Welcome to Ovasavn
On August 1, 1986, Ove arrived at Langelinie in Copenhagen after 42 lonely days in his small wooden boat, the Diana Victoria. He had set sail from his hometown, Nólsoy, on July 1, marking his third attempt to achieve his great goal: to row to Denmark and kiss the Little Mermaid.
Ove accomplished what many thought was impossible, driven by a strong will to prove them wrong. His journey put the Faroe Islands and Nólsoy on the world map, and to this day, no one has had the same courage to follow in his footsteps.
Sadly, the Faroese people lost their folk hero in a tragic accident aboard the boat that meant the most to him—Diana Victoria.
Before Ove passed away, he promised the children of Nólsoy that he would use his prize money to build a swimming pool for them—because all children should learn to swim. “Only a fool does not fear the Sea,” he said, and it was close to his heart that the children could swim.
After Ove’s death, the association Stuđulsnevndin fyri Svimjihyl í Nólsoy was founded. They worked tirelessly to raise funds through the annual “Ovastevna” which is still held every August in Ove’s honor. The efforts to build the swimming pool were hindered by bank crashes and inflation, which outpaced the funds being raised.
Today, the children of Nólsoy have other opportunities to swim in Tórshavn. The connection between Nólsoy and Tórshavn is so good that building a swimming pool is no longer relevant.
But what can we do to honor the man who gave so much?
We still have the memories and the boat—Diana Victoria.
Stuđulsnevndin feels that it is now our duty to ensure that this story is never forgotten, and that the boat will forever have its permanent place in Nólsoy – And here you have it:
WELCOME TO OVASAVN!





About Us
The Ova Museum in Nólsoy will open to the public in the spring of 2025.
The museum is built to tell the story of Ove Joensen, who accomplished the remarkable feat in 1986 of rowing alone in the Diana Victoria from Nólsoy to Copenhagen to kiss The Little Mermaid at Langelinie.
In the museum, which is inspired by the Faroese boat-building tradition, the Diana Victoria stands as the focal point of the story about Ove. When you visit the Ova Museum, you can enjoy a good cup of coffee in the cozy café while experiencing a complete journey with history, sound, and light.
Our Services
Are you interested in history? If so, the Ovasavn is exactly what you need.

Entry to the Museum
Step into the incredible journey of Ove Joensen at the Ova Museum
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Dont Just Take Our Word for it
This museum is second to none, and the experience will ignite all your senses. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into a world of history and adventure. The attention to detail and the respect for natural materials is truly remarkable.
The Diana Victoria takes center stage, offering an immersive experience that beautifully blends storytelling with sound, light, and design inspired by the Faroese boat-building tradition. It’s a journey through Ove Joensen’s incredible feat, and it leaves you feeling inspired and connected to both nature and the rich cultural heritage of Nólsoy
- Thomas Joensen
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Welcome to OVASAVNIÐ – a unique destination where history, culture, and relaxation meet. Explore our charming museum, enjoy a delicious coffee and cake, and get insider tips on local attractions and accommodations.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy stay, a place to host a small group session, or a memorable dining experience, we offer a range of possibilities. The options are endless – just reach out and let us help create your perfect visit!ið

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