The shark-fin outline of Tindholmur is instantly recognisable to anyone who has visited the Faroe Islands. It’s an impressive islet that rises straight out of Sørvágsfjørður and if you’re lucky enough to have a window seat on the right side of the aircraft as you approach Vagar Airport, the saw-tooth ridge passes so closely beneath you that it feels as if you could touch it!

The five peaks of the ridge are named as Tsti (Furthest), Arni (Eagle), Lítli (Small), Breiði (Broad) and Bogdi (Bent).

The islet is uninhabited now and this enhances the mystique of this awe-inspiring place. Legend says that Tindholmur was one occupied by a farmer called Rasmus. He was a cantankerous man who previously lived in Vagar but he did not live peacefully with his neighbours. When things came to a head the other inhabitants of Vagar offered Rasmus their share of land on Tindholmur in order to encourage Rasmus to move away.

Rasmus and his family prospered on the islet until one day tragedy struck. One of Rasmus’s small children was killed by an eagle on the highest peak of the islet. Heartbroken, Rasmus and his remaining family moved away and Tindholmur has remained uninhabited to this day.

In April 2021 we shall return for another photography workshop in the amazing Faroe Islands. Come and join me!