Kirkjubøur: A Journey into Faroese History
Explore Kirkjubøur, the Faroe Islands' historical heart: discover medieval ruins, ancient churches, and turf-roofed houses in this charming village.
Kirkjubøur, nestled on the southern coast of Streymoy, stands as the historical and cultural heart of the Faroe Islands. This village, a mere 15-minute drive from Tórshavn, was once the religious and cultural epicenter of the Faroes during the Middle Ages. Kirkjubøur's history stretches back to the Viking Age, rising to prominence in the early Middle Ages. The village became the seat of the Faroe Islands' diocese in 1111, with its priest school serving as the sole educational institution until the Reformation in 1538. Bishop Erlendur, who served from 1269 to 1308, is credited with writing the Sheep Letter (Seyðabrævið), the oldest surviving document from the Faroe Islands, dated June 28th 1298. Today, Kirkjubøur is home to several historical attractions : * **Magnus Cathedral Ruins:** The ruins of the Magnus Cathedral, built in the 1300s, stand as a testament to medieval ambition. Though never completed, the roofless structure offers an atmospheric glimpse into the past. A runestone dating back to the Viking Age was discovered near the cathedral in 1832. * **St. Olav's Church (Ólavskirkjan):** Built in 1111, St. Olav's Church is the oldest church still in use in the Faroe Islands. * **Kirkjubøargarður (Roykstovan):** Dating back to the 11th century, Kirkjubøargarður is one of the oldest continuously inhabited wooden houses in the world. This turf-roofed farmhouse has been occupied by the same family for 17 generations. While in Kirkjubøur, take a walk along the unpaved path along the mountain next to Kirkjubøur for 30 minutes down south to see the ruins of the abandoned settlement Úti í Bø.
Local tips
- Check the bus schedule in advance, as public transportation is limited, especially on Sundays.
- Wear layers, as the weather in the Faroe Islands can be unpredictable.
- Respect the private property, as some historical houses are still family homes.
- Bring cash or a card for the honesty box at Kirkjubøargarður if you wish to tour the home.
A brief summary to Kirkjubøur
- Kirkjubøur, FO
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Tórshavn, take the free red city bus. Route 5 operates on weekdays, and route 7 operates on Saturdays. The bus will take you directly to Kirkjubøur. Check the current timetables online.
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Walking
A picturesque 6-kilometer hike from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur takes approximately 2-3 hours. Begin at the junction where Landavegur and Velbastaðvegur meet. Follow the path down to the river Sandá, then head towards the farm where the trail to Kirkjubøur officially starts. The trail offers views of the surrounding islands.
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Driving
From Tórshavn, it is a 15-minute drive to Kirkjubøur. Follow route 12 out of the city, then take the turnoff towards Kirkjubøur. Parking is available near the bus station. There is free parking by the harbour in Kirkjubøur.
