Historic Churches of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands feature a diverse collection of religious architecture, ranging from the 12th-century stone walls of Saint Olav's Church to iconic turf-roofed chapels. These sites reflect the islands' Norse heritage and Christian history, housing significant artifacts like 13th-century runestones and silver gifts from foreign governments. Many of these churches, including those in Sandavágur and Viðareiði, are distinguished by their vibrant colors and dramatic positions overlooking the North Atlantic.

Tórshavn Cathedral

Tórshavn Cathedral is the second oldest received church of the Faroe Islands, on Tinganes in the old town of Tórshavn.

Saksunar Kirkja

A traditional turf-roofed church re-erected in 1858 after being moved across the mountains from Tjørnuvík.

St. Mary's Church, Tórshavn

The St. Mary's Church is a parish of the Roman Catholic Church located in Mariugøta 4 in the city of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe…

Kvívíkar kirkja

A white-walled church with a red roof, built in 1903 to replace an earlier 1838 structure in the village of Kvívík.

Saint Olav's Church

Dating back to approximately 1111, this is the oldest church in the Faroe Islands still in active use.

Tjørnuvíkar kirkja

Consecrated in 1937, this village church sits at the head of a bay with views of the Risin and Kellingin sea stacks.

Viðareiðis kirkja

An 1892 stone church housing silver communion vessels gifted by the British government in appreciation for the rescue of a shipwrecked crew.

Church of Sandavágur

A 1917 church notable for its distinctive red roof and a 13th-century runestone found within the village.

Sands kirkja

A traditional wooden church on Sandoy where archaeological excavations have revealed foundations of five earlier churches dating back to the 11th century.