Torshavn

Pause above Tórshavn for a photo stop overlooking this capital city. Pass a charming mountain tarn and admire the hand-hewn stone salmon ladders leading to Lake Leynar. Set amidst some of the most splendid scenery in the whole of the Faroes, the quaint village of Leynar is well worth a visit. A unique experience and a chance to meet one of the locals are on offer, as you visit the local wood-turner in his workshop.

Afterwards, discover the colourful village of Kvivik, site of an ancient Viking settlement dating from the 10th century. Alongside a pleasant stream you can explore the remnants of a Viking farmhouse and byre, and enjoy the tranquillity of this peaceful village.

In Kollafjørður visit an old Faroese church. This black, wooden building with its traditional Faroese turf roof is one of 9 churches built between 1830 and 1850. Be sure to look upwards to see the unique roof, complete with daisies. The journey back to Tórshavn takes you through tunnels and then along a fjord at sea level.

During a short coach ride through the harbour area, you’ll begin to catch glimpses of the twin-masted, restored schooner, Norðlýsið (Northern Lights). You’ll be welcomed by the ship’s captain, who’ll then release the ropes for a sail out into the channel.

You’re sure to feel exhilarated as the nimble schooner responds to her sails filling with the fresh winds. As you round the tip of Nolsoy Island you may be treated to the spectacle of darting puffins, roused by the passage of the boat. Nolsoy’s sea cliffs are particularly dramatic – rising 1,150 feet out of the sea. Armed with your binoculars, you are likely to spot nesting fulmars and, if you are lucky, a gannet or two on the wing. Should the tides be favourable, you’ll continue on around the island, otherwise you’ll retrace the route back.

Travel from Tórshavn to the Island of Eysturoy passing Eiði and crossing the mountains to Funningur, where Grímur Kamban lived. The Færeyinga saga, which was written in 1200 AD, mentions him as the first settler in the Faroe Islands. His family were also among the first settlers in Iceland. En route you’ll be treated to a view of ‘The Giant’ and ‘The Hag’, 2 very distinctive sea stacks, and pass the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands, Slættaratindur, at 2,892 feet.

After a short panoramic stop at Funning, it’s on to the area known as Gøta with the 3 villages of Syðrugøta, Gøtugjógv, and Norðragøta. This historic area was the home of the famous Viking chieftain, Tróndur í Gøtu, who was considered to be a very clever and crafty man. He defended the old Viking ways against the desire of the Norwegian king and the Faroese chieftain, Sigmundur Brestisson, to convert the Faroese to Christianity. Ruins of his farm are found in Gøta and the museum, Blásastova, provides insight into the culture and way of life in the Faroes.

Before heading back to the capital there is a short visit to Leirvík, where recent excavations have revealed the remnants of a 1,000 year old Viking farm.

The first part of this scenic journey takes you alongside fjords and cascading waterfalls and past colourful coastal villages. Your destination is Vestmanna, a picturesque village on the west coast of Streymoy. At the marina, your mode of transport changes as you board a boat for a trip along the dramatic coastline.

Depending on the direction of wind and currents, the boat will head in either a northerly or southerly direction. To the north are a series of stunning cliffs, topped with verdant grassland and grazing sheep. At the northernmost point, the cliffs abound with sea caves, and you’re sure to be amazed as your experienced captain takes the boat through channels between free-standing rock formations and coastal cliffs. If the boat takes the route to the south, you’ll cross the narrow sound and see the Island of Vágar rising dramatically before you. Hugging the eastern coast are deep gorges cut by the ever-present energy of the cascading water.

This trip gives you the chance to see Vágar’s changing scenery and explore its villages. Visit the church at Sandavágur, and then the village of Miðvágur. Pass the largest lake in the Faroe Islands at Vatnsoyrar and visit Bøur, a little village that has both old and new houses with green grass turf roofs and a charming old tar-blackened church.

There is a spectacular view of the Tindhólmur islet and the Island of Mykines in the distance as you drive up to the tunnel which takes you to Gásadalur, Vágar’s westernmost village, and the last to be road connected with the rest of the island.

Return to Tórshavn via the mountain road to capture the extraordinary panoramic views out over the fjords and the capital.

Travel by coach up the scenic, ridge-top road that runs along the southern part of Streymoy Island. Pausing above Tórshavn for a photo stop at a viewpoint overlooking this colourful capital city. In the green, sheep pastures above Tórshavn, be on the lookout for stone cairns, which marked the footpaths between villages in bygone times. Pause for another photo opportunity above Norðradalur (North Valley), where on clear days a dramatic view of the Island of Koltur stands gloriously before you.

Further north, views of Kaldbak and Kollafjørður fjords open up, and winding down into a valley, you’ll pass several colourful villages. The journey back to Tórshavn goes through a 3km-long tunnel and then alongside a fjord at sea level. Arriving in Tórshavn a visit will be made to the old part of the city known as ‘Tinganes’. Take a short walk in the narrow streets that run between the old houses with their traditional turf roof.

Viking settlers first established their main parliament on Tinganes in Tórshavn. Tórshavn became the centre of the monopoly trade, becoming a thriving town over the centuries, and today it is one of the smallest and most pleasant capital cities in the world.

Visit Tinganes, the historic area of Tórshavn, with small, old houses with traditional turf roofs and the beautiful red parliament buildings. With a short stop at Skansin, explore the remains of the old fort, before taking a short walk at Sandagerd Beach. Drive to the beautiful Nordic House cultural centre for an interesting visit to this architecturally impressive building. The aim of The Nordic House is to support and promote Nordic and Faroese culture, both locally and in the Nordic region.

Tórshavn today blends the historical and picturesque with all the features of a modern city. Drive through the modern sections of the city and, before you head back to the harbour, stop to enjoy a picturesque view overlooking the capital.