mikudagur 15. mai 2019síða 36

VOLUME 5 SUMMER 20194 T hese six islands are very different and each has its own distinctive character. Together they make up a unit around the main town of Klaksvík. Here you will find a dramatic countryside, idyllic villages, and people who live in close connection with the beautiful, yet wild ocean. Coming to the Northern Islands, you will find yourself captivated by the breath taking scenery: dramatic high mountains with steep falls to the sea and scattered small villages. Besides the scenery, the Northern Islands have a lot to offer visitors - history, culture, nature, as well as dynamic trades and industries. There are many options on what one can do in a day in the Northern Islands, but because we couldn’t possibly fit them all in one day, here are two options: KALSOY IN A DAY THE “NORTHERN ISLANDS” IS A TERM USED TO DESCRIBE THE SIX ISLANDS OF FUGLOY, SVÍNOY, VIÐOY, BORÐOY, KUNOY AND KALSOY, WHICH MAKES UP THE NORTH EASTERN CORNER OF THE FAROE ISLANDS. WELCOME TO THE NORTHERN ISLANDS SYÐRADALUR is the village that greets you when you reach Kalsoy. Even though Syðradalur is the most easily accessible of the four villages on Kalsoy, it is also the least populated. But the village is a very popular summer house location—and understandably so, considering its beauty and tranquillity. HÚSAR In Húsar you can enjoy a traditional Faroese meal or a delicious and well prepared steak. The local chef can even provide you with a lunch box full of Faroese goods that you can enjoy somewhere in the unspoiled nature. The summer café “Viljin”, is situated in the local community center. MIKLADALUR Mikladalur, which means the Great Valley, is widely known for its legends - especially the Seal Woman – or the Seal Woman– and Páll the Prisoner. When you visit the town, you will see the magnificent statue of the Seal Woman, the legendary creature, rising from the cliffs by the shore. The statue of the Seal Woman is the main attraction in the village and was crafted by the sculptor Hans Pauli Olsen. On your way to see the Seal Woman, stop by “Marjunar Hav”. “Marjunar Hav is a big rock, which according to legend, was lifted by Marjun, an unwedded girl expecting a child, to show her strength, before accepting her likely fate of a death sentence. TRØLLANES From Trøllanes you can walk to the lighthouse on “Kallurin,” from where you can enjoy the amazing view of the northern ends of the islands, or gaze into the distant horizon. Regular hikes are arranged out to the Lighthouse. Contact the information office in Klaksvík for more details. In Trøllanes you can visit Mikkjal, a local blacksmith, and see him work in the old smithy, which is now an economusée. Mikkjal’s smithy is at least 200, maybe even 300 years old, and the smithy traditions are deeply rooted in the village. Some of the best blacksmiths in Faroese history come from Trøllanes and Mikladalur, and many great artists were born and raised here. EXPLORE THE ISLANDS TRAVEL TIPS Mikladalur KLAKKUR Hike the 414 m high mountain Klakkur. Before you start the hike, you will walk or drive up Hálsur on the gravel ground named Ástarbreytin (The path of love). In the Valley just south of Hálsur is a place that used to be named “Á Vaktini” (on gaurd), a legendary spot people used to keep watch over hostile incoming ships in the old days. On your way up you will get a panorama view of Klaksvik, and once you reach the top you get an amazing view of Leirvik. LUNCH IN TOWN After the hike it is time for lunch. Two of the favourite spots of the locals are Jacqson and Fríða Kaffihús. Both places serve excellent food, Fríða is based on Faroese products and fresh salads while Jacqson servers a more international café menu. Be also sure to set time apart to visit Rokkstovan, the oldest pub in the Faroe Islands, while in Klaksvík If you visiting Klaksvík in a group it is also possible to book the newly built Nólsoyar Pálls húsið, which officially does not open until later this year, but has started to serve larger groups, Amarant is also excellent for groups. CHRISTIANS­ KIRKJAN After lunch a visit to Christianskirkjan, one of the most beautiful churches in the Faroes, is in place. Don’t forget to visit the wood art exhibition in the basement as well. ÚTI Í GRØV This beautiful park only minutes from Klaksvík is a peaceful place with flowers, bushes, trees and streams coming down the valley. At the park you are able to see remains of a house from the Viking era and the first outdoor swimming pool of the island, which was built in 1902. NORÐOYA FORN­ MINNIS SAVN The local historical museum is located in the old merchant house in Klaksvík and was built in 1838 as a branch to the Danish monopoly trade. KLAKSVIK IN A DAY