The Seal Woman

The Seal Woman is a bronze sculpture located at the edge of the sea in Mikladalur, crafted from bronze and stainless steel materials. The artwork shows the form of a woman gazing toward the ocean and stands as part of the local landscape that visitors can access from the village center.

The sculpture was installed on August 1, 2014, marking a physical representation of a centuries-old Faroese legend in contemporary form. The artwork emerged from cultural interest in preserving this ancient story through a modern medium.

The statue represents the legend of Kópakonan, a tale about a seal woman who lived as a human wife until she found her hidden sealskin and returned to the ocean. This story remains central to Faroese tradition and is passed down by local people as an important part of their heritage.

The monument withstands harsh weather conditions and remains accessible throughout the year for visitors. You should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain when walking to reach the sculpture from the village.

Local stories tell that men from Mikladalur face a curse placed by the seal woman after hunters killed her seal family long ago. This darker aspect of regional folklore adds another layer of meaning to the sculpture.

Location: Mikladalur

Address: 16 Bakkavegur, Mikladalur 797, Faroe Islands

Website: https://old.visitfaroeislands.com/en/be-inspired/in-depth-articles/legend-of-kopakonan-(seal-woman)

GPS coordinates: 62.33565,-6.76285

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:01