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The Seal Woman (Kópakonan) Statue

A stunning bronze statue in Mikladalur, Kalsoy, commemorating the tragic legend of the Seal Woman and the connection between humans and the sea.

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The Kópakonan statue, a bronze and stainless steel sculpture by Hans Pauli Olsen, stands in Mikladalur on Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands. It depicts a selkie, a mythological being from Celtic and Norse folklore that can transform from a seal to a human. The statue commemorates the legend of the Seal Woman, a tragic tale of love, loss, and revenge deeply rooted in Faroese culture.

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 accordingly, especially during the colder months.
  • Take the ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur on Kalsoy, then the bus 506 to Mikladalur.
  • Check the ferry and bus schedules in advance, as they may be infrequent.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Kópakonan statue using public transport, start by taking bus 400 from Tórshavn to Klaksvík. From Klaksvík, take the ferry (route 56) to Syðradalur on Kalsoy island. Upon arrival in Syðradalur, transfer to bus 506, which will take you to Mikladalur. The statue is located in the village of Mikladalur, near the shore. As of July 2025, a multi-day travel card for public transport (excluding Mykines) costs DKK 500 for four days. A single bus ticket from Tórshavn to Klaksvík is approximately DKK 90. The ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur is approximately DKK 40 per adult and DKK 125 for a standard car. Bus 506 from Syðradalur to Mikladalur is included in the multi-day travel card or costs approximately DKK 30 for a single ride. Please note that bus route 506 has departures every four hours.

  • Driving

    To reach the Kópakonan statue by car, drive from Tórshavn to Klaksvík. From Klaksvík, take the ferry (route 56) to Syðradalur on Kalsoy island. From Syðradalur, drive along the island's east coast to Mikladalur. The statue is located in the village of Mikladalur, near the shore. As of July 2025, the ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur is approximately DKK 40 per adult and DKK 125 for a standard car. Parking is available in Mikladalur near the gospel hall Malta (Fornagøta 11) or in larger parking lots in the village. There are no tolls on this route.

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Discover more about The Seal Woman (Kópakonan)

The Kópakonan statue is a captivating monument to one of the Faroe Islands' most well-known folktales. Located in the village of Mikladalur on the island of Kalsoy, the 2.6-meter-long statue, created by Hans Pauli Olsen, portrays the mythical Seal Woman, or Kópakonan in Faroese. The statue was erected on August 1, 2014, and has since become a major attraction, drawing visitors to the island to witness its beauty and learn about the legend it represents. The legend of the Seal Woman tells the story of a farmer from Mikladalur who stole the skin of a seal maiden, forcing her to become his wife. They had children together, but she eventually found her hidden skin and returned to the sea, leaving her human family behind. According to the tale, the Seal Woman's selkie husband and children were later killed during a seal hunt ordered by the farmer, leading her to curse the men of Mikladalur to die in accidents at sea or on cliffs. The statue stands as a powerful reminder of the connection between humans and nature, and the tragic consequences that can arise when that connection is broken. During winter storms, the statue can be fully covered in surf and foam, adding to the dramatic setting and highlighting the raw power of the sea.

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