Tórshavn
Dramatic landscape photographers who want aurora as a bonus alongside the world's most dramatic volcanic island scenery
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
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | +4°C | 14h | Low |
| Feb★ Best | +4°C | 11h | Low |
| Mar★ Best | +4°C | 7h | Low |
| Apr | +6°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +8°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +11°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +10°C | 4h | Low |
| Oct★ Best | +8°C | 9h | Low |
| Nov★ Best | +6°C | 12h | Low |
| Dec★ Best | +4°C | 14h | Low |
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
Based on avg $150/day in Tórshavn. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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FaroeGuide
8 Mannbrekka, Hoyvík 188, Faroe Islands
car rental
Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands
13 Staravegur, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hotel
Hotel Brandan
Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hotel
Hotel Hafnia
4-10 Áarvegur, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hotel
Hotel Føroyar
45 Oyggjarvegur, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hotelHavgrím Seaside Hotel 1948
14 Yviri við Strond, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hotelHotel Djurhuus
19 Yviri við Strond, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hotelHotel Runavik
6 Heiðavegur, Runavík 620, Faroe Islands
hotelHotel Tórshavn
4 Tórsgøta, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hotel62N Hotel City Center
Doktara Jakobsens gøta, 14 16, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
hostel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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paz
Doktara Jakobsens gøta, 14 16, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
restaurant
Áarstova
1 Gongin, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
restaurant
Bitin
12 Niels Finsens gøta, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
scandinavian restaurant
ROKS
5 Gongin, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
restaurant
Húsagarður
2 Oknarvegur, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
restaurantTHE TARV Grillhouse
undir Bryggjubakka 3-5 Tóshavn, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
restaurantKatrina Christiansen
6 Bringsnagøta, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
scandinavian restaurantBarbara Fish House
4-6 Gongin, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
seafood restaurantAngus Steakhouse
1 Havnargøta, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
restaurantHallartún
Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Outdoor Faroe Islands
7 Klokkaragøta, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
tour agency
REMÓT TRAVEL
15 Vestara Bryggja, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
travel agency
Boat.fo
15 Rygsgøta, Argir 160, Faroe Islands
fishing charter
Tórshavn Sea Adventures
23 Undir Bryggjubakka, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
tour agency
GoLocal
3 Bøgøta, Mykines 388, Faroe Islands
tour agencySeatravel.fo
Bakkavegur, Sørvágur 380, Faroe Islands
tour agencyGuide to Faroe Islands
22 Pedda við Stein gøta, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
travel agencyExperience Faroe Islands
26 Klokkaragøta, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
point of interestRIB62 - Sightseeing
265H+P3R, Vestaravág, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
tour agencyHeimdal Tours Sp/f
265J+Q58, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
point of interestNearby Destinations
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