How to get to Torshavn

When planning a trip to Tórshavn, you are setting off for one of the world's smallest and most cosy capitals, situated on a picturesque archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic. This city combines the charm of historic houses with turf roofs and modern Scandinavian comfort. You can reach this destination primarily by air or sea, making the journey itself the beginning of your adventure in the Faroe Islands.

The primary way to reach the region is by flying into Vágar Airport (FAE), which serves as the main aerial gateway to the archipelago. It is the only international airport on the islands handling regular flights and ensuring connection with the outside world.

Although the Shetland Islands and the northern territories of the UK are geographically close to the archipelago, direct flights from there can be irregular. Most tourists choose connecting flights via Copenhagen, Reykjavik, or Edinburgh to reach their destination comfortably. The airport is well connected to the city, and the transfer does not take much time.

Railway services in the city of Tórshavn and across the entire archipelago are completely absent due to the complex mountainous terrain and the small size of the islands. There are no train stations here, and trains have never been used as a mode of passenger transport in this region.

Even the nearest neighbours, such as the Shetland Islands, are separated from the Faroes by ocean waters, making a journey by train physically impossible. To move between settlements, locals and tourists use a well-developed network of buses and ferries.

Since Tórshavn is located on an isolated island, it is impossible to reach here by international bus from mainland Europe without using a ferry or aeroplane. There are no direct overland routes linking the city with other countries.

However, the internal bus network is excellently developed. Within the capital itself, free red buses (Bussleiðin) operate, connecting the centre with the outskirts, while blue intercity buses (Bygdaleiðir) ensure reliable connections with other settlements and ferry terminals across the Faroe Islands.

Reaching the city of Tórshavn by private car is only possible by using the ferry crossing. The only operator providing regular services for passengers with vehicles is the company Smyril Line, whose ferries ply the North Atlantic year-round.

The main routes depart from the port of Hirtshals in Denmark or from the port of Seyðisfjörður in Iceland. The journey by sea takes a significant amount of time (about 30–36 hours from Denmark), but it allows tourists to bring their own vehicle to the Faroe Islands and freely explore the picturesque roads of the archipelago.

A trip to Tórshavn requires preparation, especially considering the changeable climate of the North Atlantic. To ensure your journey is comfortable, please consider the following recommendations.

1. Clothing and Gear. The weather here changes every 15 minutes. Be sure to bring layered clothing: thermal underwear, a warm sweater, and a high-quality waterproof jacket. Umbrellas are useless here due to strong winds; it is better to choose a raincoat.
2. Transport. Red city buses operate within Tórshavn, and travel on them is absolutely free. For trips outside the city, use the blue buses or rent a car.
3. Finances. The local currency is the Faroese króna, which is pegged to the Danish krone (both are accepted). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, even in small kiosks.
4. Health and Safety. Tórshavn is one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate is extremely low. Medical services are of a high standard, and pharmacies are marked with the sign "Apotek".
5. Communication. The official languages are Faroese and Danish, but almost all locals speak excellent English, so communication issues will not arise.
6. Local Etiquette. The Faroese are reserved but friendly. Do not photograph private homes or people without permission; please respect their privacy.
7. What to Avoid. Never go hiking in the mountains without notifying someone or during fog. Do not enter private pastures or startle the sheep — this may cause dissatisfaction among the farmers.
8. Additional Advice. Alcoholic beverages are sold exclusively in specialized state-run stores called "Rúsan," which close early and are not open on Sundays.

By following these simple rules, you will be able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Tórshavn and avoid minor inconveniences.