Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Functional architecture with a Nordic flourish dominates in Torshavn. As you cross the wild North Atlantic Ocean, it’s hard to believe anyone could live out here. But then, the dramatic cliffs of the Faroe Islands slowly emerge from the misty sea.
This remote and rugged landscape, once the backdrop for imagined evil lairs in James Bond films, is instead home to a different kind of marvel: a thriving community where seabirds outnumber people, and nature reigns supreme. The Faroe Islands offer remarkable coastal landscapes and stunning ocean views. Nestled between these towering cliffs and the untamed ocean lies Torshavn, a charming small town with the atmosphere to match, yet with the status of capital city.
Torshavn invites travelers to slow down and discover everyday life in the Faroe Islands. Torshavn makes an ideal base to explore the beauty of the islands on a series of day trips, but there’s a lot more to see and do in the town itself than first meets the eye. Things To Do In Torshavn With just 20,000 residents, Torshavn is compact enough to explore on foot.
Much of the joy from exploring the city comes from simply strolling the streets, while the attractions are small enough to fit several into a day. 1. Wander Through History at Tinganes This small peninsula, lined with turf-roofed houses, has been the center of Faroese government for centuries.
The wooden buildings, painted in deep reds, are some of the oldest still in use, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Tinganes is a living museum where the past and present coexist, offering a glimpse into how Faroese life has developed. The historic Tinganes district in Torshavn, the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands.
Just a few steps inland, the cluster of historic working-class homes in Reyn and Undir Ryggi offers a striking contrast to the more modern, functional architecture found elsewhere in Torshavn. These charming houses, with their black-tarred wood, white-framed windows, and grass-covered roofs, are nestled closely together, creating a picturesque scene perfect for photography. However, remember that these buildings are not just photo opportunities—they are people’s homes, so be respectful while admiring them.
2. Enjoy The Islands’ Biggest Art Collection In common with many remote places, the Faroe Islands have a vibrant art scene, and Torshavn is home to the islands' largest art collection at Listasavn Føroya , the National Gallery of the Faroe Islands. This museum showcases works by prominent Faroese artists, capturing the rugged beauty and unique light of the islands.
Yet the collection goes far beyond paintings, with knitted art, works made out of Faroese horse hair, and even a stuffed Faroese ram and raven on display. 3. Visit Torshavn Cathedral Established in 1788, Torshavn Cathedral (Havnar kirkja) is the second oldest church in the Faroe Islands and a significant landmark in Torshavn.
Located just north of Tinganes, it became the national cathedral in 1990. The Cathedral is just steps from the waterfront and marina in Torshavn, Faroe Islands. The current structure dates back to a significant redesign in 1865.
Notably, the cathedral bell was salvaged from the Danish slave ship Norske Løve, which sank on New Year’s Eve in 1707. 4. Enjoy The View From Skansin In 1580, the Faroese naval hero Magnus Heinason ordered the construction of Skansin, a fort designed to protect Torshavn from the increasing threat of pirate attacks in the North Atlantic.
Although the original fort was destroyed in 1677 by French pirates, Skansin was later rebuilt and served as the local headquarters for Britain’s Royal Navy during World War II. Today, although little remains of the original fort, Skansin still features four older brass cannons, a lighthouse, and offers exceptional views across the Atlantic to the neighboring island of Nolsoy. 5.
Nordic House Conceived by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Nordic House is a cultural hub that blends Nordic architecture with Faroese traditions. Designed by architects Ola Steen and Kollbrún Ragnarsdóttir, the intriguing building features a roof covered in Faroese turf and materials sourced from across Scandinavia. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of Nordic art, music, and literature, with over 400 events hosted annually.
Nordic House supports and promotes Nordic and Faroese culture and is open throughout the year. Even when there’s no events planned, the on-site Café Systrar offers a cozy spot to enjoy locally sourced, organic dishes, including Faroese fish, vegetarian fare, and freshly baked goods. How To Get To Torshavn Reaching the Faroe Islands may seem challenging, but those who make the effort are richly rewarded.
Located about halfway between Scotland and Iceland, the islands remain relatively secluded, yet direct flight routes from Denmark, Iceland, and Norway help with connectivity. For those arriving by air, Torshavn is a 40-minute drive from Vagar Airport, where it's advisable to rent a car in advance. For a more adventurous journey, consider traveling by ship.
The Smyrill Line car ferry runs year-round from Denmark to Iceland, with a stop in Torshavn. This option offers the opportunity for a unique Nordic itinerary, allowing travelers to explore both Iceland and the Faroes before continuing to Denmark or Norway. Where To Stay In Torshavn Many accommodations in Torshavn emphasize simplicity, reflecting the values of the city itself.
Hotel Hafnia, 62°N Hotel, and Hotel Torshavn are all centrally-located value accommodation options. For those looking for something unique, Guide to Faroe Islands suggests Hotel Føroyar, with a lofty location above Torshavn where guests “will meet free ranging sheep outside their bedroom window”, and Hotel Brandan, the only Green Key hotel in the Faroe Islands, “built on green solutions from energy to water.” MORE FROM FORBES Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions Join The Conversation One Community.
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