Sarektjåkkå

Sarektjåkkå is a traditional small village located in the northernmost part of the Faroe Islands, near the municipality of Vágar. The settlement arose in the late 19th century as a fishing community, taking advantage of the sheltered harbour that lies between the islands of Sanday and Mykines. The village’s name is derived from the Faroese words “sær” meaning sea and “tjåkk” meaning village, reflecting its maritime heritage and close ties to the local fishing fleets that once staffed the area.

The population of Sarektjåkkå has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of approximately 120 inhabitants in the 1920s. As mechanical fishing and transportation evolved, younger residents migrated to larger towns such as Tórshavn or Klaksvík in search of broader employment opportunities. Today the village has a community of roughly 45 permanent residents, with many of the houses now used as summer homes or vacation rentals for visitors interested in experiencing the rural North Atlantic culture.

Historically, the village was known for its small-scale herring fleet, which operated out of a cooper house built from local timbers. The herring served as a staple of Faroese exports, and the village’s production was shipped via the larger harbor at Skálavík. In contemporary times, Sarektjåkkå has shifted its economic emphasis partly to tourism, with several guesthouses and a small fishing museum that offers guided boat trips and shows of traditional Faroese fishing techniques.

Culturally, Sarektjåkkå maintains several annual local events that celebrate its nautical past, including a month-long “Herring Festival” held in late September. Local folklore includes stories of sea spirits believed to guard the waters around the village and stories of great fishermen who once braved the North Atlantic storms. The village’s commitment to preserving its maritime traditions remains evident in community activities and the maintenance of historic sea‑handicrafts.