In this episode we visit lake Sørvágsvatn, Bøsaldalafossur waterfall and the Trælanípa cliffs and we become witness of a controversial tradition, a Faroese whale hunt.
We leave Hestur and sail to Miðvágur on the Faroese island of Vágar where Kathrin undertakes a hike to three remarkable places on the island: the picturesque lake Sørvágsvatn, the spectacular Bøsaldalafossur waterfall and the Trælanípa cliffs once a haunting site of Viking history. But there’s a twist – to preserve these treasures, a trail fee has been introduced to manage tourist footfall …
As we risk to get Polaris damaged on the concrete pier in Miðvágur in the ever-increasing tidal range of the approaching spring tide we make the call to leave for the floating pontoons in the small fishing harbour of Vestmanna on the island of Streymoy.
Taken completely by surprise we experience a most polarising part of Faroese culture: a traditional whale hunt or Grindaráp, as it is called. In this chapter of our video, we try to give a factual and unbiased account of what we saw on that day. We shed a light on the background and facts and explain the cultural and historic importance of whale hunting for this small island nation, in their past and present context. We did speak to many people, did our own research, and we were privileged to glance behind the scenes of this archaic tradition to find our own conclusion. What we think about it? Find out in this video.
Warning: Throughout the chapter Grindaráp – Whale Hunt will use graphic images which you might find upsetting. Watch at your own peril.
Our heartfelt thanks to Lív, Hávarður, and Sunniva for their invaluable contributions to bringing this episode to life.