Back in September 2022, I finally set out on a hike in the Faroe Islands that I’d long wanted to do – to the summit of Eiðiskollur (352 m.) on the island of Eysturoy, where an iconic view of two sea stacks can be found.
These sea stacks are called Risin and Kellingin (or ‘the Giant and the Witch’ in English). An old legend tells how giants in Iceland wanted the Faroes, so they sent a giant and a witch to the islands to claim them. When they reached Eiðiskollur, the witch climbed up the mountain with a rope to tie the islands together, so she could push them onto the giant’s back and he could drag them to Iceland. However, when they pulled the rope, Eiðiskollur split in two. They struggled through the night to complete their mission, and didn’t notice when dawn broke. Rays of sun shone on the giant and the witch, turning them to stone. They have stood there ever since, staring across the ocean towards Iceland.
The night before our hike, my travel buddy and I stayed at the campsite in the village of Eiði, on an old football pitch below Eiðiskollur. Our tent had gotten soaked while on Fugloy, so the staff had mercy on us and let us sleep on the sofas in the cozy common room of the campsite!
In the morning, we began our hike up Eiðiskollur with an easy ascent from the village. There was a trail to follow in the beginning, but it soon disappeared. A few cairns followed, but it doesn’t seem that much effort has been made to make an actual trail here. However, finding our way was not difficult, and it rarely is in the Faroes since there are no trees. You just have to aim for the summit, and then you’ll eventually reach it!
As we got further up, Eiði came into full view. As did the mountains behind the village, and Sundini, the sound that separates Eysturoy from the larger island of Streymoy. The views were breathtaking, but I wouldn’t have expected anything less from my favourite country!
Our legs were tired after hiking for two days straight on Fugloy, so it was a bit of a drag for us to get up the mountain. The trail reappeared as we braved a short yet steep last push to the summit. Light rain swept in over us, and thick fog kept coming and going. Typical Faroese weather, especially in the mountains!
We met a few other hikers along the way, but nothing like the crowds nowadays at spots like Trælanípan and Kallur Lighthouse. Eiðiskollur still feels relatively undisturbed.
Once we reached the summit, the real adventure began. It was time to find that iconic view of Risin and Kellingin!
Turns out it’s not a brilliant idea to search for this view in foggy conditions, as it’s literally only seen at the edge of Eiðiskollur – and this mountain has a sheer vertical drop to the ocean! We were lucky that the fog didn’t stay for long, so we were able to find and enjoy the mesmerizing view of the sea stacks from above!
The summit also offers other gorgeous views, including a view to the village of Tjørnuvík and the Tjørnuvíksstakkur sea stack. There are also several remnants from the Second World War to be found on the summit – and these are all free to be explored!
Climbing Eiðiskollur was an easy and quick hike that offered incredible views, and felt like a good way to spend a “rest day” in between long hiking days, while still exploring something new. It’s not in any way a strenuous hike, although there are a few steep parts along the way. It’s a hike that I’d recommend for most, children included!
Hiking route description: Eiðiskollur
The hike begins in the village of Eiði, at the end of the Á Barnalofti street. Take the uphill trail, and continue going up even when the trail disappears. There are a few cairns that will help you stay on the right track, although you really can’t get lost here. Just keep going up, and you’ll eventually reach the summit. Don’t forget to look back once in a while, as the views only get better the further up you go!
The trail reappears for the last steep push towards the summit. Once you’re up there, continue to the northern edge of the mountain and look down! You’ll be right above the sea stacks! Please take care here as the edge is a vertical sea cliff, and do not attempt this hike in thick fog!
To get back to Eiði, hike down the same way that you came up!
The hike is around five kilometres long, takes 2-3 hours and is of moderate difficulty with a few steep parts.
Leave a Comment