Trøllkonufingur

With a name that translates from Faroese as “troll woman’s finger,” Trøllkonufingur is an interesting and unique rock feature situated southeast of Sandavágur, a small settlement on the island of Vágar. This spindly monolith on the rugged coastline of the Faroe Islands measures 313 meters (1,026 feet) tall and it can be seen from many miles away.

Not only is it a remarkable geological feature, it also holds significance in local legend. It is said that Trøllkonufingur is the finger of a large witch who arrived on the Faroe Islands to attempt to throw them northwards to Iceland. The legend holds that she was unsuccessful in this mission, instead reaching the sea by Vágar and turning into stone from the power of the sun. Due to her sheer size, it is said that she fell backwards into the ocean, with only her finger sticking out of the water. That pointed appendage became what is now known as the Trøllkonufingur.

Only 11 hardy climbers are known to have made it to the top of this rocky feature. In 1844, a member of the royal entourage of Denmark got to the summit so that he could wave to the passing Crown Prince Frederick VII, who was sailing past in the sea. It is said that after descending successfully, he realized he had left his glove on the top of the rock. Tragically, after climbing back up to retrieve this, his fatigue alongside the treacherous conditions led to him slipping and falling to his death.