CHURCHES OF THE FAROE ISLANDS
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‘Church’ in Faroese is:
‘Kirkja’
phonetically spelled (kir-kja)
Arrive on any island in the Faroe Islands and you will undoubtedly see a church. Arrive by sea, and the church will likely be your first sight. This is simply because churches in the Faroes were usually constructed and placed strategically so that sailors and sea drifters could see them from the water. This serves as an example of how the church has long been the uniting local cultural center of the villages. This still holds true today.
Today more than 80% of Faroese are members of the national church. The rest, for the most part, members of other Christian congregations and independent churches.
With 62 churches scattered around 16 out of the 18 islands, each carrying a name with enormous importance to its location and history, each church has its own unique story. This is why we have produced a leaflet describing 11 out of the 62 churches. This leaflet is an entryway to the stories of eleven remarkable churches that all have regular opening hours (see more below on how you can be respectful when visiting).
Read or download our latest brochure, Churches of the Faroe Islands, here (also available in Faroese here).
Churches of the Faroe Islands leaflet, 2022Updated version 2023
BEFORE VISITING THE CHURCHES
Churches house our most joyous and sorrowful occasions. Be mindful and respect all private arrangements when visiting. We advise you don't attend private arrangements unless invited. You are welcome to join a regular service uninvited:
- Always keep your voice down
- Avoid using flash photography
- never eat or drink inside a church
- always be seated for an entire service
- be fairly well dressed
- After your visit, you can donate a minimum of DKK 20 for the upkeep and maintenance of the churches, as churches are run by voluntary individuals
- Sit back, listen & enjoy!
The Sunday services last approximately an hour and are usually held at 11.00 or noon. Find more detailed information at the regional tourist information.
CHURCHES WITH REGULAR OPENING HOURS
Tórshavn Cathedral
Havnar kirkja is the second oldest preserved church in the Faroes.
Tórshavn
King Christians church
One of the first major modern churches in Scandinavia that is inspired by the old Nordic style
Norðoyggjar
Fríðrikskirkjan (Frederik´s church)
Frederik´s church is located in Toftir on Eysturoy
Eysturoy
Church of Funningur
one of ten artistic wooden churches remaining
Eysturoy
Vesturkirkjan (Church of Western Tórshavn)
Vesturkirkjan, which was consecrated in 1975, has become a part of the Tórshavn townscape. It resembles a sailboat in shape, and its 41-metre tower probably makes it the tallest building in the Faroe
Tórshavn
Church of Vágur
The church in Vágur was consecrated in 1939, though the cornerstone was already laid in 1927. The church is votive, i.e., people in distress or danger can promise alms to the church in Vágur
Suðuroy
Church of Fámjin
The first Faroese flag hangs on a wall inside the white, elegant building
Suðuroy
The Church of Sandavágur
Considered one of the most beautiful in the Faroe Islands
Vágar
Saint Ólav´s Church
Faroe Islands oldest church still in use
Streymoy
Saint Mary’s Church
Not far from Tórshavn centre and near the plantation, you will find the catholic church, Mariukirkjan. It was consecrated in 1987. Prior to this, the church was a part of Saint Francis School, closer
Tórshavn
Old church of Gøta
Historic timber church from 1833
Eysturoy
