Torshavn, Faroe Islands: Best of the Best
We based ourselves in Torshavn for eight nights during our road trip through the Faroe Islands. And when we were not on the road exploring, we were taking in everything this city has to offer. The Faroe Islands is an archipelago consisting of 18 islands, out of which Streymoy is the largest and most populated. Naturally, it's home to the capital city – Torshavn. Nestled on the far-flung Faroes, Torshavn feels like another world. And we quickly learned that Torshavn is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful capitals and one of the world’s smallest, too. Meaning that in the tiny space it takes up, it packs quite a punch of cuteness.
With its grassy rooftops, colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and some of the oldest houses in the world, it’s impossible not to be spellbound by Torshavn. It’s a destination where natural beauty, rich heritage, and charming ambiance combine in equal measures to create the perfect marriage. And Torshavn’s progressive restaurant scene is the cherry on top of the cake. So if you are making your way to the Faroe Islands, you can’t skip all the amazing things to do in Torshavn. We put together this Torshavn travel guide, including everything we loved to help you have an unforgettable stay too.
Things to Know Before Visiting Torshavn
Although there is not an overwhelming number of attractions in Torshavn, the main reason to visit is to unwind in nature and the peaceful small city atmosphere. Torshavn’s allure starts with charming architecture and the landscapes that surround it. From rows of quaint and colorful buildings to grass-roofed houses against dramatic backdrops of calming blues and vibrant greens. Well, the landscapes will be green instead of yellow or brown only if you visit in the summer.
Not only is the color saturation dialed up, but during the summer months, Torshavn also hosts many festivals. We visited in August, but if you are wondering what is the best time to visit Torshavn, then it’s probably July. Summertime is the pinnacle of the cultural extravaganza, and the end of July is when major celebrations take place, like Olavsoka and Faroese National Day.
Another perk of visiting Torshavn in the summer is longer days. It gets dark much later so you can stay out, exhausting all the things to do on the Faroe Islands. And of course, the weather is milder, offering you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the vistas without battling the chilling winds that often sweep the islands during other seasons.
Things to Do in Torshavn
Visit Tinganes
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Tinganes district. It is the historical quarter of Torshavn and a maze of red wooden buildings where the Faroese Parliament has been gathering for over a thousand years and counting. They started as the seat of the Vikings and now serve as parliament buildings and one of the main Torshavn attractions. The ancient buildings proudly display their heritage while blending harmoniously with the modern world.
Stroll through Reyn District and Port
The city’s oldest district Reyn looks like something from a picture book. A small cluster of black-tarred wooden houses and turf-lined roofs conjure up images of mystical characters living inside. Step into the neighborhood and experience what life in Torshavn used to be like in the 16th and 17th centuries. Capture the houses on camera but remember to be respectful since they are still occupied by local residents.
A short walk towards the water will bring you to Torshavn's picturesque port, which is arguably the most photogenic spot in the entire capital. Faroese boats line the harbor, gently rocking in the water, each uniquely accented with colors. Their blurred reflection and the color splashed background of old townhouses are definitely something to write home about.
Buy a Faroese Wool Sweater
If you are looking to do some shopping in Torshavn, hand-knitted wool clothing is the best thing to buy, which also makes for the perfect Faroe Island souvenir to take home. Since the sheep population on the Faroe Islands surpasses humans by far, their wool is commonly used in clothing and has been a part of the Faroese culture for centuries. The most popular item is the star-patterned sweater, made famous by a BBC TV show, which you will find in many clothing shops peppered all over Torshavn. Imagine the memories this sweater will bring back every time you pull it out to wear during winter.
National Gallery of the Faroe Islands
Also referred to as Listasavn Foroya in Faroese, the National Gallery of the Faroe Islands is one of the most unique we’ve had the pleasure of visiting. The collection consists of 2800 astounding works of modern and early Faroese art dating back to the 1830s. The gallery is situated in a lush park a short walk from the center of Torshavn, and the artwork gives a deeper look into the landscapes and the essence of the Faroe Islands. Ever wondered what is it like to float in the icy Atlantic Ocean surrounding the islands? There is an art installation that lets you experience that minus the cold.
Take a Trip to Kirkjubour Village
Located only 20 minutes from Torshavn, Kirkjubour is the southernmost village on Streymoy. Things to do here are plenty but compact and exciting. It is one of the oldest villages in the Faroe Islands and houses historical sites that are worth the visit. These include the old ruined St. Magnus Cathedral, the largest unfinished medieval building in the Faroe Islands, the 12th century St. Olav’s church that is still in use, and Roykstovan, a farmhouse built in 1100. Roykstovan is one of the oldest inhabited homes in the world, and you are in luck because it welcomes visitors.
Where to Eat and Drink in Torshavn
The dining scene on the Faroe Islands is bursting with creating eateries, most of which are concentrated in Torshavn. We had 8 days to see what the fuss is all about and picked out only the best Torshavn restaurants to include in this post. But ironically, one of the best meals we had in Torshavn was not at a restaurant at all!
The Faroese exercise a concept called Heimablidni, which means “home hospitality”, and involves bringing people from different walks of life to enjoy a home cooked meal. We think there is no better way to have an authentic and immersive experience than by dining with locals sharing the same interests and love for tradition, culture, and community. To book such a supper club experience, you should visit a tourist office or by selecting any of the upcoming gatherings you fancy on this website.
For an upscale experience, this restaurant has become a rite of passage for any traveler passing through Torshavn. With national icon status, two Michelin stars, and one Michelin Green star for sustainability, Koksc annot be skipped despite the hefty price tag. The restaurant offers an 18-course contemporary gastronomic adventure that elevates Faroese cuisine to an art form. Featuring local produce and forgotten ingredients, not only is dining at Koks a unique experience for the food but also the location of the restaurant. Situated amidst an isolated valley by a lake, the restaurant is surrounded by the Faroese landscapes that inspire the menu.
To partake in this creative dining experience, you must reserve your table months in advance. Unfortunately, the restaurant temporarily relocated to Greenland when we visited in August 2023, but is said to return to the Faroe Islands in 2024. Share your experience with us in the comments below if you manage to dine there!
If you don't, no worries because Koks left behind two sister restaurants in Torshavn - Raest and Roks. Sans Michelin stars but highly recommended by the Michelin guide. Raest restaurant aims to preserve Faroese food culture by focusing on the traditional craft of fermentation. By aging their meat and fish outdoors and combining modern gastronomic trends, Raest offers an eclectic tasting menu and a deep dive into local culinary traditions under a grass-lined roof.
Seafood lovers will be spoiled for choice in Torshavn. Roks restaurant is also set in a traditional grass-roofed building, offering the best of the daily catch prepared with traditional cooking methods, served to you in a laid-back and playful atmosphere. And those looking for a hedonistic seafood overload should look no further than Panorama – the only seafood and shellfish buffet in the Faroe Islands. Located on the top floor of Hotel Hafnia, where we stayed, its name is justified by the panoramic view over the harbor.
To find out what day trips you can take from Torshavn, read about our Faroe Islands road trip. We promise that the Faroese natural attractions beyond the city limits will render you speechless.
