• Christmas in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands by Rolands Varspergs
    Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen
  • Christmas in the Faroe Islands. Photo by @byolafsdottir I Harriet Olafsdóttir av Gørðum
    Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen
  • Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen
  • Christmas decorations in the cosy cafe, Panamé, in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. Taken by Alessio Mesiano
    Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen
  • Cosy Christmas market in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. Taken by Klara Johannesen / @klarajohannesen
    Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen

CHRISTMAS IN THE FAROE ISLANDS

Tórshavn, one of the world’s smallest capitals, is the ideal location for Christmas shopping and extraordinary festive magic. In December, pop-up stores fill the streets of the small city. You can find everything from designer clothing to handmade Christmas decorations to Faroese art, jewellery, and knitting. Here are some of our recommendations for your festive stay.
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COFFEE BREAK

Paname café: A warm and charismatic café in the old bookshop in Tórshavn, serving delicious homemade sandwiches, salads and sweets. A perfect place to enjoy the Christmas lights from the main street with a cheese platter with wine. 

Kaffihúsið: A small, cosy café with a tranquil view on the pier, perfect for when cheeks and earlobes start turning red. Order a hot chocolate drink (made from pure chocolate) and a famously delicious Danish pastry for approximately DKK 50.

Brell Café: Enjoy the best coffee in town at this small curated café on the main shopping street, with a wide selection of high-quality roasted beans, teas and sweets from around the world.

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

For women: All sorts of beautiful traditional Faroese jumpers can be found at Østrøm.

For kids: Fun, colourful knitwear from Staðið.

For men: Typical Faroese knitwear for men is a dark, brown, simple sweater, with silver buttons on one shoulder. Available at various shops, like Navia, Staðið, or Guðrun & Guðrun.

For mum and grandmother: Gorgeous ceramic cups and vases by local Faroese potter, Guðrið Poulsen.

For dad and grandfather: A good winter hat from Heimavirkisfelagið to keep those ears warm.

Treat yourself: Modern designer knitwear from Guðrun & Guðrun, handmade by women in the Faroe Islands, Jordan, and Peru.

ICE SKATING

Take in the festive atmosphere at the ice skating rink in downtown Tórshavn. Open throughout December, the ice skating rink is a great spot to get join others in a fun, family-friendly activity.

CHRISTMAS CITY

Each year, the country’s largest shopping center (SMS) builds a Christmas City, filled with elves, animals, Christmas trees, and Christmas ornaments. SMS’ Christmas City is one of the largest of its kind in the Nordic countries.

The Christmas City. with its bright lights and fun decorations, is always a big hit with children. The center’s shops also offer great Christmas in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

  • Christmas City at SMS shopping centre
  • Christmas City at SMS shopping centre
  • Christmas City at SMS shopping centre
  • Christmas City at SMS shopping centre

SWIM WITH LOCALS

Sunday swimming; Go for a swim in the bright blue Faroese ocean alongside locals who swim all year round. An invigorating and unique experience. The cold water, measured at around 5 degrees, is said to be great for wrinkles!

Dipping Swa Swimming in Nólsoy, Faroe Islands. By Klara Johannesen

MERRY HIKE TO KIRKJUBØUR

The walk over the hill from Torshavn to Kirkjubø provides an overview of the sky, the sea and the mountains. After hiking for a few hours, you can experience the tranquillity of Kirkjubø’s medieval church. Make sure you bring along a packed lunch with food and beverages. For more information about this hike, view or download the Hiking the Faroe Islands brochure.

For more information about the Faroe Islands (the weather, how to get around, tax-free shopping or passport requirements), read more here.

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Christmas in the Faroe Islands