Stories and practical notes from our team in Tórshavn.
At the end of July, Tórshavn fills up for Ólavsøka, the Faroese national festival. Many people wear national dress, the harbour hosts the final rowing races of the season, and there are concerts, art and sport across town.
On the evening of 29 July the Løgting, the Faroese parliament, opens its new session, and late at night thousands join the chain dance in the streets. Homes in and around Tórshavn are booked early for these days, so plan ahead.
The northern lights can appear from September to April, when the nights are dark enough. You need a clear sky, some solar activity and as little artificial light as possible, so a home outside the towns is a good start.
Check the cloud forecast in the afternoon, and look at the live outlook on our front page, which follows the Kp index from NOAA. Dress warmly, give your eyes a few minutes in the dark and look north.
Start in Tinganes, the small old town on the point between the two harbours, where turf-roofed houses have held the government for centuries. Walk along the harbour to Skansin, the old fort with a view over the sound to Nólsoy.
In between there are cafés, design shops and restaurants serving fish caught the same morning. On Sunday, take the car out along the fjords and be back for dinner. Our team is happy to suggest a table.