🇫🇴Faroe Islands/subarctic

Tórshavn

Dramatic landscape photographers who want aurora as a bonus alongside the world's most dramatic volcanic island scenery

4/10
Aurora Score
4/10 ✦
Daily Budget
$150/day
Access
🛤️ Moderate
Dark Hours (Winter)
14h

About Tórshavn

Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands — 18 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway, at 62°N, with a dramatic landscape of sheer sea cliffs, waterfalls plunging directly into the ocean, and turf-roofed houses that seem to grow from the hillside. The old town of Tinganes, a cluster of red-painted medieval warehouses on a headland, is one of Europe's most picturesque historic districts. Northern lights are visible in the Faroes on clear nights during geomagnetically active periods — the archipelago sits on the southern fringe of the auroral zone and aurora is seen perhaps 10-15 times per year. The primary challenge is the Faroese climate: the islands receive frequent Atlantic weather, and cloud cover significantly limits clear-sky aurora opportunities. However, the dramatic landscape provides extraordinary photography foregrounds when conditions cooperate. The Faroese cuisine scene — centring on traditional fermented lamb and fresh seafood — is internationally recognised. The archipelago's bird life, including puffins at Mykines, is spectacular. Visit primarily for the dramatic island landscapes, with aurora as an atmospheric bonus.

Best Time to Visit

Monthly Weather & Aurora

MonthAvg TempDark HoursAurora Chance
Jan★ Best+4°C14hLow
Feb★ Best+4°C11hLow
Mar★ Best+4°C7hLow
Apr+6°C3hLow
May+8°CMidnight sun
Jun+11°CMidnight sun
Jul+13°CMidnight sun
Aug+13°CMidnight sun
Sep+10°C4hLow
Oct★ Best+8°C9hLow
Nov★ Best+6°C12hLow
Dec★ Best+4°C14hLow

Activities

Getting There

Fly to Vágar Airport (FAE) from Copenhagen (2h), Reykjavik (1.5h), Oslo (2h), or Edinburgh (1.5h) — Atlantic Airways and SAS. Ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark (36h) seasonally. Vágar is 50km from Tórshavn by bus or taxi.

Accommodation Highlights

  • Boutique hotels
  • Guesthouses
  • Design hotels

Location

Budget Estimator

3 nights21 nights
Budget
$788
Typical
$1,050
Comfort
$1,470

Based on avg $150/day in Tórshavn. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.

Quick Info

LanguageFaroese, Danish (English widely spoken)
Regionsubarctic
Coordinates62.01°N, -6.77°E

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Tórshavn?+
The best months for aurora viewing in Tórshavn are 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3. Tórshavn has an aurora score of 4/10.
How much does a trip to Tórshavn cost?+
The average daily budget in Tórshavn is around $150 USD, covering accommodation, meals, and activities.
How do I get to Tórshavn?+
Fly to Vágar Airport (FAE) from Copenhagen (2h), Reykjavik (1.5h), Oslo (2h), or Edinburgh (1.5h) — Atlantic Airways and SAS. Ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark (36h) seasonally. Vágar is 50km from Tórshavn by bus or taxi.
What activities are available in Tórshavn?+
Popular activities in Tórshavn include Northern Lights Tours, Northern Lights Photography, Wildlife Watching, Puffin Watching, Kayaking, Hiking, Photography Tours, Fjord Cruises, Aurora Camp, Seal Watching.