In the abandoned village of Skarð on the island of Kunoy, a powerful memorial honours a tragic chapter in Faroese history. The monument stands as a tribute to the seven men who lost their lives at sea in 1913 — a loss that changed the village forever.
On Tollak’s Mass Day, just before Christmas in 1913, all seven working men of Skarð perished in a boating accident. The storm claimed every adult provider in the village. Only women, children, a 14-year-old boy, and an elderly man remained.
The tragedy deeply affected the small community. Without its working men, the village struggled to survive. Just a few years later, in 1919, the last residents left Skarð. The village stood empty, becoming one of the Faroe Islands’ abandoned settlements.
To mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster, the community unveiled a memorial stone in Skarð on 14 August 2013. Renowned Faroese sculptor Hans Pauli Olsen created the monument. He is widely known for his expressive and symbolic works across the Faroe Islands.
The memorial reflects both grief and strength. It honours the lives lost while acknowledging the resilience of those who endured the aftermath.
Today, Skarð attracts hikers who follow scenic trails from Haraldssund across dramatic mountain landscapes. The route offers breathtaking views of cliffs, valleys, and open sea.
When visitors reach the old village site, the memorial provides a quiet moment of reflection. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it reminds us of life’s fragility and the power of community.
Ultimately, the Skarð Memorial stands not only as a tribute to the men who were lost, but also as a symbol of endurance — and of the lasting spirit of the Faroese people.
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