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The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) Statue

A bronze statue in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, honoring the legend of the Seal Woman (Kópakonan) and the captivating folklore of the islands.

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The Kópakonan statue, located in the village of Mikladalur on Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands, depicts a seal woman from a local legend. The statue is a tribute to the mythical being who was forced to live as a human after a farmer stole her seal skin. It's a poignant representation of Faroese folklore and a striking landmark against the dramatic coastal scenery.

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 statue is exposed to the elements, so dress warmly and be prepared for wind and rain.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the path to the statue can be steep and slippery.
  • Check the ferry schedule to Kalsoy Island in advance, as departures are limited.
  • Consider visiting during the summer months for milder weather and longer daylight hours.
  • Combine your visit with a hike to the Kallur Lighthouse for panoramic views of Kalsoy Island.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Tórshavn, take bus 300 to Klaksvík. From Klaksvík, take ferry route 56 to Syðradalur on Kalsoy Island. From Syðradalur, transfer to bus 506, which will take you to Mikladalur. The bus journey from Syðradalur to Mikladalur is approximately 25 minutes. Ferry tickets from Klaksvík to Syðradalur cost approximately 25 DKK.

  • Driving

    From Tórshavn, drive to Klaksvík. In Klaksvík, take the car ferry (route 56) to Syðradalur on Kalsoy Island. From Syðradalur, drive north along the island's east coast. You will pass through three single-track mountain tunnels with lay-bys. After the third tunnel, you'll find yourself in Mikladalur. Parking is available near the gospel hall Malta and in larger parking lots in the village. Ferry tickets from Klaksvík to Syðradalur for a car and passengers cost approximately 175 DKK.

  • Walking

    Once in Mikladalur, the statue is easily accessible on foot. From the village center, follow the signs towards the shoreline. A set of stairs leads down a steep hillside to the basalt floor where the statue stands. The walk from the village center to the statue is short, approximately 5-10 minutes.

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Discover more about The Seal Woman (Kópakonan)

The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) statue is a captivating sculpture found in the village of Mikladalur on Kalsoy Island, part of the Faroe Islands. This 2.6-meter-tall bronze statue, created in 2014, portrays a seal woman, a figure deeply rooted in Faroese folklore. The legend of the Kópakonan tells the tale of seals who were once humans that chose to die in the ocean. Once a year, on the Twelfth Night, these seals are allowed to come ashore, shed their skins, and take on human form, spending the night singing, dancing, and celebrating. The statue specifically references a story of a farmer from Mikladalur who stole the skin of a beautiful seal woman, forcing her to become his wife. She eventually returned to the sea, but cursed Mikladalur, prophesying that many of its men would perish at sea. The statue stands on the shoreline, accessible via a set of stairs leading down a steep hillside. Visitors can stand on the basalt floor next to the statue and enjoy views of the ocean and the nearby island of Kunoy. The statue not only serves as a visual representation of the legend but also as a reminder of the relationship between humans and nature and the power of folklore in shaping cultural identity.

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