In the abandoned village of Skarð on the island of Kunoy, a powerful memorial stands as a tribute to the men lost in a devastating boating tragedy. On Tollak’s Mass Day, just before Christmas in 1913, all seven working men of the village were lost at sea, leaving behind only women, children, a 14-year-old boy, and an elderly man. This tragedy marked the beginning of the end for the village, which was completely abandoned in 1919.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tragedy, a memorial stone was unveiled on August 14, 2013, in Skarð. The memorial was created by the renowned Faroese sculptor Hans Pauli Olsen, known for his deeply expressive and symbolic work.
Today, Skarð is a popular hiking destination, with trails leading from Haraldssund through stunning landscapes to the old village. The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the strength of those who endured unimaginable loss. Set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and ocean, it offers a moment of reflection for visitors, inviting them to connect with the island’s history and the enduring spirit of the Faroese people.