9. March 2025
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Places & Sights

A Visit To Kirkjubour (Faroe Islands – Pictured Story)

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

KI Klaksvik’s UEFA Conference League campaign in 2023 made me have a December visit to the Faroe Islands. Apart from visiting the match at Torsvollur National Stadium, I also had the opportunity for some sightseeing, partially even enjoying Faroese snow. One place I just had to visit at this time was Kirkjubour, which is one of the most famous domestic sights. Especially as I just did not make it there during my September 2023 visit, I really looked forward to it. Enjoy my Pictured Story.

 

Kirkjubour – Location & Transport

Kirkjubour (or, more precisely, Kirkjubøur, which is the exact spelling) is located rather on the Southern tip of the main Faroese island of Streymoy. Even though there are just some 80 inhabitants nowadays, it holds three very interesting sights. Another reason why it is so popular is that it is rather close to the capital Torshavn. It is just a ten kilometer drive away from it. With the new Sandoyartunnilin, the Sandoy Tunnel, with one exit at nearby Gamlaraett, Kirkjubour might become even more popular.

In general, I recommend to to visit the Faroe Islands by car, either your own one being brought on a ferry or a rental car. Kirkjubour might even be done by public transport easily. A bus (lines 5 and 7) connect directly to Torshavn. They are part of Torshavn local traffic and not the cross-country buses, which cover more remote destinations. The bus stop also holds some touristic information and a public toilet. Athletic people might even enjoy Faroese nature and have a hike to or from the territory’s capital. I took the road, which is a bit more narrow in the very last part, but absolutely easy to drive.

 

Views of Kirkjubour

Finally, there are three main reasons to visit the picturesque village. Maybe what catches you first are the traditional Faroese houses. Even the modern ones are a beauty, being located right South of the mountains. However, Kirkjubour also features the oldest Faroese farm yard of Viking Ages, the so-called Roykstovan. I did not manage to get into the building, which also sells fresh farming products.

Likely, when you arrive at the parking lot (which already has a lovely view of neighboring islands Hestur and Sandoy), the first building which catches you is Saint Olav’s Church (or Ólavskirkjan). The at least 12th century church is the oldest one on all the islands. It is beautifully maintained and still used. If there are no church services, you may have a look inside. I also enjoyed the views of the sea from its grounds and looking at the stones of the beautiful graveyard.

Here are some more snaps of the Faroese houses around the Church. It is a bit of a shame that you often tend to focus on the ruins right behind (or, if you come from a hike, also: East of) the white building. These are the ruins of Magnus Cathedral, which is in fact younger than Saint Olav’s Church. Construction has been kicked off around 1300. Even though the cathedral did not have a too long active lifetime, the ruins are still the largest medieval structures on the Faroe Islands. These key sights finally turn Kirkjubour into an easy choice for a visit – it is simply too easy to get there and too painful to miss it.

 

Faroe Islands

Here are my postings related to the Faroe Islands:

 

Religion

Religious sites, religious music – posts tagged with Religion are closely related to believing:

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