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O n the Faroe Islands, there’s only one kind of weather that keeps locals indoors:
“weather to die in” – when sudden fog makes orientation impossible and stepping
outside could be fatal. Otherwise, life happens outdoors, in rain, wind or shine. Visitors
should be ready with layers for all seasons in a single day. With just 14,000 inhabitants,
Tórshavn ranks among the world’s ten smallest capitals – yet quality of life is high. For the
best start, stay above the city at Hotel Føroyar (1). Designed by Friis & Moltke Architects,
the grass-roofed building blends into the hillside as if carved from rock; it was opened
in 1983 and extended in 2000. The architects aimed to create a contemporary building
that establishes a link to the local building tradition. Most rooms face Tórshavn, and in
the morning you may be greeted by sheep outside your door. Breakfast comes with a
sweeping view of the town and Nólsoy island.

Saturday: Galleries, enjoyment & good company

r 10:00 — From the hotel, a trail leads into town. Before the main shopping street Niels Foto: Hendrik Bohle, Berlin
Finsens gøta (2), stop at Gallarí Havnará (3), a simple wooden cube with large glass
fronts, curating Nordic contemporary art.
r 11:00 — Nearby, ceramic artist Guðrið Poulsen (4) opens her studio occasionally – look Drei Schulen in einem Gebäude: das Glasir Tórshavn College (14) von BIG • Three schools in one building.
for an åben sign. Back on Niels Finsens gøta, browse shops for fashion and music. Don’t
miss Guðrun & Guðrun (5), whose hand-knitted jumpers of Faroese wool gained global Bildunterschrift • englisch
fame through the TV series The Killing. Guðrun Ludvig and Guðrun Rógvadóttir have
modernised a classic Nordic natural product, the knitted jumper – with the wool coming
from free-range Faroese sheep and the jumpers being hand-knitted by Faroese, Peruvian
and Jordanian women.
r 13:00 — Time for a refreshment – either at Bitin (6) with excellent smørrebrød, perhaps
topped with dried Faroese fish or next door, where Suppugarðurin (7) serves ramen in
Japanese street-food style.
r 14:00 — Continue via Jóannesar Paturssonar gøta and Tróndargøta to the Old Harbour.
In a former factory you’ll find Østrøm (8), showcasing Faroese design with a café and
workspace. Next door, Steinprent (9) specialises in stone lithography, attracting artists
from across Europe. Continue to the West Bay (10), today a marina lined with cafés.
r 16:00 — Explore Tinganes (11), the oldest part of Tórshavn. Since Viking times, this rocky Foto: Hendrik Bohle, Berlin
peninsula has been the Faroese seat of government. Many of its red turf-roofed houses
from the 16th and 17th centuries remain in political use today. At its tip stands the Prime
Minister’s office, marked by the Faroese flag. A new terminal (12), designed by Henning Kirkjubøur (15) ist das älteste Kulturzentrum der Insel. • Kirkjubøur (15) is the oldest cultural centre on the island.
Larsen Architects and scheduled for completion in 2026, is inspired by traditional Faroese
boats, which are a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
r 19:00 — For dinner, ROKS (13) is highly recommended: chefs Carlos Alberto Andrade and Das Listasavn Føroya (19) ist das Kunstmuseum der Färöer. • The art museum of the Faroe Islands
Ása Poulsdóttir Jacobsen and their team create refined menus celebrating local seafood
– from delicate scallops to Greenlandic snow crab.

Sunday: Green expanse & rich history

r 7:00 — Start early, coffee in hand, and greet the sheep before enjoying a hearty break-
fast. Pack a lunch box and start the morning, which is all about hiking.
r 8:00 — Stop at Glasir Tórshavn College (14) by BIG, a bold school complex contrasting
with the city’s small scale. The terraced interior is stunning and cleverly planned.
r 9:00 — Hike along a scenic path, which leads you out of town past waterfalls, mountain
ranges and sheep pastures, to the historic settlement of Kirkjubøur (15), once the Faroes’
cultural and spiritual heart. Landmarks include the ruins of Magnus Cathedral (c. 1300),
St Olav’s Church (13th c.), and the 11th-century royal farmhouse Kirkjubøargarður – all on
UNESCO’s tentative list.
r 13:00 — Return to your hotel for Sunday brunch at Ruts Restaurant (16), a perfect pause
before more cultural exploration.
r 15:00 — A short walk leads past Williamshús (17), home of the famous author William
Heinesen, then stroll through the pretty park Viðarlundin í Havn (18) to the Listasavn
Føroya (19). This national art museum – designed by Jákup Pauli Gregoriussen, one of
the Faroe Islands’ leading architects – houses the most important Faroese art collection
alongside changing global exhibitions, offering you the opportunity to get to know the
impressive landscapes and fascinating culture of the islands.
r 19:00 — Conclude your weekend at the Lamb & Seafood Restaurant Áarstova (20). The Foto: Hendrik Bohle, Berlin
former grass-roofed family home is now undoubtedly one of the best authentic restau-
rants in the Faroe Islands, serving excellent regional produce.