Perched above the rocky shore of Borðoyarvík in Klaksvík, the striking sculpture Kavarin á Hellisenda (“The Diver at Hellisenda”) celebrates a unique piece of local history. The statue portrays a diver poised on a springboard, honoring the fearless young men who, as early as 1938, built a diving platform here and swam in the open sea year-round, regardless of the cold Faroese weather.

This daring tradition began with a small group of Klaksvík locals who constructed a concrete diving pillar—known as Stabbin—for public use. They swam every morning before work for over a decade, long before swimming pools were common in the Faroe Islands. Their commitment and courage became a symbol of resilience and community spirit.

In June 2021, the statue was officially installed by the sea, thanks to the same team behind the famous Seal Woman statue in Mikladalur. Local artist Archibald Black designed Kavarin, which was crafted in metal and mounted on the original 1938 diving platform. The project was supported by Klaksvík Municipality and several Faroese craftsmen and companies.

Today, the statue not only commemorates the swimmers of the past but also stands as a tribute to Faroese grit, tradition, and love for the sea. It’s a meaningful stop for visitors walking along the coast of Klaksvík.