Wet Socks and Stormy Stories: A Faroese Adventure
A Breezy Arrival in Tórshavn
The Faroe Islands greeted us with a blustery welcome this morning as we sailed into Tórshavn – one of the smallest (and windiest) capital cities in the world. Even safely tucked away in the marina, the wind howled and the water tossed enough to make you question if the pier was swaying, or just your balance.
Undeterred (and ever the optimist), I slipped on shorts, while Ros wisely opted for layers, and off we went to explore the old town.
Laneways, Turf Roofs, and Storybook Scenes
The weather was classic Faroese – wet, wild, and entirely indecisive – but the charm of Tinganes, Tórshavn’s historic district, more than made up for it. It felt like stepping into a Nordic fairytale: turf-roofed wooden houses, moss-covered stone walls, and winding cobbled lanes all huddled together against the Atlantic’s unpredictable moods.
Despite the drizzle, it was oddly cosy — the kind of place where you imagine people knitting sweaters by candlelight while a storm batters the roof.
A Warm (and Dry) Escape to the National Museum
With the wind picking up, we ducked into the National Museum of the Faroe Islands – a perfect way to dry off and dig into the islands’ surprisingly rich history. The exhibits trace Faroese life from Viking-age boats and tools to ecclesiastical relics and local textiles. It’s a compact but beautifully presented collection that makes you appreciate just how resourceful and resilient these communities had to be.
We were particularly taken by the section on daily life – intricately carved household tools, handmade clothing, and fishing gear that gave you a sense of just how tough (and hands-on) island living really was.
Feathers, Puffins and Viking-era vessels
The natural history area was another highlight, featuring a broad collection of seabirds native to the Faroe Islands – puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes – all captured in impressively lifelike displays. But what really caught our attention were the Viking-era longboats and the craftsmanship that went into them. Seeing these sleek, narrow vessels up close made it easy to imagine the courage it took to set out into stormy North Atlantic seas with nothing but timber, sail, and grit. The boats weren’t just functional – they were works of art in their own right, with curved hulls and careful detailing that spoke to generations of seafaring tradition.
A Lighthouse, A Rainstorm, and Questionable Wardrobe Choices
As the skies cleared – briefly – we climbed the hill above the marina, hoping for panoramic shots of the lighthouse, the harbour, and Scenic Eclipse moored below. In theory, this was a great idea. In reality, the clouds regrouped with impressive speed and hit us with a horizontal rainstorm that could exfoliate your face.
My sunglasses doubled as eye protection, but my shorts offered zero defence. We were both drenched, cold, and absolutely howling with laughter by the time we squelched back aboard. Not our driest moment, but definitely a memorable one.
Dinner that could have been shared
We defrosted over dinner at Koko’s, the ship’s Asian fusion restaurant. Ros went for the Thai Mango and Prawn Salad followed by Fillet of Seabream — both light, zesty, and exactly what the doctor (and weather) ordered. I started with a crispy Chicken Spring Roll, then tucked into a warm, comforting Green Curry that hit all the right notes.
Dessert? We were drawn in by the Asian Fusion Ice Treat – pineapple gelato, jelly cubes, sponge, and crumbles. Ros said, “Let’s get one each, it won’t be big.” It was big. We absolutely could have shared. Did we regret it? Not even a little.
One of those days you don’t forget
Despite the weather’s best efforts to drown us, the Faroe Islands delivered a cracking day — full of charm, culture, and culinary surprises. From storybook streets to soaking-wet selfies, we walked away (squishily) with full hearts, fogged-up glasses, and a deeper appreciation for this windswept wonder of the North Atlantic.
