Kirkjubøur
Kirkjubøur: Faroe Islands' Historical Heart
Kirkjubøur: The Faroe Islands' Historical Heart
Explore Kirkjubøur, the Faroe Islands' ancient village, with medieval ruins, a historic church, and the world's oldest wooden house.
Kirkjubøur, located on the island of Streymoy, is the Faroe Islands' most significant historical village. Once the episcopal seat and cultural center, it's home to medieval ruins and the oldest wooden house still in use. A visit here offers a captivating glimpse into the islands' past.
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A brief summary to Kirkjubøur
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Kirkjubøur, FO
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Tórshavn, take the free red city bus route 5 (weekdays) or route 7 (Saturdays) to Kirkjubøur. The bus departs from Steinatún bus terminal in Tórshavn. Check the current timetable for the most up-to-date schedule. The ride is approximately 15 minutes. There is no bus service on Sundays.
Driving
From Tórshavn, drive south on Route 12. The drive to Kirkjubøur is approximately 15 minutes (11 kilometers). Follow the signs for Kirkjubøur. Parking is available near the bus stop and historical sites. Parking is free. Consider that parking can be limited.
Walking
For a scenic route, hike from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur. The hike is approximately 6 kilometers and takes 2-3 hours. Begin at the junction where Landavegur and Velbastaðvegur meet. Follow the path towards the river Sandá and then up to the farm, where the path to Kirkjubøur begins. Be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Local tips
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Wear layers, as the weather in the Faroe Islands can be unpredictable.
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Check the bus schedule in advance if using public transportation, as service frequency varies.
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Be respectful when visiting Kirkjubøargarður, as it is a private home as well as a historical site.
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Consider hiking from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur for scenic views (approximately 2-3 hours).
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Allow at least a few hours to explore the village's historical sites at a relaxed pace.
Discover more about Kirkjubøur
Kirkjubøur, nestled on the southwestern coast of Streymoy, stands as the Faroe Islands' most historically important village. During the Middle Ages, it served as the episcopal residence and the cultural nucleus of the Faroese society. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this vibrant past, including the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral, the still-standing Saint Olav's Church, and the ancient farmhouse of Kirkjubøargarður.
The Magnus Cathedral, built around 1300, represents the largest medieval building in the Faroe Islands, though it was never completed. Its roofless stone walls evoke a sense of the village's rich ecclesiastical history. Nearby stands Saint Olav's Church (Olavskirkjan), dating back to the 12th century and still in use, making it the oldest church in the Faroe Islands.
Kirkjubøargarður, also known as Roykstovan, is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited wooden houses in the world. The farmhouse has been occupied by the same family for 17 generations since 1557 and is open to the public as a museum, offering a glimpse into medieval Faroese life. A fierce storm in 1602 washed away many of the village's houses and created the islet of Kirkjubøhólmurin, which contains ruins from that time.
A brief summary to Kirkjubøur
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