one of the highest points in the city, you will likely see it at some point from somewhere in the city.
Historically, it was built in 1850 to provide landfall light on Torshavn for oncoming boats. However, it’s more important purpose was to serve as protection for the town, specifically from pirate raids.
Today, it’s just a short climb up from the port, and offers a pretty nice view of the town below. You can’t go into the lighthouse, but it makes a good photo spot, and is an iconic landmark in Torshavn nonetheless.
Surrounding the lighthouse, is the historic fort of the British Navy.
Svartifossur Waterfall
A name which translates to black waterfall. It’s actually located just a bit outside of Torshavn, at about a mile outside of the old town.
This waterfall is less impressive in the summer months when there is little rainfall, but can be pretty full in the rainier months. The surrounding area is also very scenic and makes for a nice and easy hiking trail.
There are well kept trails running throughout the park, allowing full ease of exploring it.
Shop for Local Goods
On the Faroe Islands, the traditional clothing is made from wool. It’s no surprise, once you realize the sheer number of sheep inhabiting the island. Talk about using the resources to the best capacity!
The traditional patterns are drawn from the traditional fisherman’s jumpers. Make no mistake, the Faroe Islands aren’t a cheap destination, and a purchase of a woolen sweater can easily set you back a couple hundred bucks.
However, they are of high quality and super cozy. You’ll surely make great use of it throughout your trip in the Faroes since it’s pretty chilly year round.
Where to Eat
Paname Cafe: This cafe will surely be among the cutest and most atmospheric that you’ll ever visit. It’s located in a traditional red wooden, grass roofed building directly in the old town. The coffees and cakes on offer are excellent, making this cafe the perfect place for an afternoon break from exploring.
Mikkeller Tórshavn: This bar is super cozy and also located in a traditional style wooden house. They serve local beers on tap, including 16 of their own brews.
KOKS: Boasting 2 Michelin stars under its belt, this restaurant offers contemporary takes on traditional Faroese cuisine. A reservation is required, and the seating is extremely limited. It’s the ultimate fine dining experience in the Faroes Islands, if you’re willing to foot the hefty bill!
Where to Stay
One day in Torshavn is more than enough to see all the highlights and fully enjoy this compact city. However, if you choose to spend the night, there are some truly amazing hotels available to indulge in.
Havgrim Seaside Hotel: Like the name suggests, this hotel is located just alongside the sea, with most rooms offering amazing views of the ocean. It’s a very romantic place to stay, and offers a full buffet breakfast. Rooms start at $211 a night.
Giljanes Hostel: The closest option you’ll get to a budget accommodation in the Faroe Islands. This hostel is modern and clean, with 1 bed in a dorm starting at $57 USD.
Hilton Garden Inn: This is probable the best value for money available in Torshavn. The facilities are modern and spacious, and even features a traditional grassy roof. The only downside is it’s closer to the airport, and not in the city center. Rooms start at $109 USD a night.
How to Get There
By Air
Conveniently, you can fly directly to the Faroe Islands by landing Vagar Airport. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for direct flights. As of now, you can fly directly to Vagar Airport from Bergen (Norway), Edinburgh (Scotland), Reykajik (Iceland) and Copenhagen (Denmark).
Coming from any another location, you’ll have to transfer at least once.
You can find route to Vagar Airport on Scandanavian Airlines and Atlantic Airways.
By Ferry
It’s possible to get to the Faroe Islands from Denmark or Iceland by ferry.
There is a ferry operating to transport people and their vehicles from Denmark all the way to Iceland, with a stop in the Faroe Islands. For us, we were in Iceland with our car. So, on the way back to mainland Europe, we made the Faroe Islands a stopover on our journey.
Honestly, going by ferry is really only advantageous if you are already in one of these countries, or want to bring your car.
It’s by no means any cheaper than flying, and will basically take a full day of traveling. It’s worth noting that the seas in this region can get very choppy. If you are prone to seasickness (like me) you will have a bad time.
For more information on how to get to the Faroe Islands by ferry, click here.
And there you have it! The complete guide on how to spend a day in Torshavn. There are few capitals as cute as this one, so be sure to take it easy and fully enjoy this gem of a city.
Have you been to the Faroe Islands? Let me know your experience below!
Faroe Island is on my bucket list. I love Iceland and Scotland and visited them, and now I want to visit Faroe Island. It’s also so wild, with amazing nature and cliffs. I add your Torshavn itinerary to my list.