Cruise port · Faroe Islands · Iceland, Greenland & the Arctic
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands cruise port guide
Tórshavn, capital of the Faroe Islands, is one of the world’s smallest capitals, with turf-roofed houses on the Tinganes peninsula, a lively harbor and green, treeless mountains all around. The harbor sits on the edge of the old town, so you can wander straight off the ship, then take a tour to waterfalls, sea cliffs and villages linked by tunnels under the sea.
- Dramatic landscapes
- Waterfalls
- Viking history
- Knitwear
Photo: Stig Nygaard from Copenhagen, Denmark, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Faroe Islands
- Region
- Iceland, Greenland & the Arctic
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Faroese, with Danish widely understood. Most people speak good English.
- Currency
- Faroese króna, tied one-to-one to the Danish krone; Danish notes are accepted. Cards are widely used.
- Best time to visit
- June–August
- Average highs
- 43–54°F through the year
About Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
The Faroes are a self-governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark, 18 rugged islands between Iceland and Scotland where sheep outnumber people. Tórshavn, home to a large share of the islanders, has colorful houses, cafés and a historic old town where the Faroese parliament first met in Viking times.
Most cruisers combine a walk through Tinganes with a tour to Kirkjubøur’s medieval ruins, or to Vágar for the Múlafossur waterfall and the lake that seems to hover above the ocean. Weather is cool, windy and changeable, and fog can roll in fast. It’s for travelers who love dramatic landscapes and quiet communities, not those seeking warmth or shopping.
Where cruise ships dock in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Ships tie up at the quays in Tórshavn’s harbor, typically a 5- to 15-minute walk from Tinganes and the town center, depending on the berth. The center is compact and easy on foot. Kirkjubøur is about 20 minutes by road. Vágar, home to Gásadalur and the cliff-top lake, is about an hour away through a sub-sea tunnel. Public buses exist but are infrequent, so ship or private tours are easiest. Give the town two to three hours.
Best things to do in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands on a cruise
- 1
Tinganes
history
A rocky peninsula in the harbor with red-painted wooden buildings and grass roofs, where the Faroese parliament met as early as the Viking Age. Some buildings still house government offices. Wander the narrow lanes for a sense of old Tórshavn.
- 2
Kirkjubøur
history
The islands’ medieval religious center, about 20 minutes from town, with the roofless Magnus Cathedral ruin, the small, still-used St. Olav’s Church and a centuries-old farmhouse still lived in by the same family for many generations.
- 3
Múlafossur waterfall, Gásadalur
scenery
A waterfall that plunges off a cliff straight into the sea beneath the village of Gásadalur on Vágar, framed by steep green mountains. A short path leads to the classic viewpoint. About an hour from Tórshavn.
- 4
The lake above the ocean
nature
Sørvágsvatn (also called Leitisvatn), on Vágar, appears to float above the sea when seen from the Trælanípa cliffs. Reaching the viewpoint is a hike of about an hour each way on private land, where landowners charge a fee.
- 5
National Museum and Nordic House
culture
The National Museum covers Faroese history, from Viking finds to traditional boats. The Nordic House, a turf-roofed cultural center in a park, hosts exhibitions and concerts. Both are within walking distance or a short ride.
- 6
Villages of Eysturoy
culture
Tours to Eysturoy pass through an undersea tunnel with an illuminated roundabout and visit villages like Gjógv, with its natural sea gorge harbor, and Eiði, with views of the Risin and Kellingin sea stacks.
- 7
Faroese knitwear
shopping
Faroese sweaters and wool goods are famous for their patterns and quality. Shops in Tórshavn sell knitwear from local designers, plus wool yarn to take home.
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 436 | 436 | 436 | 447 | 478 | 5110 | 5312 | 5412 | 5211 | 4910 | 468 | 447 |
| Low °F (°C) | 394 | 394 | 404 | 415 | 447 | 489 | 5010 | 5111 | 4910 | 468 | 436 | 415 |
| Rain in (mm) | 5.0126 | 4.5114 | 3.897 | 2.768 | 2.768 | 3.178 | 3.178 | 3.588 | 4.5114 | 4.8123 | 4.3110 | 5.8147 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
What to eat and drink in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Traditional Faroese food centers on fish, lamb and fermentation. Skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton) and ræst kjøt (fermented mutton) are local specialties with strong flavors. Faroese salmon, langoustine and cod are excellent. Föroya Bjór is the local beer. Tórshavn has cafés and good seafood restaurants, though prices are high.
Tips for your port day
- Dress in warm, waterproof layers; weather changes quickly.
- Book tours early; buses and guides are limited.
- Danish kroner are accepted alongside Faroese kroner, but Faroese notes aren’t accepted outside the islands, so use a card.
- Respect fees and closures on private hiking land.
- Fog can hide viewpoints; consider a flexible plan.
Cruise lines that visit Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Often on the same itinerary
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands cruise FAQs
Can you walk from the Tórshavn cruise port to town?
Yes. The center and Tinganes are typically a 5- to 15-minute walk, depending on the berth.
Do I need a passport for the Faroe Islands?
Yes. The Faroes are outside the EU and the Schengen Area, so carry your passport. Your cruise line will confirm the documents you need.
What currency is used in the Faroe Islands?
The Faroese króna, tied one-to-one to the Danish krone. Danish notes are accepted, and cards are widely used.
How far is Múlafossur waterfall from Tórshavn?
About an hour by road through a sub-sea tunnel to Vágar. Tours usually combine it with other Vágar sights.
Is Tórshavn worth visiting on a cruise?
Yes, for its scenery and character. The town is compact, and tours reveal some of the North Atlantic’s most dramatic landscapes.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.