Plan a CruiseTórshavn Cruise Port Guide
Tórshavn is the capital and largest town in the Faroe Islands, situated on the east coast of Streymoy island. It holds the distinction of being the most visited cruise port in the archipelago. The town is a charming blend of historic Viking foundations (around 900 AD) and modern amenities, offering views of the nearby island of Nólsoy. The harbor is conveniently close to the town center. Ships dock at a modern facility that expanded its berth space by 900 meters in 2019. A complimentary shuttle bus is provided to transport passengers from the ship's gangway to the port entrance, which is approximately half a mile (800 meters) closer to the heart of Tórshavn.
Getting Around from the Port
- Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle bus operates from your ship's gangway to the port entrance, which is about half a mile (800 meters) towards the town center.
- Walking: From the port entrance, the city center (Vaglið) is a short 5-minute walk. For more extensive shopping, the modern SMS shopping center is an additional 5-10 minute walk from Vaglið.
- Local Bus (Bussleiðin): Tórshavn offers an efficient and free local bus service using red buses. There are four routes that cover most areas of the town, including Kollafjørður. Buses run every half hour during the day and hourly in the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays. Route maps and schedules can be obtained on the buses, at Kiosk Steinatún in the city center, or at Kunningarstovan (Tourist Information).
- Taxi: Taxis are a good option for exploring beyond the immediate town center. A taxi tour typically costs around 60-70 Euro per hour. In about two hours, you can visit many of the island's highlights, such as grass-topped buildings, local churches, and Viking dwellings.
- Intertown Bus (Bygdaleiðir): Blue intertown buses operate daily to most areas across the Faroe Islands. A comprehensive schedule (Ferðaætlan) listing timetables can be obtained from the tourist office or the central bus station near the harbor in Tórshavn.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Tinganes & Tórshavn Old Town (Walkable): Walk from the port to the historic Tinganes peninsula, where Vikings established their first parliament around 900 AD. This area is home to the Faroese government and the charming 'old town' of Tórshavn, featuring small, restored, colorful houses.
- Skansin Fortress (Walkable): Located directly above the harbor, Skansin is an old fortress built in 1580 to defend Tórshavn from pirates. It offers historical interest and good views, easily accessible on foot.
- City Center (Vaglið) & SMS Shopping Center (Walkable): A 5-minute walk from the harbor will bring you to Vaglið, the city center. Here you'll find Løgtingið (the Faroese parliament), shops, restaurants, hotels, and a cinema. Continue another 5-10 minutes to reach SMS, a modern shopping center with many shops, banks, and restaurants, popular with locals.
- Island Highlights by Taxi (2-3 hours): For an efficient way to see key sights outside the capital, consider hiring a taxi. At approximately 60-70 Euro per hour, a 2-hour tour can showcase picturesque grass-topped buildings, historic churches, and ancient Viking dwellings, offering a broader glimpse of the island's unique landscape and heritage.
Shopping
Faroese souvenirs of particular interest include woollen goods, stuffed birds, ceramics, wood articles, jewelry, music, stamps, and posters. Most shops are open from 9:00/10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays, with many retailers staying open until 7:00 PM on Fridays. On Saturdays, shopping hours are limited, with stores typically closing at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, or 4:00 PM. All stores are closed on Sundays. *
Dining
Tipping is not customary in the Faroe Islands, as service fees are normally included in the price of meals at restaurants, taxi rides, and other services.
Safety
No specific safety concerns or areas to avoid were highlighted in the provided information for Tórshavn. For any type of emergency assistance anywhere in the country, dial 112.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Faroese króna. While the Faroese government prints its own currency, Danish coins are used, and the exchange value is equivalent to the Danish krone. Danish notes are equally acceptable as the Faroese króna throughout the country, and there is no service charge on exchange. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available for cash withdrawals. Danish is spoken, but English is well understood throughout Tórshavn. Free internet access is available at the public library, which is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Internet access is usually available after 1:00 PM, as the mornings are reserved for school children.