Discover Tórshavn: Trails, Culture and Views

Tórshavn offers several points of interest when planning a stay: ferry connections, signposted trails to nearby villages, viewpoints, green spaces and cultural venues. There is also a monthly fresh produce market and the Ólavsøka celebrations at the end of July. Depending on your interests, you can focus on city views, trails in nature, local farmers’ produce or Faroese culture.

Ferry Connections and Trails to Villages

Regular ferry connections from Tórshavn’s harbour serve Iceland, Denmark and the surrounding islands. Timetables vary by season, so check the schedule for your travel date if you are planning a crossing. Hiking routes also lead beyond the city: signposted trails connect Tórshavn with nearby villages. Individual routes and their access conditions may change; check the route and access for each trail before setting out. The two aspects of planning are therefore distinct: for a ferry crossing, the seasonal timetable matters; for a hike, it is the specific route.

Views and Green Trails

From Kongaminnið, you can enjoy sweeping views over the city of Tórshavn. From Skansin, you can look out across the sea to the neighbouring island of Nólsoy. The viewpoints offer different perspectives: Kongaminnið looks out over the city, while Skansin faces the sea and the island.

The central park Viðarlundin is also known as Plantasjan. Its many paths invite you to enjoy the river and trees. The fallen trees have a story of their own: during the Christmas storm of 1988, many trees in Viðarlundin were blown down; they now form a natural climbing playground for children and adults. Alongside its paths, the park offers a distinctive feature for anyone interested in this part of its history.

Fresh Produce Market and Ólavsøka

A fresh produce market is held in Vágsbotnur in Tórshavn on the first Sunday of every month. Local farmers sell meat, vegetables and other homemade goods there. If you are planning a visit to the market, check the date for your stay.

Another event on the calendar is Ólavsøka, on 28 and 29 July. The celebrations at Vaglið include speeches, choirs and the traditional midnight song. Patriotic songs and the Faroese chain dance draw people from all over the country. While the market centres on a monthly date and goods from local farmers, Ólavsøka’s festival days are shaped by music, speeches and dance.

Art and Faroese Culture

The National Gallery in Tórshavn was founded in 1989. Its collection includes around 2,800 works of art, primarily paintings as well as prints, sculptures, installations and textiles. The works date from the 1830s to the present day. Spanning several media and periods, the collection offers an art-focused highlight for your stay.

Norðurlandahúsið is a cultural centre showcasing Faroese and Nordic culture. Since opening in 1983, it has been an active Nordic cultural venue with a diverse programme. The programme covers all art forms and welcomes people of all ages and with a range of interests. Specific events and dates may change; if you want to attend a particular event, check the current programme. Unlike the National Gallery’s collection, the focus here is on a diverse cultural programme.

A Park with a Cemetery History

Almost 3,000 people are buried in the Old Cemetery. With a few exceptions, the cemetery has not been in use since 1935; today it is a park in the centre of Tórshavn. Its former use as a cemetery gives this park a different historical connection from Viðarlundin, with its trails, river and trees.

Discover more destinations: Gjógv.

See the main travel overview: Faeroe Islands.