While the Old Town of Torshavn is by ignorance not too rarely treated like an open air museum by tourists, the Faroe Islands in fact do feature a proper exhibition of that kind. The Faroe Islands Open Air Museum or Hoyvíksgarður is located right outside the capital. As I am traveling to the lovely Nordic Islands again soon, I felt it is urgent time to share this place with you.
Faroe Islands Open Air Museum – Location & Admission
The Faroe Islands Open Air Museum is driven by the Faroe Islands National Museum. The open air museum is located right outside the city center of Torshavn, on the main road to Klaksvik and Faroe Islands Airport (FAE). The best way to get there is by car, there is a major square for parking close to the entrance. You may, however, also use the Torshavn city bus system. Bus lines 5,6, and 7 stop at Mannbrekka. From there, you have to walk down a pathway, which you would also use if you came by car. The Faroe Islands Botanical Garden is right next to it.
Admission to the open air museum is 80 DKK, roughly 11 Euro. It includes the admission the the Faroe Islands National Museum itself as well as to the Whaling Station Hvalastøðin við Áir, which is only open during weekends in summer. Tickets are valid for a week. The Faroe Islands Open Air Museum is opening daily from beginning of May to end of September, from 10:00 to 17:00. Due to its original setting, the Faroe Islands Open Air Museum is not accessible.
Faroe Islands Open Air Museum – The Visit
The scenery of the historic grass root farm close to the Atlantic Ocean is aready very scenic. However, there is much more to explore than just walking through the houses and also entering some of them. The farmhouse has been built in 1812. However, the interior of the buildings rather reflects typical living on the Faroe Islands in the early 20th century. Some buildings come with a QR code (see above), so that you can dig deeper in the different buildings, from stables and storages to the in-fact farmhouse.
The highlight of the visit is, of course, the farmhouse itself, which also features the reception. Like in many Faroese private buildings, you are requested to take your shoes off. There are a lot of preserved original furniture and household items, so that you can really imagine how life must have been in the traditional buildings. You also spot a couple of rather personal items, which give you a nice connection to the Faroe Islands Open Air Museum.
Faroe Islands Open Air Museum – Services
There is a receptionist / guide in the main farmhouse, where you can also buy a ticket. During my visit, she was really kind and helpful. WiFi is provided, so that you can explore the buildings with the online guide. There is no gift shop or cafe on the premises of the Faroe Islands Open Air Museum.
Faroe Islands Open Air Museum – My View
The Faroe Islands Open Air Museum is a must-visit place, when you visit this place in summer. The exhibition is lovely – and especially if combined with the Faroe Islands National Museum it is also a very decent deal.
Open Air Museums
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Faroe Islands
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