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The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) of Mikladalur

A bronze statue in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, embodying the haunting legend of the Seal Woman (Kópakonan) against a dramatic coastal backdrop.

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The Seal Woman statue, or Kópakonan, stands in the village of Mikladalur on the island of Kalsoy, Faroe Islands. This modern sculpture embodies an ancient legend about a seal woman who was forced to marry a human, a poignant tale deeply rooted in Faroese folklore. The statue offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic coastal landscape.

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 sunset for breathtaking views and a magical atmosphere.
  • Bring a camera to capture the sculpture against the dramatic coastal backdrop.
  • Take time to explore Mikladalur village and its surrounding natural beauty.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
  • Read about the legend of Kópakonan beforehand to enhance your visit.
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Getting There

  • Car Ferry

    To reach the Seal Woman statue, first take the ferry from Klaksvík on Borðoy island to Syðradalur on Kalsoy island. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes. From the ferry terminal in Syðradalur, drive north along the island's narrow road. Pass through three single-lane mountain tunnels. Mikladalur is a short drive after the third tunnel. Parking is available in the village. The ferry 'Sam' from Klaksvík to Syðradalur costs DKK 40 per adult passenger and DKK 160 for a standard car. Check the ferry schedule in advance as it has limited capacity and can get busy.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Seal Woman statue via public transport, take bus route 400 from Tórshavn to Klaksvík. From Klaksvík, take ferry route 56 to Syðradalur on Kalsoy island. Upon arrival in Syðradalur, transfer to bus route 506, which will take you to Mikladalur. Bus tickets can be purchased at the start of your journey. A multi-day travel card for both buses and ferries (excluding Mykines) costs DKK 500 for four days. Bus route 506 from Syðradalur to Mikladalur is approximately 24 minutes. Please note that many bus departures are by request only, by phone +298 234427.

  • Parking

    Parking is available in Mikladalur near the Seal Woman statue. You can park your car by the gospel hall Malta (Fornagøta 11) or in one of the larger parking lots in the village. Follow the blue line to the village path. There are several significant parking areas in Mikladalur, including the one by the notice sign above the village. Parking cost: 250 DKK.

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Discover more about The Seal Woman (Kópakonan)

The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) statue is a captivating landmark in Mikladalur, a village on the island of Kalsoy in the Faroe Islands. The 2.6-meter-tall bronze sculpture, created by Hans Pauli Olsen, depicts a seal woman, a figure from a well-known Faroese legend. According to the legend, seals were once humans who had sought death in the ocean. Once a year, on the Twelfth Night, they were allowed to come ashore, shed their skins, and resume their human form to sing, dance, and enjoy themselves. The most famous tale tells of a young farmer from Mikladalur who hid on the beach on the Twelfth Night and stole the skin of a beautiful seal woman. Without her skin, she could not return to the sea and was forced to marry the farmer. They had children, but she always longed for the ocean. One day, the farmer forgot the key to the chest where he kept her skin. She found it, retrieved her skin, and returned to the sea, leaving her children behind. Before leaving she cursed the men of Mikladalur to die at sea. The statue, erected in 2014, serves as a tribute to this hauntingly beautiful legend. It stands on the rugged coastline, facing the vast Atlantic Ocean, withstanding waves up to 13 meters high. Visiting the Seal Woman offers a chance to connect with Faroese folklore and appreciate the dramatic natural beauty of Kalsoy.

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