Vesturkirkjan (Church of Western Tórshavn)

Vesturkirkjan, consecrated in 1975, has become a prominent feature of Tórshavn’s skyline. Shaped like a sailboat, its 41-metre tower is likely the tallest building in the Faroe Islands.

Inside the church, the impressive height is especially striking. The space above the altar draws the eye upward, evoking thoughts of eternity. Some interpret this as a reference to Jacob’s ladder leading to heaven, while others see the interplay of light at the altar as symbolizing the struggle between light and darkness at Calvary.

In 2006, a monument of Sigmundur Brestisson, created by sculptor Hans Pauli Olsen, was placed in the small grove in front of the church. According to the saga of the Faroe Islands, Sigmundur forcefully Christianized the Faroe Islands around the year 1000.

Architecture and Special Furnishings

The church’s style is simple and pure. The contrast between the white stone walls and black stone tiles creates a distinctive atmosphere. The pulpit and baptismal font, like the floor, are made of Portuguese stone. A small golden cross, crafted by Danish goldsmith and painter Bent Exner (1932-2006), adorns the altar. Above the altar hangs a larger axe-cut cross made of untreated oak, said to have been carved by a man in his eighties.

Vesturkirkjan has two bells. One bears the inscription: “Vakrast er tá smábørn syngja og tá kirkjuklokkur ringja” (Most lovely is the sound of children singing and the church bells ringing).

The other is inscribed: “Málmsløg ljóða, klokkur bjóða, vítt um vallar, Harrin kallar” (The sound of striking on ore, the bells summon, far-reaching, the Lord calls).