It is located on the east coast of the archipelago’s largest island, Streymoy. With a population of 13.911, the city is usually referred to as Havn. It is the largest city and municipality of the Faroe Islands and the cultural, economic, and transportation center of the country.
The city’s name means the port of Thor and was given in honor of the god of lighting from Norse mythology. The city’s coat of arms depicts Thor’s hammer- Mjølner-and refers to the city’s origins in the pre-Christian Viking Age. The first written mention of Thorshavn dates back to 1075, which is why the city is considered one of the oldest capitals in northern Europe.
Thorshavn is the most important port in the Faroe Islands. The capital is home to the islands’ only university, the University of the Faroes, founded in 1960, the National Archives, the National Library, and many other institutions and monuments.
