Tórshavn is the colorful seaside capital of the Faroe Islands. Named after the Norse God of War, Tórshavn’s history traces back to the Vikings. In the summer, the streets buzz with activity and the city’s old center offers charm and a wealth of history. Dine at restaurants housed in centuries old buildings with grass rooftops and shop at boutiques for the finest Faroese wool. You can walk to just about everything in Tórshavn, and you’ll be fueled by some of the freshest air on the planet. Below, we’ve round up the top 8 things to do in the Faroe Islands capital:
Visit the Tiganes
The two small harbors of Tórshavn are divided by a narrow neck of land that juts out like a mini peninsula. Known as Tiganes, it’s home to what were the first parliament buildings on the islands. Meander through and admire the history and beauty of these tell-tale red buildings, which are still in use today. The first parliament meeting occurred in 825 A.D. during the Viking Age, making it one of the oldest assemblies in the world.
Feast on Fresh Catch at Barbara’s Fish House
Nestled in the center of Tórshavn, you’ll find a pocket of grass-roofed buildings, centuries old, which have been converted into some of the best restaurants in town. Packed with character, each of these restaurants are wonderful, but Barbara’s Fish House easily takes the cake. Just kick back and order the tasting the menu to enjoy dishes like monk fish ceviche, salmon tartare, and Barbara’s famous fish soup – all brilliantly paired with a well-curated selection of Spanish wine. Áarstova is excellent as well!
Shop the local Boutiques
These colorful streets of Tórshavn are lined with many great boutique shops with well-made local goods. For that fine Faroese wool and the best hand-knit sweaters in town, head to Gudrun & Gudrun. Öström is another great Faroese shop with a mix of chic clothing and home-goods. Next door, you’ll find Steinprent, a cool lithographic gallery. Don’t forget to check out their workshop upstairs!
Grab a beer at Sirkus or a cocktail at Hvonn
These beloved watering holes are located steps apart in the main waterfront area of Tórshavn. Sirkus boasts a quirky, laid-back atmosphere, best for a pint. While Hvonn’s interior is nothing to write home about, it does make some of the best cocktails around, perfect for a pre-dinner drink!
Stroll the Waterfront
From the colorful buildings to the boats in the marina, Tórshavn’s waterfront is extremely picturesque. Start from one end and walk along the marina promenade, popping into shops and admiring everything from small wooden row boats to yachts.
Wake Up with the Best Coffee and Pastries in Town
Keeping our eyes peeled one morning for where the locals grabbed their coffee, we came upon Paname Café and returned twice more during our stay. They serve a fantastic cappuccino and have the most divine hot, flakey, buttery croissants fresh out of the oven when they open at 9 am. (11am on Sundays). Beyond their tasty treats, the café has a fresh, chic interior and a cool gift shop next door.
Check out the Nordic House
Located up the hillside a bit, the Nordic House the modern cultural center of the Faroe Islands. Check out their events calendar, as there’s always something cool going on – from interesting lectures to musical performances. The main open space consists of a high-tech amphitheater and Smakka Café. Floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of seating make the design-forward building an ideal spot for both tourists to visit (try their weekend brunch!) or locals to meet and work.
Stay at Hotel Havgrím
Brand new as of 2018, Hotel Havgrím is an incredibly charming sea-side boutique hotel. With only 12 rooms, they offer wonderful service and a relaxing B&B feel. Located right on the waterfront, about a 3 minute walk to the town center, you can wake up to beautiful views and the sound of the ocean out your window. Watch sheep graze in the grass from your window or the cool glass elevator and enjoy plush bedding and L’Occitane products in your guest-room.
Also See:
Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands
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