Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands.
The city was founded in the 10th century and named after Thor, the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. In the early history of the Faroes, Tórshavn became the political centre of the Faroes, and it still is today. The first settlers established their own parliament called "ting" around 800. The main ting was established on Tinganes in Tórshavn and local tings were established in different parts of the islands. Tinganes drew people to trade, to attend court meetings, etc. In 2017, the city had a population of around 13,000, with about 20,000 in the metro area.
The National Historical Museum and the Outdoor Museum are both in the northern suburb Hoyvik, and are covered by a single ticket. Both are worth seeing.
- Faroese Løgtingið, Tinghúsvegur 1-3, +298 363900. An impressive dark red structure with a green roof located on the water front. The parliament has been meeting at this site since 900 AD.
- Tórshavn Cathedral. An attractive white building with clock tower, built in 1788.
- The Nordic House, +298 351351. M-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 14:00-17:00. The main cultural institution on the islands. Events and exhibitions. Has a cafe.
- The Historical Museum, Søvn Landsins Kúrdalsvegur 15, Hoyvík (In Faroese National Heritage, a little north of Tórshavn, +298 790551. M-F 09:00-15:00. Well worth a visit. 30 kr.
- National Gallery of the Faroe Islands, Gundadalsvegur 9, +298 313579. Tu-Su 13:00-16:00. 2600 works of art. 65 kr.
Faroese Løgtingið, Tinghúsvegur 1-3, +298 363900. An impressive dark red structure with a green roof located on the water front. The parliament has been meeting at this site since 900 AD.
Tórshavn Cathedral. An attractive white building with clock tower, built in 1788.
The Nordic House, +298 351351. M-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 14:00-17:00. The main cultural institution on the islands. Events and exhibitions. Has a cafe.
The Historical Museum, Søvn Landsins Kúrdalsvegur 15, Hoyvík (In Faroese National Heritage, a little north of Tórshavn, +298 790551. M-F 09:00-15:00. Well worth a visit. 30 kr.
National Gallery of the Faroe Islands, Gundadalsvegur 9, +298 313579. Tu-Su 13:00-16:00. 2600 works of art. 65 kr.
- Faroese Music Gallery. See, feel and hear Faroese music in the newest and most popular tourist attraction. Free live concerts Mondays to Fridays and on special occasions (see website for program) from 14 June to 13 August and free coffee.
Faroese Music Gallery. See, feel and hear Faroese music in the newest and most popular tourist attraction. Free live concerts Mondays to Fridays and on special occasions (see website for program) from 14 June to 13 August and free coffee.
There are many shops in Tórshavn, especially in the centre and in the shopping mall SMS.
- Brasserie Hvonn, Hotel Tórshavn, Tórsgøta 4, +298 350000. Central location and non-smoking inside, American-style menu and salad bar.
- Gras, Oyggjarvegur 45 (in hotel Føroyar, +298 31 75 00. 07:00-21:30. On a hill above Tórshavn with great views (if there is no fog), non smoking.
- Burger King, SMS Shopping Center, +298 32 34 20. A burger restaurant.
- Sunset Boulevard, SMS Shopping Center (in the SMS Shopping Mall, +298 32 34 22. A Danish chain of sandwich restaurants.
- Baresso Coffee, SMS Shopping Center, +298 23 34 32. A Danish chain of cafés.
Brasserie Hvonn, Hotel Tórshavn, Tórsgøta 4, +298 350000. Central location and non-smoking inside, American-style menu and salad bar.
Gras, Oyggjarvegur 45 (in hotel Føroyar, +298 31 75 00. 07:00-21:30. On a hill above Tórshavn with great views (if there is no fog), non smoking.
Burger King, SMS Shopping Center, +298 32 34 20. A burger restaurant.
Sunset Boulevard, SMS Shopping Center (in the SMS Shopping Mall, +298 32 34 22. A Danish chain of sandwich restaurants.
Baresso Coffee, SMS Shopping Center, +298 23 34 32. A Danish chain of cafés.
- MIMIR, Varðagøta 2 (There's no sign but it's pretty obvious that it's a pub from the outside., +298 31 37 48, +298 28 37 48. An eclectic pub if there ever was one. This signless watering hole attracts a mixed, friendly crowd and has reasonably priced (35 kr) beers on tap. On the bottom floor there are pool tables.
MIMIR, Varðagøta 2 (There's no sign but it's pretty obvious that it's a pub from the outside., +298 31 37 48, +298 28 37 48. An eclectic pub if there ever was one. This signless watering hole attracts a mixed, friendly crowd and has reasonably priced (35 kr) beers on tap. On the bottom floor there are pool tables.