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Updated April 2024
The Faroe Islands are positioned at 4° south of the Arctic Circle, only 500km from the boundary line and placed between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Tórshavn is the capital city of The Faroe Islands, named after the Nordic God of Thunder, Thor. Tórshavn translates to ‘Thor's harbour’, with a combination of modern and traditional architecture across the city. Tórshavn city is one of the most northern capitals, after Nuuk and Reykjavik at 62°N7°W.
This guide to this unique and remote capital city of Tórshavn will reveal the places you can’t miss, the best café spots, fine dining restaurants and of course some budget options as travelling around the Faroe Islands can be expensive.
If you’re looking for more Faroe Islands inspo, read our detailed guide to the Faroes that shares the best places to stay across the islands and how to get around the islands. If you are unsure about visiting the Faroes Islands and want to know a bit more about the place before you plan your trip then make sure you read our 31 Things to Know before you go. Perhaps an easy-to-follow road trip itinerary for a week on the Faroe Islands is what you’re looking for, then read our guide to a 7-day island hopping route.
Where is Tórshavn?
The capital city of the Faroe Islands is Tórshavn, located on the southeast of the island of Stremoy, this port city is a great place to base yourself whilst exploring the nearby islands. Torshavn is home to over 22,000 people and is known as one of the smallest capitals in the world.
What is Tórshavn known for?
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this capital city is known for its fresh produce. As a result of its close proximity to the ocean, this has created some delicious culinary experiences featuring some of the best local seafood, organic vegetables and lamb.
As you wander the streets you‘ll discover a blend of old and new, where modern living is combined with the traditions of Faroese heritage and a thriving fishing industry. The city has a number of shops, cafés, restaurants, museums, art exhibitions and peaceful parks. You might notice how little traffic there is, there are only 8 traffic lights in the city and this allows pedestrians to cross into the city centre.
How to get around Tórshavn?
By Bus
There is an inter-town network of blue buses that operate on a daily basis, check the bus timetables online. If you plan to explore the city of Tórshavn for the day, there are plenty of car parks to leave your car and make use of the free red buses to get around to the main sites and attractions.
Some of the sites worth visiting are outside the main centre including, the National Museum, and National Gallery and are easy to get to by bus which is a great incentive to leave your car and explore the city via public transport.
By Car
As the easiest way to get around the Faroe Islands is by car, there are two options either leave your car at the hotel you are staying at in Tórshavn or you can park in the city. Tórshavn is a relatively small city, meaning that if your hotel is in the city you will be able to access most places by foot or bus.
Parking in the city is free however, you need to be aware that there are parking restrictions which if not observed can result in a hefty fine of 500DKK/£58. Most car rental providers will ensure a parking disc is displayed on the windscreen. Prices for car rental in the Faroe Islands prices start from from 600DKK/£56 to 1,100DKK/£127 per day depending on the duration of your stay, model of car etc.
Parking restrictions are shown on blue parking signs indicating how long you can park and these must be observed during the following times Monday to Friday from 9am till 6pm and Saturday 10am till 2pm. If the sign shows the time restriction in brackets then this is only applicable for Saturdays. There are no time limits outside of these hours and on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The best car park that has plenty of space and a great location in the city is the car park opposite the harbour. There is a restriction from 9am till 6pm where you can only park for a maximum of 8 hours total. Read our road trip guide with all you need to know about driving around the Faroe Islands.
By Foot
Most of the city is easily accessible by foot, Tórshavn is relatively small compared to most other capital cities and the buses are free in Tórshavn making it very easy to get around. The city is pedestrian-friendly with many paths and streets signposted to find most places listed below with ease and only a short walk from each other.
Book a guided tour of the city to be led by a local expert and learn more about the history and stories of this fascinating and quirky capital. This guide will help you create your own self-guided walking tour of Tórshavn and is worth spending a day exploring a few of the places mentioned in the next section.
If you have more time after exploring the city, there is a lovely walk that takes a couple of hours outside of the city. The walk takes you to the nearby hills and to a nearby Svartafossi waterfall with wonderful views of Tórshavn from above and across to Nolsoy.
There is also the option to try a guided tour of the city by e-bike, this sightseeing tour will take you on a 2-hour tour around Tórshavn.
Best things to see and do in Torshavn
Á Reyni (Tórshavn Old Town)
The old town of Tórshavn is nothing short of a stepping into a fairytale, walk along the narrow cobbled streets and discover the picture-perfect wooden houses with grass roofs and white painted windows that stand as a bold contrast to the black painted wood. Take a 1.5 hour guided tour where a guide will share secret spots and stories of these beautiful old streets.
There are two areas of the old town you must visit when exploring Tórshavn, the neighbourhood of Reyn is found off Bringsnagøta Street and is called Reyngøta in Faroese. Follow the charming cobbled street to the end where you will discover Tignanes, one of the oldest parliamentary meeting places in the world.
Another neighbourhood worth exploring is Undir Ryggi which is a charming old street that survived a devastating fire in 1673. The traditional wooden-clad homes are still used as homes, please make sure that as a visitor you respect their privacy when exploring the streets and whilst taking pictures.
The grass roof on the traditional houses in the Faroe Islands has been practised for centuries, it acts as a barrier of insulation, soundproofing and protection from the rain. The sheep will sometimes graze on the roof or are cut using a lawn mower or a grass strimmer.
The traditional style of houses comes from the classical fisherman's house. The basement was usually made from whitewashed stones and the rest of the house was built from tarred wood that had a brown or black hue with white painted windows. Many Faroese homes today still feature this traditional look with a few modern touches.
Tignanes
Once you have marvelled at the beautiful streets in the Old town of Tórshavn, follow the cobbled road in Reyn and you will reach Tignanes which is perched on a rocky outcrop in between the two harbours. Tignanes translates to ‘Parliament Point’ and is one of the oldest meeting places for a parliament in the world dating back to 900AD.
The Viking parliament met on the rocky outcrop of Tignanes annually each summer to discuss matters of the Faroe Islands. The red-painted buildings are still used today by parliament including the Prime Minster's office and you may notice the lack of security in comparison to other Parlimentary headquarters.
As you walk along the rocks at Tignanes, see if you can spot an old Viking sundial etched into stone, property marks and other etchings that transport you to times gone by. Tignanes was also a central trading place perfectly placed next to the harbour. The new Houses of Parliament was built north of Tignanes in 1852 and is used as the main meeting place today.
Skansin
The historic fortress of Skansin is worth a visit whilst in Tórshavn, which was built in 1580 by Magnus Heinason and was expanded in 1629 to protect the city from Pirate raids after an attack on the village of Hvalba on the isle of Suðuroy. The fortress was dismantled in 1865 and two large guns were installed at the height of the Second World War by the British who used it as their military base for the Faroe Islands during this period.
Today the fortress stands as a reminder of the island's history and struggles with protecting the trading port of Tórshavn and is enjoyed as a panoramic viewpoint across the city and to the nearby island of Nolsoy. There is an iconic red and white striped lighthouse that is still in use and located on the edge of the Skansin Fort. The lighthouse is perhaps one of the most well-known lighthouses by seafarers in the Faroe Islands.
Viðarlundin í Havn or Plantasjan
The beautiful park of Viðarlundin í Havn is a peaceful haven full of lush pine trees, with the babbling Havnará River running through the heart of the park. As one of the few places on the Faroe Islands where you can find trees, this is due to the harsh, windy climate on the Faroe Islands making it difficult for them to grow. Evidence from soil samples suggests that there were birch and hazel trees in the Faroe Islands before Viking settlers arrived.
Follow one of the many well-paved paths to a quiet corner to sit in and observe nature, with several ponds where the ducks gather and enjoy traversing the mini rapids of the river. In the spring and summer months, flowers bloom creating a lovely fragrance throughout the park.
In the centre of the park, there is a memorial named Minnisvarði teirra sjólátnu, sculpted by Kåre Orud and is in memory of those lost at sea during World War II. Whilst wandering around the park you may also discover other sculptures including those by Hans Pauli Olsen who created the Seal Woman of Mikladalur on the island of Kalsoy.
Viðarlundin í Havn Park is a hidden gem worth discovering whilst visiting Tórshavn, the National Art Gallery is also located within the northern grounds of the park.
National Gallery of the Faroe Islands
The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands is within a modern building with large glass windows framing the beautiful surrounding park of Viðarlundin í Havn Park. The building contrasts with the traditional houses in the city and has large windows to let in lots of lovely natural light. The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands holds a collection of artwork from local Faroese artists across the islands.
The collection of artwork gives an insight into the creative visions and unique perspectives of the Faroese people over the last two centuries. There are over 2,500 captivating paintings, sculptures, woollen works and installations inspired by the landscape, culture and human experiences of the Faroe Islands.
There is a cosy cafe serving delicious homemade baked goods, freshly made coffee and free Wi-Fi. Inside the cafe is also a lovely curated shop that sells books, postcards and artwork.
The artwork continues to overflow into the park, and sculptures by Hans Pauli Olsen are scattered across the grounds. An adult ticket costs 90 DKK/£10.50, seniors and students are entitled to a discount price and anyone under 20 years old is given free entry.
Vágsbotnur Marina
Take a stroll along Vágsbotnur Marina, a charming harbour in Tórshavn lined with buildings painted in colourful hues and boats bobbing on the water. The harbour is located next to Reyni and Tignanes, look out for the traditional wooden ships set against the old wooden warehouses.
If you take a walk around the marina in the morning you will see the local fish market which runs from 10am Monday to Friday selling freshly caught fish. Local fisherman also sell their catch of the day at any time by auction on the harbourfront. There are a number of restaurants that border the marina making it a picture-perfect setting to enjoy some local Faroese delicacies.
A Nólsoyar Páll statue stands on the harbour front made by Hans Pauli Olsen in honour of a famous Faroese seaman and poet, known by many as a national hero. The Faroese boat which was adapted over the years to the conditions unique to the Faroe Islands and today is mostly used for rowing competitions and is strongly tied to Faroese culture and heritage.
There are a number of boat trips that leave from Vágsbotnur Marina including the stunning sailship Norðlýsið, an authentic nautical sailing experience out on the North Atlantic Ocean. Another idea is to take a private tour on a sailboat around Nolsoy Island or a sightseeing boat tour around Nolsoy.
Best Shops to visit in Tórshavn
Guðrun & Guðrun
Gorgeous knitwear is an autumn and winter quintessential item. In the Faroe Islands, they are known for their woollen masterpieces. There are many shops in Tórshavn that sell beautiful knitwear, thanks to the surplus of wool from the many sheep on the island and one place you can’t miss is Guðrun & Guðrun.
Guðrun & Guðrun sells high-quality, handmade sustainable knitted goods including jumpers, scarves, cardigans and accessories showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Faroese knitting traditions.
Owning one of these jumpers is seen almost as a rite of passage as a local, known as an old fisherman’s sweater. If you’re looking to get one, the price of a knitted jumper doesn’t come cheap reflecting the craftmanship, values and eco-credentials of the company. A claim to fame came when the TV show ‘The Killing’ dressed the protagonist Sarah Lund in the now iconic Vón jumper.
Tutl
A vinyl record shop in the centre of Tórshavn has an extensive collection of music, including both international and Faroese music artists. Tutl is the number one record label on the Faroe Islands and features live music shows every day in the summer months.
Öström
A design shop that has a large collection of artwork, crafts, clothing and souvenirs from local artists and designers. Öström is located on the main harbour and also has a café and exhibition space.
Steinprent
A lithographic workshop also located on Vágsbotnur harbour, the workshop offers a unique experience where you can observe the craftsmanship in action on the upper floor and there is the opportunity to purchase novel artwork.
H N J Bookshop
This shop is the place to visit if you’re looking for lovely souvenirs, beautiful books and a quaint café next door. H. N. Jacobsens Bókahandil is the oldest bookstore in the Faroe Islands and features a traditional grass roof surrounded by maple trees, located in the Market Square.
Best Cafés and Bakery in Tórshavn
Over the years the food scene in Tórshavn has grown and attracted Michelin star restaurants. The city is guaranteed to satisfy your culinary cravings from cute cosy cafés to fine dining restaurants. Perhaps you want to try out some of the local brews, join a guided beer walk around Tórshavn to discover craft beers created in the Faroe Islands.
We’ve put together a list of some noteworthy mentions that should be on your list of places to eat on your visit to Tórshavn these include cosy cafés and an exceptional bakery.
Bitin
Recently opened Bitin offers a new style of Nordic sandwiches with a lunch and dinner menu consisting of Scandinavian open sandwiches, salmon cakes, salads, cakes, soups and hot drinks. With a modern and cosy interior, Bitin is conveniently situated in the city centre opposite the tourist information centre.
Brell Café
Brell Café is the place for coffee lovers, with a welcoming atmosphere combined with modern decor, this is a great spot for a cup of coffee. They also serve fresh pastries and cakes as the perfect accompaniment to your hot beverage of choice.
Ástaklokkan café
Ástaklokkan café is located in the centre of Tórshavn, near the old town of Reyn which serves a fusion of European and Faroese food made from local and fresh produce. The perfect spot to rest your feet after a morning of exploring and enjoy a snug café with the comfort of warm food.
Breyðvirkið Bakery
We stumbled across this place after exploring the harbour and were happy to find this little gem. Breyðvirkið bakery serves some of the best baked goods in Tórshavn and most mornings there are long queues which indicates this is the place to go. The bakery sells fresh organic sourdough, Danish pastries and delicious cinnamon rolls.
Paname Café
Located next to the oldest bookshop in the Faroe Islands, Paname café is a quaint place with large windows and serves sandwiches, cakes and coffee. You could easily spend a couple of hours in the café either people-watching, playing board games or exchanging stories with other locals or travellers. Paname café is the perfect rainy day escape in Tórshavn with a serving of comfort and good food.
Best restaurants in Tórshavn
Katrina Christiansen
Set in a beautiful old house with parts dating back to the 18th century, Katrina Christiansen restaurant was previously home to one of the most notable authors, GBJ William Heinesen. The house also used to be one of the only convenience stores on the islands and the restaurant is named after a woman who was passionate about running the store and took over the store from the Heinesen family.
The restaurant has a set menu with three variations, 5 courses, 7 courses and a 5-course vegan menu featuring Faroese beef, salmon, lamb, white asparagus, and pickled vegetables. On Sundays, they offer a traditional Faroese meal of roasted lamb with potatoes, red cabbage, green peas and gravy, just as their grandmothers would have cooked it.
Skeiva Pakkhús
A wonderful setting for a restaurant, overlooking the beautiful and tranquil Vágsbotnur Marina. Skeiva Pakkhús is set within a rustic wooden boat warehouse featuring large windows which frame the harbour and wooden ships outside.
The food is a combination of Italian and Faroese, presented on a set menu with a range of seafood, bread and pizza. The setting of Skeiva Pakkhús restaurant is similar to what we would imagine in the scenes in an old tavern, with a modern touch, where candles would burn for hours whilst seafarer stories were shared.
ROKS
Have you ever wondered what a sea urchin would taste like? Well at ROKS you can find out for yourself. A unique and incredible dining experience in Tórshavn, you must spend an evening at ROKS restaurant. A playful and contemporary sister restaurant to KOKS, the previously established Michelin star restaurant which has been temporarily relocated to Greenland (rumours are that they are plans to find a permanent location for KOKS to return - so stay tuned!).
ROKS presents a menu of some of the best seafood on the Faroe Islands with experimental flavours and paired with exquisite wines. The restaurant is split over two levels and features large windows on the ground floor and a more cosy setting upstairs. ROKS is the perfect setting to watch the transformation of Vágsbotnur Marina from daylight to dusk.
Artwork is displayed across the restaurant on the menu, windows and walls and was created by Toroddur Poulsen a graphic artist from Tórshavn, our favourite is the octopus holding glasses of wine in each tentacle which is captivating and fun.
Reyðleyk
If you’re looking for a more budget option for eating out, Reyðleyk was one of the best places we could find in Tórshavn. Reyðleyk is located just outside the main city, in the district of Hoyvík. Pizza takeaways can be found across the city but this has to be the overall winner in our eyes.
The price of a Margherita pizza starts at 90 DKK/ £10/ $13, there are also burgers, wraps, and pitta bread with a selection of local dips. There is limited seating inside, so is more of a takeaway spot, but if you’re lucky there are a couple of stools that look out over the island of Nolsoy.
It can be a bit difficult to find, this is due to Google Maps not being up to date in this area, as it seems there is a new road layout. If you pass the BONUS supermarket on your left, carry on past the T junction and it’s the next left, following the road round to the left all the way until you reach Reyðleyk.
Number 1 Pizza
We arrived late on our first day in the Faroe Islands and were hoping to find somewhere that would be open to eat some decent food. Number 1 Pizza was our go-to for a quick and easy pizza and it didn’t disappoint. This takeaway place is found on the harbour and serves fresh, hot pizza which did burn our mouths, as we were too impatient to let it cool down! It was one of the cheapest places for pizza, a 9-inch Margherita pizza costs 69DKK/ £8/ $10.
Sirkus Bar
A quirky and fun bar in the heart of Tórshavn, Sirkus bar is the place to go if you’re looking for a place to let your hair down and try out some of the local brews. There is a variety of comfort food served at Sirkus Bar which transforms into a hotspot for live music and dancing at the weekend. Sirkus Bar is known as a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, the Faroe Islands are making huge steps towards making it an inclusive place with recent changes in the law to make hate speech based on sexual orientation illegal in 2006 and legalising marriage to same-sex couples in 2016.
Best HOTELS to stay in Tórshavn
Tórshavn is a great place to base yourself in the Faroe Islands, with plenty of places to choose from including hotels, B&Bs and private rentals. Tórshavn has a variety of accommodations on offer that are located in the city centre and in the outskirts within easy reach.
Hotel HavgrÍm
A boutique hotel set on the oceanfront of Tórshavn, Hotel Havgrim is a restored Commodores home from the 1940’s. Inspiration of the decor is inspired by British influence and boasts panoramic curved windows in the main breakfast room and in some of the suites. There are beautiful gardens overlooking Nolsoy and there is the opportunity to soak in a hot tub and enjoy the coastal views.
Hotel Foroyar
Perhaps the hotel with the best views of Tórshavn, Hotel Foroyar is set on the foothills overlooking the city below and offers a stunning panoramic landscape from above. The hotel has a modern feel with its very own bespoke indoor spa and part of the hotel is currently under construction to expand the spa.
Hotel Brandan
A modern 4* hotel located opposite the football stadium and close to the nearby park which is a pleasant 10 minute walk into the city. Hotel Brandan was built in 2018, on the site of a former abandoned farmhouse. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, gym, spa with sauna and outdoor hot tubs.
Best AIrBNBs in Tórshavn
MODERN CABIN AIRBNB
This beautiful modern cabin is set in one of the best most beautiful locations, set on the side of the ocean with unobstructed views across Nólsoyarfjørður. The cabin is located 2.5km from the city centre of Tórshavn, there is a bus stop around a 5 minute walk which gives you free access to the city.
Traditional cosy COTTAGE
A unique and traditional cottage in the heart of the old town of Tórshavn, experience what it’s like to stay in a quaint grass-roof cottage in Reyn. This cottage is in a great location close to shops, restaurants and the beautiful harbour for late-night strolls back to your cosy cottage.
CITY APARTMENT WITH HARBOUR VIEWS
A modern apartment overlooking Vágsbotnur harbour, the perfect place to watch time pass by in the harbour from your own private balcony. A great location and within walking distance of nearby restaurants, shops and city attractions with free public parking.
Luxury Farm stay
Located a little further outside of Tórshavn, have the opportunity to stay at a working farm at Hanusarstova with Harriet and John and meet the many animals who live with them including sheep, horses and rabbits. A recently built guesthouse has modern decor with Scandinavian design influences. You will be provided with your own self-serve breakfast and there is the chance to experience a ‘heimablídni’ (a delicious home cooked meal) at an additional cost.
