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The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) of Mikladalur

A bronze statue in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, commemorates the haunting legend of the Seal Woman, a poignant tale deeply rooted in Faroese folklore.

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The Seal Woman statue in Mikladalur is a striking bronze sculpture depicting a mythical creature from Faroese folklore. It represents the tale of a seal who could shed her skin and become a woman, a legend deeply embedded in the islands' culture. The statue stands as a testament to the connection between humans and nature in the Faroe Islands.

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

  • The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon to witness the stunning coastal views and the changing light.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the path to the statue can be steep and slippery, especially in wet weather.
  • Be prepared for strong winds and unpredictable weather, even in summer.
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Getting There

  • Car Ferry & Bus

    To reach the Seal Woman statue using public transport, start by taking bus route 400 from Tórshavn to Klaksvík. From the bus terminal, walk to the nearby ferry port located between the EFFO and Magn gas stations. Take the ferry 'Sam' from Klaksvík to Syðradalur on Kalsoy Island. Upon arrival in Syðradalur, transfer to bus 506, which travels north to Mikladalur. The bus ride is approximately 20 minutes. From the Mikladalur bus stop, follow the signs for Kópakonan, taking the concrete stairs down towards the ocean. The statue is a short, steep walk from the village center. A multi-day travel card for unlimited bus and ferry travel (excluding Mykines) is available for DKK 500. A single bus ticket is payable on-site with cash or credit card. Ferry tickets should be pre-booked.

  • Car

    To reach the Seal Woman statue by car, drive to Klaksvík and then take the ferry 'Sam' to Syðradalur on Kalsoy Island. The ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes. From Syðradalur, drive north through three tunnels to Mikladalur. The roads are narrow, and the tunnels are single-lane with lay-bys. In Mikladalur, follow the signs to Kópakonan. Park in the designated areas near the village. Parking is free. From the parking area, it is a short but steep walk down to the statue. Ferry tickets should be pre-booked due to limited vehicle capacity.

  • Taxi

    To reach the Seal Woman statue by taxi, take a taxi from Klaksvík to Mikladalur. First, take the ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur. Upon arrival in Syðradalur, have the taxi drive you to Mikladalur. The drive from Syðradalur to Mikladalur is about 17 km. The total trip, including the ferry, is about 33 minutes. The taxi fare from Klaksvík has a starting price of 75 DKK. A taxi from Vagar Airport to Tórshavn is about 750 DKK.

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Discover more about The Seal Woman (Kópakonan)

The Seal Woman, or Kópakonan, is one of the most famous folk tales in the Faroe Islands. The legend tells of seals who were once humans that chose to die in the ocean. Once a year, on the Twelfth Night, they are allowed to come ashore, shed their skins, and resume their human form to sing, dance, and enjoy themselves. The statue itself immortalizes the story of a farmer from Mikladalur who stole the skin of a beautiful seal woman, preventing her from returning to the sea. He forced her to become his wife, and they had children. One day, she found the hidden skin and returned to the sea, leaving the farmer and her children behind. As revenge for the farmer's actions and the cruelty he inflicted on her loved ones, she cursed the village of Mikladalur, decreeing that many of its people would perish at sea. Legend says so many would drown that they could link hands and encircle the island of Kalsoy. The 2.6-meter-tall bronze statue was erected in 2014 as a tribute to this haunting legend. Created by artist Hans Pauli Olsen, the statue captures the Seal Woman's beauty and sorrow as she gazes out towards the sea, forever longing for her true home. The statue is located on the shore of Mikladalur with a backdrop of steep cliffs and the vast North Atlantic Ocean.

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