5 Artsy Things to do in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

1. Listasavn Føroya – National Gallery of the Faroe Islands

The National Gallery is a must-see when visiting Tórshavn. Its permanent exhibition shows an overview of the country’s impressive variety of art styles and expressions. Right now, each room’s exhibition follows a certain theme. The most prominent themes are the sea, landscapes, portraits, animals, wool, religion, and stone. Artists like internationally renowned glass artist Tróndur Patursson can be seen here, but lesser-known painters like Ruth Smith and Jóannis Kristiansen are on display.

The Listasavn’s grand collection shows the island’s spectacular nature in art form—an experience you will never forget. The museum’s shop sells a variety of postcards, art catalogs, and other memorabilia so that you can take some Faroese art home with you. They also have a museum café serving great coffee and delicious snacks. Around special holidays, the National Gallery usually offers free guided tours tailored for families and activities. 

2. Sculpture Walk through Tórshavn

Do you want to explore the city on your own and not be bound by a city guide? We have a suitable artsy recommendation for you. This is one of the 5 artsy things to do in Tórshavn with no budget or time limits. All over the city, you can find sculptures by talented Faroese artists like Hans Pauli Olsen or Trondur Patursson.

The tourism agency, Visit Tórshavn, has compiled a map and a list of all the sculptures around town. And the best thing about it? It’s free to download on their website! Find the material at Visit Tórshavn – Statues in Tórshavn and enjoy a brisk walk through the streets of the Faroe Islands capital. 

3. Williamshús – A Literary Museum

Williamshús is the place to go if you love art and literature. This literary museum is located in the former home of national artist and writer William Heinesen. Maybe you have read or want to read some of his work before your visit? We have you covered, as many of his novels were translated into English. One of the most popular ones is The Lost Musicians. The story takes you back to early 20th century Tórshavn and is a great way to prepare for your visit to the Faroe Islands.

The house can only be visited through a private tour, which makes for a unique and intimate experience. You can book a tour by contacting Williamshús via social media or email. The tour can last up to an hour and is hosted by Zacharias Heinesen, son of William Heinesen. The viewings are by appointment only and take place in the afternoon. You can find the contact details at Visit Williamshús.

4. Steinprent – Gallery Space

Directly on the harbor, next to a fantastic boutique shop selling Faroese products like pottery, clothing, and jewelry, in the old Østrøm factory building, you will find Steinprent, a workshop and gallery space. Here, four professional printers work together with visiting artists, creating breathtaking lithographies. The work process on chalkstone is unique and originates with the German author Alois Senefelder, who discovered the process by lucky accident. The stone printing workshop works only with the best materials, like cotton paper from the French producer Arches.

Many renowned Faroese and international artists have worked with the Steinprent team. I want to name a few exceptional women here: Hansina Iversen, Rannvá Kunoy, and Cathrine Raben Davidsen. The exhibitions in the gallery are usually free to visit. If you can’t wait to get your hands on an original, Steinprent Galleries ships worldwide.

5. Litbrigdi – Printing Workshop

After a few days, you might have walked around looking at other people’s art, and suddenly, in the middle of your holiday, you feel the urge to get creative yourself. Maybe you were inspired by your visit to the stone printing workshop but also too intimidated by their process. Well, there is an easy solution: Litbrigdi.

This is the final artsy thing to do in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. Get your hands stained with paint and explore the world of printing under the team’s professional guidance at Litbrigdi. This printing workshop offers different kinds of printing techniques.

An all-time favorite is the nature printing workshop led by Faroese artist Edith Mørkøre. In her atelier, you can make your own nature prints using any flowers, leaves, or plant life you may have found while walking or hiking. Further information on prices and how to book the workshop can be found on the Litbrigdi website. You will feel blessed to take a lasting memory back home with you.