Port information & tips for Thorshavn
Tórshavn is the charming capital of the Faroe Islands and is considered one of the smallest and most picturesque metropolises in the world. The city impresses with its unique location in the North Atlantic and enchants visitors with a harmonious blend of Nordic tradition, modern design, and a deeply rooted seafaring history. Directly at the harbour, the historic Tinganes peninsula with its striking red wooden houses, the historic Skansin fortress, and the cathedral invite exploration. Cruise ships usually dock at the central Skansabryggjan pier in the eastern harbour, from where the winding alleys of the old town and the lively centre are easily accessible in just a few minutes' walk thanks to the ideal location.
The Faroe Islands and their charming capital, Tórshavn, are easily accessible thanks to a well-connected airport and ferry services. Cruise ships usually dock centrally at Skansabryggjan or Eystara Bryggja, and from June 2026, a modern passenger terminal will further facilitate arrivals. A short, free shuttle bus takes guests from the ship to the port exit, from where the historic center is within walking distance.
Airplane
Vágar Airport (FAE) is the only international airport in the Faroe Islands and is located approximately 46 to 47 kilometers west of Tórshavn on the island of Vágar. Flight times from the DACH region usually require a layover, for example in Copenhagen or Reykjavik. Thanks to the short transfer, you will reach Tórshavn quickly.
Transfer and Exploration on Site
From Vágar Airport, you can easily reach Tórshavn with bus 300 from Strandfaraskip in about 50 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available for approximately €45 to 750 DKK (approx. €100 for private transfers), with advance booking recommended. For maximum flexibility, a rental car directly at the airport is recommended. The road network in the Faroe Islands is well-developed, including tolled subsea tunnels that can be paid for online. In Tórshavn itself, daytime parking in the city center is time-limited (using a parking disc), but there are also 8-hour parking spaces within walking distance of the center, as well as free parking on Sundays and public holidays, in the evenings, and at night. The city can also be wonderfully explored with the free red city buses (Bussleiðin). Due to the journey and to start your cruise relaxed, an overnight stay in one of the centrally located hotels in Tórshavn, such as Hotel Føroyar or the Hilton Garden Inn, on the day before is highly recommended.
Ferry
A special arrival variant, particularly for guests who wish to bring their own vehicle to the islands, is the ferry connection with the MS Norröna from Smyril Line. This operates from Hirtshals in Denmark directly to Tórshavn. The crossing from Denmark takes about 30 to 38 hours and offers an enjoyable journey across the North Atlantic, which is already part of the adventure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Faroe Islands and their charming capital, Tórshavn, are easily accessible thanks to a well-connected airport and ferry services. Cruise ships usually dock centrally at Skansabryggjan or Eystara Bryggja, and from June 2026, a modern passenger terminal will further facilitate arrivals. A short, free shuttle bus takes guests from the ship to the port exit, from where the historic center is within walking distance.
Airplane
Vágar Airport (FAE) is the only international airport in the Faroe Islands and is located approximately 46 to 47 kilometers west of Tórshavn on the island of Vágar. Flight times from the DACH region usually require a layover, for example in Copenhagen or Reykjavik. Thanks to the short transfer, you will reach Tórshavn quickly.
Transfer and Exploration on Site
From Vágar Airport, you can easily reach Tórshavn with bus 300 from Strandfaraskip in about 50 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available for approximately €45 to 750 DKK (approx. €100 for private transfers), with advance booking recommended. For maximum flexibility, a rental car directly at the airport is recommended. The road network in the Faroe Islands is well-developed, including tolled subsea tunnels that can be paid for online. In Tórshavn itself, daytime parking in the city center is time-limited (using a parking disc), but there are also 8-hour parking spaces within walking distance of the center, as well as free parking on Sundays and public holidays, in the evenings, and at night. The city can also be wonderfully explored with the free red city buses (Bussleiðin). Due to the journey and to start your cruise relaxed, an overnight stay in one of the centrally located hotels in Tórshavn, such as Hotel Føroyar or the Hilton Garden Inn, on the day before is highly recommended.
Ferry
A special arrival variant, particularly for guests who wish to bring their own vehicle to the islands, is the ferry connection with the MS Norröna from Smyril Line. This operates from Hirtshals in Denmark directly to Tórshavn. The crossing from Denmark takes about 30 to 38 hours and offers an enjoyable journey across the North Atlantic, which is already part of the adventure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Tórshavn is extremely centrally located and, thanks to short distances, allows for an uncomplicated start to your shore excursion on the Faroe Islands. Directly from the terminal, you can reach the capital's most important sights comfortably and flexibly.
On Foot
The historic old town of Tinganes and the charming city center can be reached in a relaxed walk of about five to ten minutes. The path leads directly along the picturesque harbor basin and offers first impressions of Nordic architecture with its characteristic grass roofs.
Bussleiðin City Buses
The bright red city buses, known as Bussleiðin, are free of charge for all passengers within the city area. Thanks to their regular frequency and easily accessible stops near the harbor, this is a convenient way to explore higher-altitude viewpoints or the outskirts of the city.
Taxi
Official taxis are available directly at the port grounds and at the nearby ferry terminal. They offer a fast service for individual trips to destinations outside the center and also enable direct onward travel to the impressive natural landscapes of the island of Streymoy.
To make the most of your limited time in the charming Faroese capital, we recommend exploring the historic core directly at the harbor in combination with the cultural treasures of the immediate surroundings.
Tinganes & Reyn
The historic Tinganes peninsula impresses with its striking red government buildings featuring traditional grass roofs and, together with the quaint, narrow alleys of the Reyn district, offers an incomparable insight into Nordic architecture directly at the cruise port.
Kirkjubøur
This history-steeped village is considered the cultural heart of the Faroe Islands and is perfectly accessible thanks to a short drive from Tórshavn; additionally, the monumental ruins of Magnus Cathedral and the centuries-old wooden house Kirkjubøargarður fascinate every history-loving visitor.
Sandagerð
Tórshavn's picturesque city beach offers a peaceful atmosphere directly on the North Atlantic and, thanks to its location on the edge of the center, is ideal for a relaxing stroll while simultaneously enjoying the view of the passing ships.
Tinganes & Reyn
The historic district of Tinganes with its characteristic ox-blood red wooden houses and the adjacent district of Reyn are just a few minutes' walk from the cruise pier and offer a fascinating insight into Nordic history. Thanks to its immediate proximity to the harbour, you can enjoy a relaxed exploration of one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world and stroll through picturesque alleys with traditional grass-sod roofs. The surrounding area also boasts a wonderful atmosphere and invites you to linger in cosy cafés at the harbour. Ideally, start your walk in the morning to enjoy the tranquility of the historic architecture and return to the ship relaxed and on time after visiting the small handicraft shops in the centre.
Returning to the port of Tórshavn is extremely relaxed and straightforward thanks to the compact size of the Faroese capital and the central location of the docking berths.
Taxi
Taxis can be found easily at the central taxi rank at Steinatún square in the city center or directly at the SMS Shopping Center. Additionally, you can have the receptions of hotels such as Hotel Hafnia or Hotel Føroyar call a car for you to ensure you return to the pier safely and promptly.
Free City Buses
The red city buses of the Bussleiðin line operate free of charge within Tórshavn and will bring you reliably back to the central Farstøðin bus terminal directly at the harbor. This stop is located in the immediate vicinity of the berths and offers a comfortable transport option for the return journey thanks to the regular frequency.
On Foot
Since the historic old town of Tinganes and the city center directly border the harbor, the return journey on foot is particularly easy and safe. You can orient yourself quite relaxedly by the prominent Skansin fortress or the harbor basin and reach your ship via the flat and well-maintained footpaths in just a few minutes.
