Streymoy with Torshavn, Denmark

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of this peninsula, at Cape Tinganes, the Vikings established their first thingstead (legislative council), probably about 930. Near the peninsula stands a memorial to Niels Ryberg Finsen (1860-1904), who was born in Tórshavn and won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1903.

Also of interest is the fortress of Skansen (ca. 1580) near the harbor, from which in years gone by the entrance into the town was defended. In the National Museum, with its ethnological collections, etc., visitors can obtain information on the history and culture of the Faroes. The Maritime Museum is housed in a neighboring building.

The Art Gallery (Listaskálin Art Gallery) in the north of Tórshavn is pleasantly situated in parkland, including Viøalundin Park. "Nordic House", built in 1983 in the Scandinavian style, is a culture center where concerts, exhibitions and other events are held. Designed by the Norwegian architect Ola Steen, it was built of Norwegian stone, Swedish wood and Danish glass and steel. The furniture is from Finland, while the roof is made of materials contributed by Iceland. To celebrate its 10 years of existence a big cultural event was arranged in 1993, including an art exhibition with works by the Faroese artist Ingálvur av Reyni, who has also made a name for himself abroad.