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The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) Statue

A bronze statue in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, honoring the captivating legend of the Seal Woman and the dramatic coastal scenery.

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The Kópakonan statue in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, is a bronze and stainless steel sculpture depicting a seal woman, a figure from Faroese folklore. It stands as a tribute to the legend of the seal woman who was forced to live as a human after a farmer stole her sealskin.

A brief summary to The Seal Woman (Kópakonan)

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and stunning coastal views.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the coastline for more scenic views.
  • Be cautious when exploring the statue during winter, as the ocean can be rough and the area slippery.
  • Learn the legend of Kópakonan beforehand to fully appreciate the statue's significance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Seal Woman statue using public transport, start by taking the ferry from Klaksvík on Borðoy Island to Syðradalur on Kalsoy Island. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes. From Syðradalur, take bus 506 towards Trøllanes. The bus ride to Mikladalur is roughly 20 minutes. Once in Mikladalur, walk along Bakkavegur for about 1 km to reach the statue. A multi-day travel card can be purchased for DKK 500, allowing unlimited travel on buses and ferries (excluding Mykines). A single bus fare is approximately DKK 30.

  • Driving

    If driving from Klaksvík, take Route 68 south towards Mikladalur. The drive is approximately 29 km and takes about 30-35 minutes. You will first need to take the ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur. From Syðradalur, follow the road through three tunnels to Mikladalur. In Mikladalur, turn left onto Bakkavegur, where the statue is located at number 16. Parking is available along the road near the sculpture. Ferry fare for a car is approximately DKK 120.

  • Walking

    Once you arrive in Mikladalur, the Seal Woman statue is easily accessible by foot. From the village center, follow signs for "Kópakonan". Take the concrete stairs leading down towards the ocean. The statue is located on a rock by the sea. There are parking spaces near a small stream, close to the cliff drop where the Kópakonan is located. Follow the stairs down to the plateau along the coastline.

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Discover more about The Seal Woman (Kópakonan)

The Seal Woman, or Kópakonan, is a captivating statue located in the village of Mikladalur on Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands. The 9-foot bronze and stainless steel sculpture, created by Hans Pauli Olsen, was installed in 2014 and has since become a major attraction. It depicts a seal transforming into a woman, a poignant representation of a famous Faroese folktale. The legend of the Kópakonan tells the story of seals who were once humans that chose to die in the ocean. Once a year, on the Twelfth Night of Christmas, they are allowed to come ashore, shed their skins, and reclaim their human forms to sing, dance and celebrate. One such seal woman was seen by a farmer from Mikladalur, who stole her skin, preventing her from returning to the sea. He forced her to become his wife, and they had children. One day, she found the key to the chest where her skin was hidden, retrieved it, and returned to the sea, where her seal husband was waiting. As revenge for the farmer's actions and the death of her seal family, she cursed the men of Mikladalur to die in accidents at sea. The statue stands on the rocky shore, with the dramatic cliffs and ocean as a backdrop. The location is accessible via concrete stairs leading down from the village. During winter storms, the statue can be partially submerged by the surf, adding to its mystique. Visiting the statue offers a chance to connect with Faroese folklore and appreciate the rugged beauty of Kalsoy Island.

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