Day 11 – The Epic Kallurin Lighthouse on Kalsoy

Our next day in the Faroe Islands brought us to one of Richard’s ultimate bucket list locations: Kallurin Lighthouse on the island of Kalsoy. This iconic site, famed for its dramatic cliffs, towering seagull colonies, and even a nod to James Bond, offered a truly unforgettable experience.

Journey to Kalsoy

We left home around 9 AM and drove toward Klaksvík, the departure point for the ferry to Kalsoy. The drive was scenic as always, but this morning was particularly magical—we stopped to photograph a vibrant double rainbow near our aptly nicknamed ICM Beach.

The ferry crossing to Kalsoy takes about 30 minutes, and we brought my car to make navigating the island easier. Kalsoy itself is a small, narrow island connected by a series of four tunnels that cut through its rugged mountains.

A Stop in Mikladalur: The Seal Woman

Our first stop on Kalsoy was Mikladalur, home to the famous Kópakonan (Seal Woman) statue.

The Legend of the Seal Woman

According to Faroese folklore, seals are believed to be humans who voluntarily entered the sea. Once a year, they could shed their sealskins and return to the land. The legend tells of a man who stole the sealskin of a seal woman, forcing her to stay on land as his wife. Though she bore him children, she longed to return to the sea. One day, she found her hidden sealskin, donned it, and disappeared back into the ocean.

This stunning sculpture captures the myth in an evocative and dramatic pose, set against the rugged backdrop of crashing waves. We spent about an hour here, photographing the sculpture and soaking in the atmosphere before moving on to our main destination.

The Hike to Kallurin Lighthouse

From Mikladalur, we drove to Trøllanes, the starting point for the hike to Kallurin Lighthouse. The trail is about an hour long, winding its way through muddy paths and dramatic terrain.

Iconic and Terrifying

Kallurin Lighthouse is perched on a narrow ridge surrounded by sheer cliffs that plunge hundreds of meters into the ocean. The site is famous for its jaw-dropping views, ever-changing weather, and a tombstone for James Bond—a nod to the climactic scene in No Time to Die, which was filmed here.

A Day of Dramatic Weather and Stunning Photos

The weather on Kalsoy was as dynamic as the landscape. In just a few hours, we experienced calm sunshine, thick fog, hail, and even snow showers. Each shift in weather brought a new opportunity for dramatic photography.

As we waited for one hailstorm to pass, the cliffs teemed with a million seagulls, their calls echoing through the mist. The sheer scale of the cliffs was both awe-inspiring and intimidating—a reminder of the raw power of nature.

The Magic of Light and a Race Against Time

As our time at Kallurin was winding down, the clouds finally parted, revealing distant sea stacks bathed in soft, golden light. This moment was fleeting—Richard and I had only 10 minutes to capture the scene before we had to begin our hike back to catch the ferry.

It became a whirlwind of activity:

• Richard sprinted along the slippery ridge to set up his camera.

• I directed him to various vantage points, whistling to signal when to move.

• We scrambled to capture the magical light from every possible angle.

Despite the chaos, we managed to get incredible shots that truly showcased the raw beauty of Kallurin and the surrounding seascape.

Reflections on Kalsoy

The hike back to the car was as challenging as the hike in, with the muddy trail and fading daylight adding an extra layer of difficulty. Thankfully, our head torches guided the way, and we made it to the ferry in time.