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The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) Statue

Discover the legend of the Seal Woman in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, a captivating sculpture with breathtaking coastal views and rich folklore.

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A striking bronze sculpture in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, depicting the mythical Seal Woman. Rooted in Faroese folklore, the statue represents a seal who could transform into a human. It's a poignant tribute to the legend and offers stunning coastal views.

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

  • Wear sturdy shoes for the walk down to the statue, as the hillside can be steep and slippery.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and stunning coastal views.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting, as conditions can change rapidly in the Faroe Islands.
  • Take your time to explore the village of Mikladalur and appreciate the traditional turf houses.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Seal Woman statue using public transport, start by taking bus 400 to Klaksvík. From Klaksvík, take the line 56 car ferry to Syðradalur on Kalsoy Island. The ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. Once in Syðradalur, transfer to bus 506, which travels north to Mikladalur. From the Mikladalur bus stop, walk down the steep hillside on good stairs to reach the statue. A multi-day travel card for buses and ferries (excluding Mykines) costs DKK 500 for four days. A single bus ticket can be purchased at the start of your travel.

  • Driving

    To reach the Seal Woman statue by car, drive to Klaksvík and take the line 56 car ferry to Syðradalur on Kalsoy Island. The ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. From Syðradalur, drive north through three single-track mountain tunnels to Mikladalur. Once in Mikladalur, follow the signs to Kópakonan. Parking is available near the village. From the parking area, walk down the steep hillside on concrete stairs to reach the statue. Ferry fares vary depending on the vehicle size. Check the SSL website for current pricing.

  • Walking

    From the center of Mikladalur, follow signs marked “Kópakonan”. Take the concrete stairs leading down toward the ocean. The statue stands on a rock by the sea. The walk is short but steep.

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Discover more about The Seal Woman (Kópakonan)

The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) statue is a captivating bronze sculpture located in the village of Mikladalur on Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands. This 2.6-meter-tall statue, created by sculptor Hans Pauli Olsen, depicts a central figure in Faroese folklore. The legend tells of seals who were once humans that chose to die in the ocean, and were allowed to return to land one night a year in human form. The most famous tale is of a farmer from Mikladalur who stole the skin of a seal woman, preventing her return to the sea. He forced her to become his wife, and they had children, but she eventually found her skin and returned to the ocean. Before leaving, she cursed the village, foretelling many deaths at sea. The statue serves as a powerful reminder of this legend and its connection to the sea. Visiting the statue involves descending a steep hillside via concrete stairs. The location offers panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the nearby island of Kunoy. The statue rising from the cliffs by the shore creates a dramatic and mesmerizing scene. Mikladalur itself, meaning "the Great Valley," is known for its legends and traditional turf houses, adding to the charm of the location.

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