19. February 2025
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Places & Sights

Skansin (Torshavn)

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

The Faroese people call Skansin (liternally: the “redoubt”) the most peaceful fort on Earth. In fact, the facility built in 1580 in order to protect the city against pirates has majorly been used for saluting. Only during World War II, the British army stationed some cannons there. Nowadays, visiting Skansin is one of the key sights of the Faroe Islands. This is especially due to the beautiful views over the sea, the capital Torshavn and the nearby island Nolsoy. I take you there in my Pictured Story.

 

Skansin – Location & Access

Skansin is located in the harbor area of Torshavn, right across the Smyril Line Ferry Terminal. If you come by car, the best option is the major public parking lot next to the ferry terminal. The Torshavn city bus system is also taking you very close to the hill where the fortifications are located. Bus 2 is stopping at Skansin, while bus stop is passing the harbor (Farstodin9. From there, it is just a short walk to other city attractions, especially the Old Town and Tinganes district.

Skansin is open all day. There is no admission.

 

Views of Skansin

Skansin is located on a small hill. There is no issue getting up there, one path is also paved and should be even allow wheelchair riders to get uphill. However, on the hill itself, there are rather walking paths. The most striking building of the hill is likely the Skansin Lighthouse, which is not accessible. There are also numerous other reconstructed buildings in traditional Faroese architecture.

On the Atlantic-facing side of Skansin Hill, there are numerous historic cannons, including two WWII ones from the British protection history.

 

Views from Skansin

Apart from exploring the small, but beautiful hill, a key reason to visit Skansin is enjoying the view of Torshavn, Nolsoy and the Atlantic Ocean. Below are some impressions.

 

Flyctory.com in Torshavn

Here are all my postings related to Torshavn, capital of the Faroe Islands:

 

Aviation Postings 2024

Here are all my Airports & Airlines postings published in 2024:

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