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Denmark, Faroe Islands, Streymoy, Torshavn, The historical district of Tinganes

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Unfathomably beautiful and mysteriously tucked away, Tórshavn is a quaint and pleasant town. Serving as the gateway to the Faroe archipelago, it has been called ‘Europe’s best kept secret.’  The 18 jagged, volcanic Faroe Islands are an idyllic escape, peacefully furnished with lush green valleys, imposing basalt cliffs, grand treeless moorlands and waterfalls plunging directly into the wind-crested ocean. Norse settlers established their parliament here in AD 850, ensuring Tórshavn as the capital of the Faroe Islands. By the outbreak of WW1 the cod fishing grounds off the coast of Iceland saw regular visits by Faroese fishermen.

 

The National Museum of the Faroe Islands, The Nordic House and the old grass-roofed buildings of Tinganes, comprise the attractive, historic centre of town. Explore elegantly simple Tórshavn Cathedral, built in 1788, painted white and roofed with slate. Nearby one can also discover the small fortification of Skansin, built in 1540 to defend Tórshavn against marauding pirates.