Evaluation: Lodge Hafnia, Tórshavn (Faroe Islands)

September 4, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters at all times characteristic a lodge or flight assessment.

I just lately loved my first cruise vacation—a wonderful journey round Iceland and the Faroe Islands aboard the Seabourn Enterprise, the world’s most luxurious expedition cruise ship. You’ll be able to learn my journey studies right here:

Right now: Evaluation of Lodge Hafnia, Faroe Islands

Perched within the coronary heart of Tórshavn—the charming capital of the Faroe Islands—Lodge Hafnia provides a novel fusion of conventional Faroese hospitality and fashionable magnificence. This four-star property is greater than only a place to remain; it’s a landmark that has welcomed vacationers for many years. Named after the Latin phrase Hafnia, that means “harbor,” the lodge pays homage to its prime location simply steps from the waterfront, in a metropolis that thrives on its maritime roots. With the previous city Tinganes simply across the nook, and Tórshavn’s colourful harbor viewable from many rooms, friends are handled to town’s pulse whereas having fun with serene, well-appointed areas. Perfect for each leisure guests and enterprise vacationers, Lodge Hafnia is likely one of the few resorts within the Faroe Islands that blends historical past, consolation, and up to date facilities.

I made a YouTube video with full tour of Lodge Hafnia, which you’ll be able to watch beneath. Have you ever ever stayed at Lodge Hafnia? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this assessment:

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Considered one of Lodge Hafnia’s most compelling options is its location within the coronary heart of Tórshavn, the smallest capital metropolis on the planet. Set only a few paces from the picturesque harbor, the lodge locations friends inside strolling distance of town’s most iconic landmarks, together with the red-painted authorities buildings of Tinganes, the historic district that dates again to the Viking period. You’ll additionally discover the Nationwide Gallery, Tórshavn Cathedral, and the energetic pedestrian avenue Niels Finsens Gøta simply minutes away on foot. For these trying to discover native tradition, cafés, boutiques, and museums lie round each nook, making Hafnia a great base for each brief metropolis breaks and longer immersive stays. Regardless of being so centrally situated, the lodge maintains a peaceable ambiance, thanks partly to the quiet, slim streets and the proximity to the ocean. Whether or not you’re heading out for a morning stroll alongside the harbor, shopping handmade items on the Saturday market, or catching a ferry for a day journey to close by islands, the lodge’s location makes it easy.
Lodge Hafnia’s story is interwoven with the fashionable historical past of Tórshavn itself. It opened in 1951, the imaginative and prescient of Christian Restorff—a visionary entrepreneur who wished to create a up to date lodge that might serve the rising variety of guests to the Faroe Islands. On the time, it was the primary of its form within the capital, bringing new requirements of consolation and repair to the island nation. Over the subsequent a number of many years, the Restorff household continued to develop and refine the lodge, increasing its amenities and establishing it as a cornerstone of Faroese hospitality. In 2005, the lodge handed out of household arms and it was later acquired by P/f Smyril Line, the Faroese transport firm greatest identified for its North Atlantic ferry line, in 2018. Beneath their stewardship, Lodge Hafnia has undergone a considerate modernization, sustaining its historic appeal whereas upgrading amenities to fulfill the expectations of Twenty first-century vacationers. Apparently, Lodge Hafnia is so woven into Faroese life that it even options in literature—together with the novel Når Engle spiller Mozart, highlighting its position as a cultural touchstone.
The structure of Lodge Hafnia displays the lodge’s twin id as each a hub of hospitality and a cultural outpost. The primary constructing serves because the lodge’s social core, housing reception, lounges, convention rooms, and the vast majority of visitor lodging. Flowing logically from the foyer to visitor areas and into the eating areas, the structure provides a easy visitor expertise. Just some steps from the principle constructing is likely one of the lodge’s most original options, a cluster of conventional Faroese grass-roofed cottages. These freestanding lodgings are perfect for households, long-stay friends, or vacationers in search of a deeper connection to native traditions. Contained in the cottages, the aesthetic is cozy and heritage-forward, with low ceilings, heat wooden, and stone accents—but nonetheless outfitted with all the fashionable conveniences anticipated from a luxurious keep. Further on-site facilities embrace a Finnish-style sauna, entry to a fully-equipped health club close by, and several other versatile assembly areas.
Lodge Hafnia’s considerate design blends Nordic simplicity with a definite Faroese character—qualities well-suited to a vacation spot the place the climate usually invitations cozy moments indoors. The interiors characteristic a relaxing mixture of muted greys, pale woods, gentle leathers, and textured materials that create a way of ease. Throughout the lodge—from the lounge areas to the visitor rooms—performance is paired with heat. Up to date touches are current however by no means overbearing, and the ambiance feels welcoming reasonably than formal. Particulars comparable to historic images of Tórshavn, artworks by native creators, and delicate nods to the encircling panorama present a way of place. The distinction between the clear strains of the principle constructing and the normal grass-roofed cottages provides persona to the property. The cottages, particularly when morning mist settles on their mossy roofs, carry a quiet appeal that feels rooted in Faroese custom. Lighting additionally performs an essential position: softly lit corridors, heat pendant lamps within the restaurant, and discreet fixtures within the rooms create consolation with out distraction.

Lodge Hafnia provides a wide selection of lodging—from single rooms excellent for solo adventurers or enterprise vacationers, to expansive suites that provide additional consolation and commanding views. The lodge’s 79 rooms and suites embrace flat-screen TVs, blackout curtains, complimentary Wi-Fi, work desks, and low/tea amenities. A well-liked characteristic amongst friends is the considerate use of native touches: historic picture collages, conventional Faroese patterns within the textiles, and handcrafted ceramics used within the tea service. The suites, specifically, are perfect for longer stays or romantic getaways, with plush seating areas, king-sized beds, and upgraded loos that includes each showers and jetted tubs with gorgeous views of Tórshavn. For these in search of a extra immersive cultural expertise, the aforementioned cottage lodging present a really particular various. Whereas barely extra rustic in aesthetic and some steps from the lodge’s principal constructing and amenities, they’re absolutely serviced and excellent for vacationers who desire a storybook keep in a standard Faroese setting.

Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Lodge Hafnia expertise, with three distinct eating venues, every providing a novel expertise:
- Bistro 1 Hædd is a trendy, intimate restaurant perched on the primary flooring. Right here, the menu leans fashionable Nordic, specializing in recent seafood, Faroese lamb, and seasonal greens. Each moring, a superb breakfast buffet can also be provided at Bistro 1 Hædd.
- Simply across the nook from the principle constructing, Katrina Christiansen Restaurant provides a extra informal but no much less refined eating possibility. Housed in one among Tórshavn’s oldest preserved picket buildings, this restaurant is as a lot in regards to the expertise because the meals. It invitations friends right into a time capsule of Faroese historical past, with creaking flooring, uncovered beams, and candlelit tables. The menu is rooted in custom, that includes reimagined classics like skerpikjøt (fermented lamb), fish soup, and rhubarb desserts.
- For friends in search of a relaxed second between excursions, Café Kaspar is a shiny and alluring area excellent for espresso, wine, or a light-weight snack. It’s a favourite spot amongst locals as nicely, including a social buzz to the expertise. A complimentary every day wine hour is obtainable to friends—an appreciated contact that encourages mingling and leisure after a day of island exploration.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The rooms at Lodge Hafnia have a distinctly cozy appeal, however they’re positively on the smaller facet in comparison with what many discerning vacationers is perhaps used to. That is particularly noticeable within the loos, the place the bathe space isn’t at all times clearly separated from the remainder of the area. That being mentioned, the compact structure additionally provides the lodge an intimate, boutique-like really feel, and the whole lot was spotless and practical throughout my keep. In case you’re somebody who values effectivity and luxury over sprawling sq. footage, the rooms do ship what you want for a great night time’s relaxation.

In case you’re assigned a room within the basement, be ready for much more restricted area. These rooms can really feel a bit cramped, with decrease ceilings and smaller home windows that allow in much less pure mild. Whereas completely practical for a brief keep, they don’t supply the ethereal, open really feel that rooms on larger flooring present. In case you’re delicate to area or desire shiny, open environment, requesting or reserving a room on an higher flooring is certainly value contemplating.

Considered one of Lodge Hafnia’s largest benefits is its unbeatable location—proper within the middle of Tórshavn, simply steps from cafés, retailers, and the harbor. In fact, being in the midst of the whole lot can deliver a little background noise with it. From my room on the next flooring, I solely observed the occasional murmur of automobiles or faint footsteps within the hallway, and it was by no means sufficient to disturb my keep. That mentioned, I can think about that lower-floor rooms or these dealing with immediately onto the road may expertise extra of town’s nightlife and visitors sounds. For mild sleepers, the next flooring or an backward-facing room may very well be the safer alternative, or just bringing alongside earplugs to make sure a restful night time.

For vacationers exploring the Faroe Islands by automobile, parking at Lodge Hafnia could be a small problem. The lodge doesn’t have its personal parking amenities, so friends have to depend on public parking close by. In observe, this meant spending a number of additional minutes discovering an area and generally strolling a brief distance with baggage. On the intense facet, parking in Tórshavn is usually protected and simple, and as soon as the automobile was parked, I actually didn’t miss it—the whole lot on the town was inside strolling distance. It’s much less of an issue when you plan to make use of the lodge as a base for day journeys and solely want to maneuver the automobile a few times a day.

In case you’re used to resorts with gyms or swimming pools, you gained’t discover them at Lodge Hafnia. The main target right here is on comfy lodging and a central location, although there are a few methods to remain energetic. The lodge has a small on-site sauna, excellent for unwinding after a day of exploring. Moreover, all friends have complimentary entry to Burn Health, simply 180 meters (600 ft) away—a straightforward stroll via Vaglið from the lodge. Simply ask at reception for a wristband, and also you’re all set. For me, the lack of a full wellness complicated wasn’t a dealbreaker—I spent most of my time wandering Tórshavn and the encircling islands— nevertheless it’s helpful to know in case your excellent keep contains on-site health or leisure choices.

In case you’re accustomed to ultra-luxury resorts, it’s value mentioning that Lodge Hafnia is not a five-star property—and actually, the Faroe Islands don’t actually have a real luxurious lodge scene (a minimum of not within the standard sense). What 4-star Lodge Hafnia provides as an alternative is a cushty and welcoming keep in a primary location, with loads of persona and appeal. The expertise is much less about marble lobbies and champagne bars, and extra about feeling at residence whereas being immersed within the rhythm of Tórshavn. For me, that was a part of its enchantment—it matched the understated, genuine character of the islands themselves.

MY VERDICT

Format: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: n/a
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: n/a
Service: 8/10
Wow issue: 6/10
Worth for cash: 7/10
General expertise: good – 7.5/10

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

One of the best time to go to the Faroe Islands is usually late Might via early September, when the climate is gentle, with common temperatures round 10–15°C (50–59°F), and the times are lengthy, particularly in June when daylight can final almost 24 hours. This era is good for outside actions comparable to mountain climbing, boat excursions, and wildlife recognizing, together with puffins and whales. Shoulder seasons in Might and September supply fewer crowds and barely decrease costs, although the climate could be extra unpredictable. Winter, from October to April, is much less favorable on account of brief daytime, frequent storms, and restricted entry to some distant areas, however it could possibly enchantment to these in search of dramatic landscapes and the possibility to see the Northern Lights.

HOW TO GET THERE

Lodge Hafnia is situated within the middle of Tórshavn. Guests arriving from Vágar Airport (FAE) can attain the lodge by automobile in roughly 40–45 minutes, or by bus by way of Route 300 in about 50 minutes. Helicopter providers additionally function between the airport and Tórshavn Bodanes Heliport, taking round 12 minutes. As soon as in Tórshavn, the lodge is definitely accessible on foot.

PHOTOS

Right here’s a choice of my images of Lodge Hafnia. To view extra images (together with images of breakfast and dinner on the restaurant), click on right here.