Faroe Islands > Faroe Islands Hotels and Spa’s > Havgrím Seaside Hotel
Seaside Setting
Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 occupies a rare position in Tórshavn, perched directly on the shoreline at Ùti við Strond. To one side lies the historic fort Skansin, a sentinel of centuries past, and to the other, the old town with its turf‑roofed houses and winding lanes.
From the terrace and garden, the view stretches across the fjord to the island of Nólsoy, a panorama that shifts constantly with the weather. Calm mornings bring silver light across the water, while stormy afternoons turn the sea into a restless expanse. The hotel’s location is both practical and poetic: a five‑minute walk to the city centre, yet secluded enough to feel like a retreat.
Heritage and History
The building itself was once the Commodore’s House, a residence of naval importance. Its transformation into a boutique hotel preserves the character of the property while introducing modern comforts. The name—1948—marks the year the Faroe Islands gained home rule, a subtle nod to local history and identity. Staying here is not simply about accommodation; it is about inhabiting a piece of Faroese heritage, where the past and present meet on the edge of the sea.
Boutique Character
With only 14 rooms arranged across three floors, Havgrím is deliberately intimate. Each room is individually decorated, inspired by the fjord and its changing moods. Calm blues reflect still waters, stormy greys echo turbulent seas, and earthy greens recall the surrounding fields. Interiors are understated yet thoughtful, blending Scandinavian simplicity with Faroese character. The small scale ensures a personal atmosphere, where guests are greeted by name and treated as individuals rather than numbers.
Rooms and Suites
The hotel offers four categories of rooms, each with its own character. The Exclusive Suite, with its sweeping bay window, places the fjord at centre stage, creating the sensation of being adrift at sea. The Deluxe Double Room provides full ocean views with modern furnishings and soundproofing. The Superior Double Room offers partial sea views and a desk for those who wish to work or write during their stay. The Standard Double Room, compact yet comfortable, is ideal for shorter visits.
All rooms share common features: heated bathroom floors, designer toiletries, slippers, blackout drapes, satellite television, coffee and tea facilities, and minibars. Soundproofing ensures quiet nights even when storms rage outside. Each space reflects the fjord’s palette, with colours drawn from calm waters, stormy skies, and green fields.
Amenities and Services
Guests enjoy a terrace and landscaped garden, perfect for watching the changing light over the fjord. A coffee shop and bar provide refreshments, while free WiFi and parking add convenience. Laundry facilities and luggage storage are available, and multilingual staff assist with tours and tickets.
Accessibility is considered, with elevator access and wheelchair‑friendly parking. Families are welcome, with cribs and rollaway beds available for a fee, and soundproofed rooms ensuring restful nights.
Sustainability
Havgrím takes pride in its environmental responsibility. Heating and hot water are drawn from energy 200 metres below ground, a clean and renewable source. The owners also pioneered the islands’ first windmill park fifteen years ago, underscoring their commitment to sustainability. Staying here means supporting a property that values the environment as much as its guests.
Arrival and Departure
Check‑in begins at 3 PM and is available anytime thereafter, subject to availability. Early check‑in and late check‑out can be arranged for a fee. The minimum check‑in age is 18. Guests receive an email with instructions 24 hours before arrival, and the front desk is staffed daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Airport transfers are available for DKK 250 per person each way, with arrangements required at least 24 hours in advance. Vágar Airport lies 29 miles away, about an hour’s drive.
Fees and Policies
A city tax of DKK 20 per person per night applies, though children under 16 are exempt. Buffet breakfast costs DKK 225 for adults and DKK 125 for children. Cribs and rollaway beds are available for DKK 350 per night. Late check‑out is subject to availability and incurs a fee. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome. Government‑issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check‑in.
Atmosphere and Service
What sets Havgrím apart is not luxury but warmth. Staff greet guests by name, offer suggestions for exploring the islands, and assist with practicalities from dinner reservations to tour bookings. The small scale of the hotel ensures a personal touch, creating a sense of belonging rather than anonymity. Guests often remark on the attentiveness of the staff, who embody the island’s charm and hospitality.
Surroundings and Attractions
From the hotel, guests can explore Fort Skansin, a historic fortress overlooking the harbour, and Tórshavn Cathedral, a landmark of the old town. Vidarlundin í Havn Park offers green space for walks, while Hoyvíks tjørn provides natural beauty nearby. Sandagerð Beach lies 1.4 miles away, perfect for seaside strolls. Events and games in town add to the experience, while the fjord itself offers opportunities for boat trips and wildlife watching.
A Day at Havgrím
Morning begins with the sound of waves against the rocks. Drawing back the curtains, guests see Nólsoy fjord stretching ahead, dotted with farmsteads and fishing boats. By mid‑day, guests wander into Tórshavn, exploring turf‑roofed houses and narrow lanes. The fort of Skansin offers history, while the cathedral provides quiet reflection.
In the afternoon, a walk along the harbour reveals colourful boats. Returning to Havgrím, the terrace becomes the perfect spot to watch the changing light. As evening falls, guests return to soundproofed rooms, where heated bathroom floors and comfortable beds ensure restful sleep.
Why Stay Here
Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 appeals to travellers seeking intimacy, character, and location. Its strengths lie in boutique scale, unrivalled fjord views, heritage setting, warm service, and commitment to sustainability. It is not about grandeur or excess but about atmosphere and authenticity. For those arriving in the Faroe Islands, it offers a poetic introduction to life on the edge of the Atlantic.
Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 is a boutique retreat defined by its location, character, and service. With fjord views, historic surroundings, and a commitment to sustainability, it offers a stay that is both practical and poetic. For travellers seeking an introduction to the Faroe Islands, this 14‑room hotel provides intimacy, authenticity, and atmosphere in equal measure.
