Overview

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. It’s location right on the peninsula made it a favorable hub for trading activities. Today, 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.

Torshavn City Center

Explore the waterfront. The port and waterfront are a perfect starting point for exploring Torshavn. Stroll the streets where you'll find colorful buildings built in the traditional Nordic style, lining the harbor. The harbor is typically filled with little fishing boats which add to the charming atmosphere. When the weather is nice, you could opt to take a harbor tour by boat to experience the capital from a different perspective. There are a number of great restaurants in the area as well.

Explore Tinganes. This is the historic old town that dates all the way back to the 1400s. With traditional architectural styles of the Faroe Islands it 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. Stroll through the narrow, winding lanes and passageways filled with quintessential Faroes houses.

Tinganes is also home to one of the oldest parliamentary meeting locations in the world, where the Viking Parliament first met in the 900s, and is still home to the Prime Minister's office today. It's possible to take a tour of the Parliament building which can be organized at the centrally located Visitors Center.

As you explore the old town, be sure to admire the Grass Roofed Houses in Reyn. This is a different section of the historic city center and is characterized by black wooden houses instead of red building structures, these chocolate-box houses were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is an incredibly charming part of the city, and you could easily lose an hour snapping pictures of the clapboard cottages with their frilly lace curtains and turf roofs.

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.

Stroll Around Viðarlundin Park. This is a tranquil 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 is exceptionally clean, so feel free to refill your water at the waterfall if you want to give it a try.

Visit the National National Gallery, Listasavn Foroya. This museum features the best of both traditional and modern Faroese art, for a comprehensive insight into the art culture of the nation.

Waterfalls

Svartifossur Waterfall, a name which translates to black waterfall, is actually located just a bit outside of Torshavn (about a mile outside of 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.

Discover Gásadalur and its impressive waterfall. On the island of Vagar, about a 30 minute drive from the airport, is this incredible place with a waterfall that plunges into the ocean. It's a beautiful site to see!

Shopping

On the Faroe Islands, the traditional clothing is made from wool. It's no surprise given the islands are home to more sheep than humans (there are 70,000 sheep and just 50,000 people on the Faroes). There is no shortage of toasty knitwear on sale here. What's more, the native sheep have been selectively bred, meaning the wool is known to be exceptionally warm and water-resistant.

The traditional patterns are inspired by the traditional fisherman's jumpers. Torshavn is the epicenter of all wool products, where boutiques sell these famous exports by the dozen, and travelers come in search of a bargain.

The most popular store is Guðrun & Guðrun, located in downtown Torshavn, which specializes in sustainable fashion-forward cardigans, dresses and skirts made from locally sourced wool. Make no mistake, the Faroe Islands aren't a cheap destination, and a purchase of a woolen sweater or jumper can easily set you back a few hundred dollars. However, they are high quality and super cozy. Although technically part of EU member state, Denmark, the Faroes are not part of the European Union which means you can shop tax free. Just look for the sticker in the shop window, get your tax free cheque from the sales assistant, and cash it in when you leave the islands.

Nightlife

In Tórshavn the real Nightlife is down by the harbor. Here you can find the bar Cirkus Føroyar, where musicians hang out. Hvonn is at Hotel Tórshavn again situated by the harbor, across the street from Cirkus. Most young people come here during the Weekends. The bar Café Natúr is close by. The wooden interiors are similar to English/Irish pubs, and have live music usually in the form of a singer/guitarist. Another place is Cleopatra right in the town center which has a restaurant on the lower floor, with the main bar on the next floor up. The entrance to the bar is up some green felt stairs. A popular nightclub is Rex, at the third floor in the same building as "Havnar Bio", the cinema. You need to be 21 to get in. For young people, the nightclub Deep is a place to visit. It is the same as in most European cities. You have to be eighteen to get in.