Drangarnir, Vagar Island
There are two sea stacks that together form Drangarnir. These impressive natural formations have become a symbol of the Faroe Islands’ unspoiled landscapes and untamed wilderness. To me, they conjure visions of a dragon's back, rising up from the icy waters swirling along its base. It is a haven for birdlife and a bucket list item for photographer's fortunate enough to find themselves in this Viking wonderland.
For me, it was an experience of a lifetime and the fulfillment of a bucket list dream that all began with a tiny image I saw on Instagram of a grass roofed cottage. What an incredible privilege to photograph the immense Drangarnir sea stacks (the smaller one rises out of the ocean to a height of over 200 '), probably one of the most iconic formations of the Faroe Islands.
Unfortunately, it is also one of the more harrowing places to get to. If I wasn’t grey already, that day would have done it in spades. Thank God for great travel partners, and our gifted leader, Thomas Vikre, who guided us through the gauntlet of eel-slippery rocks, steep slopes ending abruptly into the North Atlantic, and high tides bouncing our Zodiac around like a ping pong ball. Honestly, I would have turned back each time if given a choice. I have no desire to “prove” myself, or conquer fears at this point in my life, but it was a one way street, so no way to turn back. And in the end, I am glad for that. The beauty and majesty of the place is really indescribable, and to stand in the midst of it was truly an “epic” 😉 experience for us all.
“You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Drangarnir, Vagar Island
There are two sea stacks that together form Drangarnir. These impressive natural formations have become a symbol of the Faroe Islands’ unspoiled landscapes and untamed wilderness. To me, they conjure visions of a dragon's back, rising up from the icy waters swirling along its base. It is a haven for birdlife and a bucket list item for photographer's fortunate enough to find themselves in this Viking wonderland.
For me, it was an experience of a lifetime and the fulfillment of a bucket list dream that all began with a tiny image I saw on Instagram of a grass roofed cottage. What an incredible privilege to photograph the immense Drangarnir sea stacks (the smaller one rises out of the ocean to a height of over 200 '), probably one of the most iconic formations of the Faroe Islands.
Unfortunately, it is also one of the more harrowing places to get to. If I wasn’t grey already, that day would have done it in spades. Thank God for great travel partners, and our gifted leader, Thomas Vikre, who guided us through the gauntlet of eel-slippery rocks, steep slopes ending abruptly into the North Atlantic, and high tides bouncing our Zodiac around like a ping pong ball. Honestly, I would have turned back each time if given a choice. I have no desire to “prove” myself, or conquer fears at this point in my life, but it was a one way street, so no way to turn back. And in the end, I am glad for that. The beauty and majesty of the place is really indescribable, and to stand in the midst of it was truly an “epic” 😉 experience for us all.
“You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt