Tórshavn - The capital of the Faroe Island
About Tórshavn
Torshavn is located on the island Streymoy and is the capital of the Faroe Islands. In addition to being the country’s largest city and largest municipality, Torshavn is also the country’s cultural, traffic and economic centre.
Torshavn is known for being the smallest capital in the world. In addition, the city is known for being a modern and vibrant city, with many cafes, restaurants, music venues and cultural gatherings. This contributes to create a cosy, close atmosphere in the small port.
The old part of Torshavn is called ’Úti á Reyni’, where there is opportunity to experience the old black-tarred houses with grass roofs. Also, the red houses on ‘Tinganes’ are found here, where the Lawman office and other administrations are located.
Vágsbotnur, which is described as one of the city’s most vibrant locations is located on the west side of the old town. Vágsbotnur is the city’s old fish market square, and is today much more than that, with cosy cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops. The place is still used as a marketplace where there weekly is sold freshly caught fish. The old colourful warehouses, which is the old image of Vágsbotnur, has been preserved.
The municipality was founded in 1866, when Torshavn also became the official capital of the Faroe Islands .
The city’s name means Thor’s harbour, and is named after the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology and the Norse word for harbour. The town arms is Thor’s hammer, Mjølner, which shows that Torshavn can be dated back to before Christianity, which arrived in around year 1000.
Sights
- Tinganes and the old town ’Úti á Reyni’. The narrow streets and old houses with grass roofs are among the main attractions.
- Skansin, is an old fortress from 1580, where the distinctive lighthouse adorn, along with some of the old guns.
- Tórshavn Cathedral, also known as Havnar Kirkja, is from 1788. On the north wall of the nave stands an altarpiece from around 1646.
- The Nordic House is a popular attraction, where cultural events are held weekly. It is also known as the Congress Centre.
- Ólavsøka (Olaj), are the national holidays of the Faroes, which are on 28 and 29 of July, and are celebrated as the biggest national festival of the whole nation.