Reyn

Reyn is the oldest district in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Úti á Reyni as the locals call it is covered by small turf roofed houses dating centuries back.

Near Reyn, you will find Heima í Havn which is a cluster of gras covered houses with several great restaurants including a fish house and a restaurant serving locally sourced lamb.

Only a stone’s throw from this district lies the Tinganes peninsula. This is where you find the Prime Minister’s Office in the Faroe Islands.

Reyn is a window into the Faroe Islands’ past. A picturesque enclave of small houses of historic importance amidst the cityscape. Walk the cobblestone streets with respect for the locals as many of these tiny grass-roofed houses are still inhabited.

As you wander through Reyn, you will feel like being in an another era. The narrow lanes wind between turf-covered homes with their wooden walls painted black. This style and type of construction dates back to a time before architects while the areas heritage is now protect thanks to the work by local architect Gunnar Hoydal.

Walk from Reyn to Tinganes

Reyn’s proximity to Tinganes, the cradle of governance in the Faroe Islands, enhances its historic significance. Viking chieftains used to gather at Tinganes. It is easy to imagine all this when going on a short stroll from Reyn to Tinganes. Very little has changed in the area for centuries.

When at the end of the Tinganes peninsula, you will enjoy views of the harbour. Together with Tinganes, Reyn enriches any experience of the capital with its own intimate history, giving travellers a deeper understanding of Tórshavn.

The interplay of vivid green rooftops against the black house walls always looks good on photos. Just keep the locals privacy in mind when photographing the district. The locals will argue that no trip to Tórshavn is complete without exploring Reyn. Walking the narrow streets of Reyn will for sure give travellers a deeper connection to the soul of the Faroe Islands.

Høgni Reistrup

Høgni Reistrup is the CEO and Co-founder of Guide to Faroe Islands. Born and raised in the Faroe Islands, Høgni has deep roots in the archipelago. He co-founded the marketplace Guide to Faroe Islands in 2018 as a way for travellers to plan and explore the best of the island group.

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