Faroe Islands National Day 2027

When

29 July 2027

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Where

Faroe Islands

Faroe IslandsFaroe Islands

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About the event

The story behind Ólavsøka The Faroe Islands celebrate Ólavsøka around 29 July, a national holiday rooted in the feast of Saint Olaf and the opening of the Faroese parliament, the Løgting.

The parliament opening gives the day formal national meaning

Why this day

The Faroe Islands celebrate Ólavsøka around 29 July, a national holiday rooted in the feast of Saint Olaf and the opening of the Faroese parliament, the Løgting. The date connects medieval Christian tradition with modern Faroese self-government.

Ólavsøka became the country's central summer gathering: parliament opens, sports finals are held, choirs sing and people wear national dress in Tórshavn. It is both a political ceremony and a city-wide festival.

Today the capital fills with processions, chain dancing, rowing, midnight singing and family reunions. For visitors, it is the clearest moment to see Faroese language, dress and public life concentrated in one place.

Timeline
  • 1030Ólavsøka linked to Saint Olaf's death
  • 1948Home Rule Act came into force
  • 1940Merkið officially recognised during wartime
Key figures
same date every year29 July
Stay for the event

Check-in 28 Jul, check-out 30 Jul 2027 — 2 nights around 29 July 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.

AREA

Find stays in Tórshavn
Getting there
  • Celebratednationwide
  • CapitalTórshavn
  • Time zoneWET (UTC+0)
Host country
  • Currency: Danish krone
  • Language: Faroese, Danish
  • Driving: on the right
  • Capital: Tórshavn
  • Phone: +298
  • Emergency: 112
  • Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/E/F/K
What to eat
Ræst kjøt

Fermented lamb, one of the most distinctive Faroese foods

Fresh fish

Cod, haddock and other local fish served simply

Grind og spik

Traditional pilot whale and blubber, culturally important but controversial

Potatoes

A common side with lamb and fish

Kalt borð

Cold table of meats, fish and bread for gatherings

Pancakes

Home-style festival sweets served with coffee

What to drink
Coffee

Central to visits, meetings and festival breaks

Faroese beer

Local beer served in pubs during Ólavsøka

Rhubarb cordial

A common homemade non-alcoholic drink

Culture & traditions
Løgting opening

The parliament opening gives the day formal national meaning

Chain dance

Traditional ballad dancing is central to Faroese identity

Boat races

Rowing finals are a major summer sporting event

National dress

Many people wear Faroese costume in the streets of Tórshavn

Coming years

Faroe Islands National Day 2028

  • Saturday 29 July 2028Next event date

Faroe Islands National Day 2029

  • Sunday 29 July 2029Event date

Faroe Islands National Day 2030

  • Monday 29 July 2030Event date