Outdoor life
Like the rest of the Faroe Islands, the greater Tórshavn area is surrounded by peaceful and lush green valleys, imposing basalt cliffs, grand treeless moorlands, mountain lakes and waterfalls plunging directly into the wind-crested ocean. We also have a beautiful grove in the middle of the city that is easily accessible for a quick getaway to spend a moment filled with the sights and sounds of nature.
The municipality of Tórshavn also offers plenty of opportunity to explore nature by land and by sea, by car or bus, by boat or kayak, on horseback, on a bike, scuba diving, on foot, running, or on skis.
The mountains surrounding the Faroe Islands offer spectacular views and experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. Do plan to experience the outdoors, but never underestimate how easily both experienced and inexperienced hikers can get trapped in the rugged Faroese mountains. Many mountains only have a very specific route that is accessible to hike, and very few mountains have marked trails, as Faroese people usually learn to hike the individual mountains from other locals. It is a good idea to consult a tourist information centre or a local before starting your hike, or to book your hike with a local guide.
Remember that sheep farming is one of the major livelihoods in the Faroe Islands, and the mountains and fields are private property that farmers allow hikers to use on the condition that hikers practice good behaviour, don’t litter, don’t damage the land and don’t disturb sheep or birds. Camping outside of designated campsites is only allowed with an explicit permission from the farmer. Camping in drinking water protection zones is prohibited. If you leave behind a car to go hiking or camping, you should put a note in the window stating your name and contact number and when you expect to return.
Always inform someone that you are going on a hike or camping trip and when you expect to return. Bring a charged mobile phone and appropriate shoes and clothing and be vigilant of the weather. Do not plan to hike in slippery conditions, and if the fog starts rolling in, the best advice is to turn around. If you get trapped or injured, stay where you are and call the emergency services for assistance by dialling 112.
Tórshavn is surrounded by nature with easy access to walks, hikes, fishing, horseback riding, scuba diving, mountaineering, sailing, skiing or simply enjoying the landscape.
The highest point in the municipality is Skælingsfjall at 767 metres. The old village road (Oyggjarvegurin) from Tórshavn to Kollafjørður offers many scenic views and detours to places such as Norðradalur, Mjørkadalur or Sornfelli, all of which are accessible by road. Many hiking trails start from the old village road, such as Fyri Vestan between Sornfelli and Norðradalur, or Miðdepil Føroya (the geographical centre of the Faroe Islands) in the mountain above Kaldbak. Kaldbak is also accessible through the highway heading north from Tórshavn (Landsvegurin).
The village road from Tórshavn towards the west offers access to Syðradalur, Velbastaður and Kirkjubøur with its own spectacular views and significant historical buildings. Plenty of easy to moderate hiking trails go from Tórshavn, Argir or Hoyvík to the hills surrounding the greater city area or to the surrounding villages such as Kirkjubøur.
The smaller islands Nólsoy, Koltur and Hestur all have easy to moderate hikes with stunning views.
The Tórshavn Hiking Association »Gongufelagið í Havn« offers regular group hikes, and the tourist information centres will also be able to inform about individual or group hikes. Check their website for updates in the Register of Leisure Associations below.
The Faroese Skiing Club »Fjalir« takes any opportunity to ski if the conditions permit during winter. Check their website for updates in the Register of Leisure Associations below.
The kayak club in Tórshavn »Havnar kajakkfelag« arranges regular kayaking excursions. Check their Facebook site for updates in the Register of Leisure Associations below.
There are many small mountain lakes in Streymoy that offer trout or salmon fishing from October 1st to June 15th. Fishing permits are required for the lakes in Leynar (Leynavatn), Kollafjørður (Mjáuvøtn) and Saksun (Saksunarvatn). They are available to purchase from the tourist information centres around the country or from the gas station FAST in Kollafjørður. Fishing in drinking water protection zones is prohibited. Other rules and regulations are available on the website of The Faroese Trout Fishing Association »Føroya Sílaveiðufelag« in the Register of Leisure Associations below.
Felagsskráin (The Register of Leisure Associations in the Municipality of Tórshavn)
Nólsoyarfjørður is the fjord between Tórshavn and Nólsoy. Hestfjørður is the fjord between the islands Koltur and Hestur and the villages Kirkjubøur and Velbastað. The fjords are excellent for fishing e.g. cod, haddock and whiting. Some lucky anglers might also catch a redfish or a halibut. Kaldbaksfjørður is the fjord in Kaldbak and Kaldbaksbotnur, which is known for its salmon.
Many boats or schooners, such as Norðlýsið, offer commercial sailing or fishing trips in the municipality.
The basins in Vágsbotnur, Kongabrúnni, Argir and Álaker have a total of 755 berths. The villages in the municipality also have basins and berths.
Tórshavn has the beach Sandagerð, which is frequently visited during the summer. Sandagerð is one of the whaling beaches in the Faroe Islands.
Ocean swimmers swim in Sandagerð, Old Hoyvík, Nólsoy, Kollafjørður and other quays year-round.
The Municipality of Tórshavn has a multitude of rivers, lakes and ponds that children and adults visit for walks or for playing. Many of the bodies of water are appropriate for fishing, camping or making a campfire, such as by Sandá in Havnardalur. Always practice common sense when deciding whether the water is okay to play in, and always take care of your surroundings when camping in nature.
The lakes in Leynar (Leynavatn), Kollafjørður (Mjáuvøtn) and Saksun (Saksunarvatn) are only open for fishing between May 1st and June 15th. Fishing permits are required and are available for purchase at the tourist office in Tórshavn or the gas station Effo in Kollafjørður. Other rules and regulations are available on the website of The Faroese Trout Fishing Association »Føroya Sílaveiðufelag« below.
Playing, camping and fishing in drinking water protection zones is prohibited. Such zones include the dams in Havnardalur, Villingadalur and Argir. Camping is also prohibited next to the lakes in Leynar and Kollafjørður.
The mountains and hills in the municipality invite people of all ages and abilities to engage in short or long hikes either on designated paths or in unmarked terrain.
The highest point in the municipality is Skælingsfjall at 767 metres. The old village road (Oyggjarvegurin) from Tórshavn to Kollafjørður offers many scenic views and detours to places such as Norðradalur, Mjørkadalur or Sornfelli, all of which are accessible by road. Many hiking trails start from the old village road, such as Fyri Vestan between Sornfelli and Norðradalur, or Miðdepil Føroya (the geographical centre of the Faroe Islands) in the mountain above Kaldbak. Kaldbak is also accessible through the highway heading north from Tórshavn (Landsvegurin).
The village road from Tórshavn towards the west offers access to Syðradalur, Velbastaður and Kirkjubøur with its own spectacular views and significant historical buildings. Plenty of easy to moderate hiking trails go from Tórshavn, Argir or Hoyvík to the hills surrounding the greater city area or to the surrounding villages such as Kirkjubøur.
The smaller islands Nólsoy, Koltur and Hestur all have easy to moderate hikes with stunning views.
We have gathered some of the Municipality's best and most popular hiking trails on our page »Túrar og ítriv í náttúruni«. The page is in Faroese but comes with maps and links to the website bygdagøtur.fo, which offers information in English. Check out the links below.
The Tórshavn Hiking Association »Gongufelagið í Havn« offers regular group hikes, and the tourist information centres will also be able to inform about individual or group hikes. Check their website for updates in the Register of Leisure Associations below.
The Faroese Skiing Club »Fjalir« takes any opportunity to ski if the conditions permit during winter. Check their website for updates in the Register of Leisure Associations below.
The Climbing Association »Klintrifelagið« has erected multiple bolted routes in Norðradalur, and they also arrange bouldering and climbing trips to informal climbing spots throughout the municipality. Check their website for updates in the Register of Leisure Associations below.
Felagsskráin (The Register of Leisure Associations - In Faroese only)
Because of the salt in air in the Faroe Islands the soil is not suitable for trees. The lack of trees works to the advantage of the sheep farmers, whose sheep freely roam the mountains. The Municipality of Tórshavn has, however, made an effort to plant trees in both private and public areas, and one such area is the large grove (Viðarlundin) in Tórshavn. The grove is one of the most visited public spaces in Tórshavn by people of all ages.
Plenty of the native birds in the Faroe Islands frequent the grove, and the ponds and streams host trout, ducks and swans that visitors enjoy feeding. The paths are accessible to wheelchairs and prams, and there are plenty of benches available throughout the grove. Dogs are also allowed on a leash in the grove.
The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands is located within the premises, and a variety of statues are erected throughout the grove.