Lítla Dímun (Island)

The small uninhabited island of Lítla Dímun has been privately owned since 1850, divided among many different owners. The word Dímun is of Celtic origin and means ‘two peaks’. The inhabitants of Hvalba are very proud of the island, which they went to great lengths to secure. On the island, a cabin has been set up in the mountainside where the owners can spend the night when they collect the sheep. ÓLAVUR FREDERIKSEN, 2021

Lítla Dímun is an uninhabited island of 0.82 km², which is estimated at 1 mørk and 8 gyllin.

The island was formerly leasehold land, which in 1850 was sold at auction to the inhabitants of Hvalba. The sheep herd consists of 280 animals.

A small shelter has been built on the island, where it is possible to stay while driving the sheep and catching birds. In autumn, the sheep are sold at auction, and the proceeds go to Lítla Dímun’s common purse.

Further reading

Read more about The islands, towns and settlements

  • Jóan Pauli Joensen

    (b. 1945) D.Phil. in History and D.Phil. in Ethnology. Professor Emeritus and adjunct professor at the University of the Faroe Islands and former rector of the University of the Faroe Islands.

  • Jens Hákun Leo

    (b. 1987) MA in International Politics with a minor in history from the University of the Faroe Islands. Primary school teacher in Oyrarbakki, Faroe Islands.