About
Havs (massive stones lifted to prove strength) are scattered across the Faroe Islands, each with its own story. Marjun’s Lifting Stone (Marjunar Hav) lies in the small village of Mikladalur on the remote island of Kalsoy. According to legend, in the 16th century, a young woman from Norðnástovu who had become pregnant out of wedlock lifted this immense stone to leave behind a legacy before facing her punishment. At the time, such pregnancies were considered a grave crime, often punished by death.
The tale recounts that while walking with other women to check on the cows, she stopped beside the stone and declared:
"I know what lies in store for me: I’d rather lose my life. Therefore, this hav will be my only legacy."
Her ultimate fate remains unknown, whether she was executed or spared due to her extraordinary feat, but the stone was later moved down to the village, where it rests today beside a sculptural tribute to the young housemaid whose story still lingers in local memory.
The stone is said to weigh 287.5 kilograms (634 pounds) and lies behind a fence near the public toilets in Mikladalur village.
Know Before You Go
Kalsoy can be reached by ferry from Klaksvík, but it’s recommended to use the local bus service to reach Mikladalur due to the island’s narrow, unlit single-lane tunnels and extremely limited car space on the ferry. The bus timetable varies seasonally but is synchronized with ferry arrivals and departures, plan your visit accordingly!
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Published
November 1, 2025
