Tórshavn

Tórshavn, the charming capital of the Faroe Islands, is an excellent base for hunting the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Tórshavn is well-connected, making it easy to reach various viewing spots across the islands. You can rent a car or join guided tours that take you to the best locations. The city itself offers beautiful coastal views. Take a walk through historic Tinganes and imagine the aurora borealis dancing above the colorful houses along the harbor or reflecting off the choppy waves of the North Atlantic.

The best time to witness the Northern Lights in the Faroe Islands is from November to February. During these months, the nights are long and dark, providing optimal conditions for aurora sightings.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

2%

There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Tórshavn area (forecast for 17 September 2025 at 7:40pm UTC)

Kp 1.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
Bz -2 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced auroral activity.

Density 0.92 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimeter (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 581.2 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Rain

10°C Feels like 10°C

High
11°C
Low
9°C
  • Precipitation: 100%
  • Cloud cover: 100%
  • Wind: 14 km/h
  • Rain: 1mm

Moon

Waning crescent

  • Sun rises at: 6:58am
  • Sun sets at: 7:45pm
  • Moon rises at: 12:00am
  • Moon sets at: 7:36pm

Book an amazing adventure in Tórshavn

  • Free cancellation

    2-Hour Boat Trip in Faroe Island

    4.8 (30)

    2 hours From £154.15

    Are you looking for an unforgettable sightseeing adventure? Look no further than our exclusive, skippered 2 hours sightseeing trip by boat! Our experienced skipper will take you to the most breathtaking and scenic destinations around the Faroe Islands. Whether you're looking for distant islands, inviting bays, or charming seaside villages, we can get you there! Our boat is versatile and can take you to just about any place in the Faroes that is accessible from the sea. You can explore these beautiful islands in ways that no other mode of transport can offer you. Get up close and personal with the stunning landscapes and marvel at all that these islands have to offer. Experience the Faroe Islands like never before and join us on our 2 hours sightseeing trip by boat!

  • Free cancellation

    Vestmanna Sea Cliffs, Leynar and Kvívík in Faroe Islands

    5.0 (1)

    6 hours From £285.08

    The boat glides near towering cliffs where puffins chatter and guillemots growl. A puffin dives, emerging with fish before soaring 600 meters up. Below, a seal curiously watches. Just beyond Vestmanna’s harbor, we explore one of Europe’s most impressive bird cliffs. Departing from Tórshavn, this two-hour boat tour offers incredible views of seabirds nesting on sheer basalt walls, sailing between towering rock formations and deep caves sculpted by the sea. Along the way, the guide shares stories of ships seeking shelter and pirates raiding Vestmanna. The tour also includes a visit to Leynar, home to a white sandy beach, colorful houses, and wild salmon leaping up its river. Next, we explore Kvívík, one of the first Viking settlements, where ancient ruins reveal early Faroese life.

  • Free cancellation

    Fishing Experience in Faroe Islands

    4.4 (7)

    4 hours From £296.98

    Embark on a captivating fishing expedition around Nolsoy. Sail across placid waters, enjoy catching different fish species like cod, haddock, and elusive halibut. Nolsoy isn’t just for fishing. It’s a birdwatcher’s haven, hosting one of the world’s largest storm petrel colonies. Witness puffins, guillemots, and gannets nestled on the cliffs. On navigating the island, spot seals lounging on shores or dolphins and whales occasionally surfacing. Your Nolsoy trip is not just fishing but an immersion into a vibrant marine ecosystem. Unforgettable experiences at every turn, promise an enriching, exhilarating adventure.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Waterfall Tour in Faroe Islands

    4.8 (16)

    6 hours From £464.22

    Travel to the most sought-after waterfalls in the Faroe Islands. Experience the natural wonder of tumbling water from cliffs and to sea. You will get close to Múlafossur waterfall on Vágar Island, Fossá waterfall on Streymoy Island and all the many waterfalls finding their way down the hillside in the secluded village Saksun on Streymoy Island.

  • Free cancellation

    Faroe Islands: Highlights Tour

    5.0 (6)

    6 - 8 hours From £237.47

    Join us for a beautiful private tour of the highlights of the Faroe Islands where we'll stop at a few must-see spots and some extra ones along the way, while doing our best to avoid the crowds. We’ll head out of the city via the old mountain road route to Norðadalsskarð, a photographer’s dream, where you will have a moment to enjoy the panoramic view. First stop is the picturesque Saksun surrounded by a mountain amphitheatre right in front of Pollurin lagoon. Saksun is a hidden gem located about 10 minutes away from the main road especially know for the turf roof and natural beauty. Heading onwards, it will take us around half an hour to reach the village of Tjørnuvík. Tjørnuvík lays nestled in a valley surrounded by high mountains and boasts a striking black sandy beach, famous amongst cold waters surfers. Afterwards, we drive through the old mountain road on our wayt to visit the cosy village of Gjógv, named after its deep gorge and known for its beautiful and unique scenery.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Faroe Islands: Private Highlights Tour

    5.0 (2)

    8 hours From £446.37

    Join us for a beautiful private tour of the highlights of the Faroe Islands excursion to the small villages Saksun, Tjørnuvík and Gjógv. We will stop at a few must-see spots and some extra ones along the way, while doing our best to avoid the crowds for your own private enjoyment. Our Highlights of the Faroe Islands tour is a full-day experience that allows you to experience the best of Streymoy and Eysturoy, the two central islands of the Faroes. On this tour, you will get to see the highest waterfall in the Faroe Islands up close, walk the black sands of Tjørnuvík, see the Giant and the Witch sea stacks and visit the uniquely beautiful village of Gjógv. On our way home you'll experience the new subsea tunnel including the only subsea roundabout in the world.

Places to check out around Tórshavn

Discover Restaurants, Bars, Waterfalls and more…

See also

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist

Ólavsøka

Ólavsøka is a Bar at Føroyar