Kirkjubømúrurin: Echoes of Faroe Islands' Medieval Past

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Explore the majestic ruins of an unfinished medieval cathedral in the Faroe Islands' historic village of Kirkjubøur.

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Kirkjubømúrurin

Kirkjubømúrurin, or Magnus Cathedral, stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin in Kirkjubøur, Faroe Islands. This unfinished medieval cathedral, dating back to around 1300, offers a glimpse into the islands' rich ecclesiastical history and architectural ambitions. Visitors can explore the roofless structure and imagine its intended grandeur.

A brief summary to Kirkjubømúrurin

X625+Q44, Kirkjubøur, FO
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Monday 9 am-8 pm
Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
Thursday 9 am-8 pm
Friday 9 am-8 pm
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Combine your visit with a tour of the other historical sights in Kirkjubøur, such as St. Olav's Church and Roykstovan.
Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the ruins are exposed to the elements.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground within the cathedral ruins.
Consider hiking from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur for a scenic approach to the historical site.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur is easily accessible by the free red city buses. Take bus route 5 on weekdays or route 7 on Saturdays. The bus will take you directly to Kirkjubøur. Check the current timetables for the most up-to-date information. There is no bus service on Sundays.
Driving

The easiest way to reach Kirkjubømúrurin is by car. From Tórshavn, it's a 15-minute drive (11 kilometers). Follow route 12 out of the city and take the turnoff towards Kirkjubøur; the route is well-marked with signs. Free parking is available near the bus station, a short walk from the historical sites.
Walking

For a scenic approach, consider hiking from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur. The picturesque trail winds through rolling hills, offering views of surrounding islands. The hike is approximately six kilometers long and takes two to three hours one way. 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.

Discover more about Kirkjubømúrurin

Kirkjubømúrurin, also known as Magnus Cathedral, is the centerpiece of Kirkjubøur, the Faroe Islands' most historically significant village. Located on the southern part of Streymoy Island, this impressive ruin is what remains of a cathedral begun around 1300 under Bishop Erlendur. While it was long believed that the cathedral was never completed, more recent research indicates that it was indeed roofed and used at some point. The roofless structure, built from fieldstones, showcases architectural details like Gothic-era pointed windows and carved stone Maltese Crosses. Exploring the ruins allows visitors to step back in time and connect with the island's medieval past. The site testifies to the wealth and power that once resided here, highlighting Kirkjubøur's role as the Faroe Islands' ecclesiastical and cultural center. Cultural influences from Nordic countries and Europe entered Faroese society primarily through Kirkjubøur. Today, Kirkjubømúrurin is the largest medieval building in the Faroe Islands and a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture. The surrounding village of Kirkjubøur adds to the experience, with its traditional black houses and turf roofs. Other notable sites in the village include Saint Olav's Church (Olavskirkjan) and the old log house, Roykstovan.