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Tórshavn

Named after the Norse god Thor (the god of thunder), Tórshavn is one of the world’s smallest capitals, although it’s home to over a third of the Faroese population. Behind the harbour and a charming if tiny old-town core lies a compact commercial centre that comes merrily to life on summer weekend nights. Behind this, the town’s newer housing and anonymous light-industrial warehouses sweep up towards an inspiringly barren ring of moorland hills.

Explore Tórshavn

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tórshavn.

  • Museum

    Føroya Fornminnissavn

    The excellent Føroya Fornminnissavn is split between two sites in the Hoyvík suburb, 3km north of centre. The main site at Brekkutún 6 beautifully…

  • Gallery

    Listasavn Føroya

    Viðarlundin, a wonderfully wild park where trees and sculptures mingle, leads to the bright and airy Listasavn Føroya. Its excellent collection of Faroese…

  • Island

    Nólsoy Island

    On Nólsoy Island, carless Nólsoy village isn't especially picturesque but makes a strikingly peaceful contrast to bustling Tórshavn, whose Tinganes…

  • Old Town

    Tinganes

    The city's tiny but charming historical core is Tinganes, a little peninsula delightfully jumbled with pretty turf-roofed cottages and historic red…

  • Fortress

    Skansin Fort

    Beyond the desert of asphalt that surrounds the modern transport terminal lie the turf-softened bastions of the ruined Skansin Fort. It's topped by a…

  • Architectural

    Storm Petrel Colony

    Around an hour's walk from Nólsoy village, a storm petrel colony is claimed to be the world's biggest. They're best observed at dusk. Guided bird tours…

  • Harbour

    Norðlýsið

    Moored in the harbour are two beautiful antique wooden sloops, Westward Ho and Norðlýsið . On summer Tuesdays and Thursdays the Norðlýsið offers fishing…

  • Church

    Havnarkirkja

    The church Havnarkirkja has a distinctive clock tower that peeps above a photogenic row of colourful row of old wharf buildings (Undir Bryggjubakka).

  • Gardens

    Náttúrugripasavn

    The child-friendly Náttúrugripasavn has an informative geological section, a minuscule botanical garden and a gigantic whale's skull.

  • Gallery

    Focus Gallery

    Intimate private galleries, including Focus, are great places to peruse and potentially purchase Faroese art.

  • Gallery

    Lydersen

    Lydersen is a private gallery where you can admire (and potentially purchase) Faroese art.

  • Gallery

    Glarsmiðjan

    Glarsmiðjan is a private gallery good for perusing and purchasing Faroese art.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Tórshavn.

  • Activities