28th – Seals are people, too

Today we were going to Kalsoy. While the number of places to visit today were limited we still had to leave relatively early to make it to Klaksvik and catch the ferry which on top of that had limited space. We got there a bit past 0900 in good time before departure at 1000 so we drove around to grab some lunch for later and soon after we returned to the docks for the 20-minutes crossing. 

Reaching the other side we drove heading north; 15km and 4 tunnels to Trøllanes. From here we followed a path, or rather a commonly-used direction over the fields, to Kallur, the northern-most point on the island. The already nice views slowly improved as the sun appeared behind the clouds that were slowly being blown away. And thus we were blown away by the view. 

Going out along the narrow ledge to get a view.

Met this local resident half-way out along the ledge.

Kallur lighthouse.

Returning to Trøllanes. Kunoy (front) and Vidoy (rear) can be seen in the distance.

Returning to the car we drove half-way back to the ferry, to Mikladalur, to see Kópakonan, a statue of a woman standing by the sea. Literally translated to “the seal woman” she is from a Faroese folktale of a seal that gets her seal skin stolen (as all seals come on to land every 13 days and take off their skins and enjoy themselves as humans) and forced into spending years with a Faroese man before she manages to escape. The weather had on our arrival cleared up made for (another) great view, though I think with the nature of the statue a bit of rough weather would probably have been more fitting. 

Kópakonan.

After having enjoyed our lunches on the stairs down to the statue we returned to the ferry and as the 11th car in line we managed just to squeeze onboard as the last. We departed at 1510 – slightly delayed due to the strong currents halfway when crossing. Having raced to catch this departure the small delay in departure was convenient. Though there were 2 other departures one and two hours later it was still nice being able to catch the one that we aimed for. 

Back in Klaksvik we returned to Torshavn where we ended the day around 1730. 

I somehow managed to get a table for one at Áarstova, a pretty fancy restaurant in Torshavn where you normally would have to book a few weeks in advance. Delicious food that shows the variety of local foods, in a set 5-course dinner with a glass of wine for each. I left full and happy.