Kirkjubøur Travel Guide
Kirkjubøur is regarded as the most important historical site in the Faroe Islands. The village is located on the southern part of Streymoy Island. It takes only 15 minutes to drive here from the capital, Tórshavn.
The historic village is also easily accessible by bus. Take one of the free-of-charge red buses from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur. Bus route 5 (weekdays) and route 7 (weekends) will get you to the heart of Kirkjubøur. The easiest way to get there is by jumping on a bus in Steinatún bus terminal in Tórshavn.
At the bus stop in Kirkjubøur, you will find a new and modern toilet building. If you arrive by car, you can park the car next to the building.
When in Kirkjubøur, make sure to experience the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral, the Saint Olav’s Church (Olavskirkjan), and the old 11th century log house, Roykstovan. Most houses in the village are painted black and turf-roofed which adds to the atmosphere.
The Birth of a Nation
The log house Roykstovan, which means The Smoky Room, has been the living room on the farm in the village for many centuries. The oldest part of the building is open to the public.
Kirkjubøur is the birthplace of Jóannes Patursson (1866-1946), the leader of the 20th century independence movement in the Faroe Islands. Beside being a politician and poet, Jóannes Patursson was an important farmer in the village.
Jóannes Patursson created the idea that the Faroe Islands is a nation. His influence is still present in the Faroe Islands. His hymns are sung in churches, his songs are sung at parties and the political party he founded, The Faroese People’s Party, is still one of the larges parties in the Faroe Islands.
If you want to go for a cozy little walk, this is the place to go. Follow the unpaved path along the mountain next to Kirkjubøur for 30 minutes down south.
This will take you to the ruins of the abandoned settlement Úti í Bø. You will see the ruins of boat houses and other stone buildings.
Historic Buildings in Kirkjubøur
The farmhouse Kirkjubøargarður dates back to the 11th century. Travellers have the unique opportunity to go inside the house and see the old living room now used by the 17th generation of the family that runs the farm in Kirkjubøur.
The ruins of the Magnus Cathedral is the most important historic building in the Faroe Islands. The building was likely never finished. Historians say that the cathedral would have been one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the Nordic region. The cathedral consists of a simple, rectangular nave.
A small sacristy on the north side has traces of paving and altar foundations and was perhaps the only part of the building that was finished. A tower was also apparently on its way. Only the walls of the church are standing, and from them plaster and ornament have long since disappeared, revealing the excellent craftsmanship of the builders.
Services in Kirkjubøur
This village on Streymoy Island is small in size. Keep this in mind before you get there.
- Grocery store: No
- Café: No
- Public toilet: Yes
- Parking lot: Yes
-
5.00(3)
Best 8 Hour Private Mykines Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration8 hoursFrom 1 080 USDSee more -
4.57(7)
Spellbinding 5 Day Summer Vacation Package of the Faroe Islands
Tour startsTórshavnDuration5 daysFrom 1 748 USDSee more -
5.00(26)
5 Day Winter Package | Tour the Faroe Islands
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration5 daysFrom 1 729 USDSee more -
4.86(7)
Amazing 1.5 Hour Rib Boat Tour to Cape Enniberg
Tour startsKlaksvíkDuration1.5 hoursFrom 85 USDSee more -
5.00(3)
Private 4 Hour Sailboat Tour to Nólsoy Island
Tour startsTórshavnDuration4 hoursFrom 633 USDSee more -
5.00(7)
The Classic Faroe Islands Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration8 hoursFrom 769 USDSee more -
3.00(1)
Norðradalsskarð, Sornfelli & Kirkjubøur | Private VIP Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration2 hoursFrom 216 USDSee more -
4.96(28)
Essential 6 Hour Highlights of Vágar Island
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 289 USDSee more -
Spectacular 7 Hour Eysturoy Island Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 278 USDSee more -
5.00(3)
Travel With a Local | Go As You Please
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 770 USDSee more -
5.00(3)
Personal Photographer Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration4 hoursFrom 494 USDSee more -
Mountainous 6 Hour Northern Islands Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 308 USDSee more -
Spectacular 8 Hour Streymoy Island Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration8 hoursFrom 308 USDSee more -
5.00(10)
Unforgettable 10 Day Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands with Top Attractions
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration10 daysFrom 4 461 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Essential 7 Day Faroe Islands Self-Drive Package
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration7 daysFrom 1 765 USDSee more -
Kalsoy Island | The Photography Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 463 USDSee more -
5.00(12)
From Tórshavn: Sandoy Island Full-Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 286 USDSee more -
4.75(4)
Famous 1.5 Hour Kalsoy Island Rib-boat Tour
Tour startsKlaksvíkDuration1.5 hoursFrom 85 USDSee more -
5.00(3)
From Tórshavn: Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island
Tour startsTórshavnDuration8 hoursFrom 307 USDSee more -
5.00(1)
Spectacular 7 Hour Vágar Island Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 293 USDSee more -
5.00(1)
Tórshavn City E-bike Sigtseeing Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration2 hoursFrom 104 USDSee more -
4.90(30)
Quick 45 Minutes Airport Transfer from Vagar Airport to Tórshavn
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration45 minutesFrom 116 USDSee more -
5.00(16)
Vágar Island | The Photography Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 463 USDSee more -
4.96(25)
Refreshing 3 Hour Boat Tour including Fishing
Tour startsKaldbaksfjørður FjordDuration3 hoursFrom 184 USDSee more -
4.77(13)
Captivating 12 Hour Tour to Suðuroy Island
Tour startsTórshavnDuration12 hoursFrom 425 USDSee more -
5.00(5)
Refreshing 7 Day Summer Package of the Faroe Islands
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 daysFrom 2 310 USDSee more -
4.78(69)
Mykines Shuttle Boat
Tour startsSørvágurDuration4 hoursFrom 104 USDSee more -
Private Cruise Shore Excursion in Faroe Islands
Tour startsRunavík TórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 741 USDSee more -
5.00(8)
Majestic 7 Hour Tour to the Northern Islands
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 286 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Beautiful 8 Hour Tour to Mykines Island
Tour startsTórshavnDuration8 hoursFrom 431 USDSee more -
5.00(5)
Must Do Trælanípa & Drangarnir Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration8 hoursFrom 448 USDSee more -
4.93(74)
Top-rated Faroe Islands Highlights Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 255 USDSee more -
Scenic 7 Hours Sandoy Island Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 308 USDSee more -
5.00(13)
The Private Day Tour | Faroe Islands
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 772 USDSee more -
4.76(46)
Exciting 2 Hour Combined Boat Tour & Hike to Drangarnir Sea Arch
Tour startsSørvágurDuration2 hoursFrom 148 USDSee more -
5.00(6)
The Pick Me Up Tour | Faroe Islands
Tour startsDuration4 hoursFrom 371 USDSee more -
4.94(31)
Striking 8 Day Summer Package of the Faroe Islands with Top Attractions
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration8 daysFrom 4 149 USDSee more -
4.85(20)
Vibrant 4 Hour Viðoy Island Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration4 hoursFrom 286 USDSee more -
4.86(7)
Immersive 6 Hour Vestmanna Sea Cliffs & Viking Village Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 308 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Panoramic 6 Hour Tour to Mount Slættaratindur
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 554 USDSee more -
4.75(12)
Private 7 Hour Kallur Lighthouse Experience
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 926 USDSee more -
Private Escorted Tour of main Faroe Islands
Tour startsStreymoy IslandDuration6 hoursFrom 232 USDSee more -
5.00(28)
Private Airport Transfer to/from Vagar Airport
Tour startsDuration0.5 hourFrom 124 USDSee more -
4.88(259)
Original 1.5 Hour Vestmanna Sea Cliffs Boat Trip
Tour startsVestmannaDuration1.5 hoursFrom 61 USDSee more -
5.00(8)
4 Day Winter Package | Best of Faroe Islands
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration4 daysFrom 1 436 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Tranquil 4 Day Winter Trip of the Main Faroe Islands
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration4 daysFrom 1 760 USDSee more -
5.00(10)
Unique Puffin Safari Boat Tour
Tour startsSørvágurDuration1.5 hoursFrom 154 USDSee more -
5.00(1)
Wonderful 6 Hour Tour of Vágar Island
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 354 USDSee more -
5.00(5)
Stunning Hvannhagi Hike on Suðuroy Island
Tour startsTórshavnDuration12 hoursFrom 432 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Affordable 5 Hour Kalsoy Island Evening Tour
Tour startsKlaksvíkDuration5 hoursFrom 154 USDSee more -
5.00(1)
Engaging 2.5 Hour Tórshavn in a Seashell Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration2.5 hoursFrom 68 USDSee more -
4.80(10)
Spectacular 10 Hour Northern Islands Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration10 hoursFrom 355 USDSee more -
5.00(32)
Classic 4 Hour Northern Isles Tour
Tour startsKlaksvíkDuration4 hoursFrom 170 USDSee more -
4.76(21)
Best 7 Hour “All You Can See” Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 231 USDSee more -
New Tour
Suðuroy Island | The Photography Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration9 hoursFrom 463 USDSee more -
Glorious 4 Hour Hike to Eiðiskollur Cliff
Tour startsEiðiDuration4 hoursFrom 363 USDSee more -
4.98(58)
Inspiring 6 Hour ‘Lake Above The Ocean’ Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 378 USDSee more -
5.00(10)
Eysturoy Island | The Photography Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 417 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
3 Day Summer Self-Drive | Sea Cliffs & Uncrowded Villages
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration3 daysFrom 1 297 USDSee more -
4.90(10)
Incredible 3 Day Faroe Islands Highlights Package
Tour startsTórshavnDuration3 daysFrom 1 135 USDSee more -
4.99(630)
Outstanding 7 Hour “See It All” Faroe Islands Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 224 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Breathtaking 6 Day Guided Summer Package of Faroe Islands
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 daysFrom 1 852 USDSee more -
5.00(28)
The Classic 4 Hour Tour of Vágar Island
Tour startsMiðvágurDuration4 hoursFrom 679 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
The 4 Day Photography Tour | Faroe Islands Highlights
Tour startsTórshavnDuration4 daysFrom 2 431 USDSee more -
The Grand 10 Day Faroe Islands Tour Package
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration10 daysFrom 5 940 USDSee more -
4.75(4)
Exceptional Afternoon Boat Cruise From Tórshavn
Tour startsTórshavnDuration4 hoursFrom 224 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
The 5 Day Photography Tour | Faroe Islands Highlights
Tour startsTórshavnDuration5 daysFrom 2 624 USDSee more -
4.96(45)
Classic 6 Day Summer Package of the Faroe Islands
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 daysFrom 2 002 USDSee more -
5.00(10)
3 Waterfalls in 1 day | Múlafossur, Fossá & Saksun Waterfalls
Tour startsTórshavnDuration5 hoursFrom 386 USDSee more -
Eat Local on Guided Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 354 USDSee more -
Streymoy Island | The Photography Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 417 USDSee more -
4.87(15)
Unique Boat Tour to Drangarnir
Tour startsSørvágurDuration1.5 hoursFrom 154 USDSee more -
5.00(3)
Northern Islands | The Photography Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 417 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Amazing 6 Day Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration6 daysFrom 1 690 USDSee more -
5.00(4)
Historic 6 Hour WWll Tour of the Faroe Islands
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 340 USDSee more -
5.00(1)
James Bond Sightseeing Tour
Tour startsKlaksvíkDuration8 hoursFrom 355 USDSee more -
5.00(6)
Epic 8 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration8 daysFrom 3 497 USDSee more -
5.00(8)
Direct 45 Minutes Taxi Transfer from Tórshavn to Vágar Airport
Tour startsTórshavnDuration45 minutesFrom 116 USDSee more -
5.00(1)
Thrilling 4 Hour Ásmundarstakkur & Rituskor Tour
Tour startsHvalbaDuration4 hoursFrom 282 USDSee more -
From Tórshavn: Sunset Sailboat Cruise
Tour startsTórshavnDuration4 hoursFrom 656 USDSee more -
5.00(2)
Thrilling 7 Hour TROM Sightseeing Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration7 hoursFrom 307 USDSee more -
5.00(4)
Spectacular 12 Hour Suðuroy Island Day Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration12 hoursFrom 370 USDSee more -
4.20(5)
Captivating 2 Hour Nólsoy Island Sightseeing Boat Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration2 hoursFrom 200 USDSee more -
4.96(216)
Classic Drangarnir Sea Arch Boat Tour
Tour startsSørvágurDuration1 HourFrom 100 USDSee more -
5.00(7)
Unbelievable 6 Hour ‘Floating Lake’ Tour
Tour startsTórshavnDuration6 hoursFrom 409 USDSee more -
4.90(10)
Unforgettable 7 Day Summer Package of Faroe Islands
Tour startsVágar AirportDuration7 daysFrom 3 597 USDSee more