Faroe Islands > Things to do in Faroe Islands > Eiðiskollur
Setting Out from Tórshavn
The day began early in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, with the intention of covering a wide stretch of Eysturoy. The plan included reaching Gjógv, perhaps even Tjørnuvík if time allowed, but the first destination was the village of Eiði. This was not the first time passing through Eiði, but once again the skies were free of clouds, a temporary reprieve before the inevitable Faroese shift in conditions.
Arrival in Eiði
The road into Eiði offers a sweeping view of the settlement, its houses scattered across the slope beneath surrounding mountains. The approach is scenic, with the road winding through homes that seem naturally integrated into the landscape. A brief stop to photograph the view was cut short by strong winds, a reminder that the Faroe Islands rarely allow travelers to linger without resistance.
Trailhead Confusion
The initial assumption was that the trail began near the old football pitch, now converted into a campsite. Parking there proved incorrect, and after a few sheep offered disapproving glances, the car was moved into the village itself. Even then, locating the trail was not straightforward. Faroese hikes often begin with a sense of uncertainty, as if the landscape is testing visitors before granting access. Cairns and signs eventually confirm the correct path, but the early stages can feel like a puzzle.
Finding the Path
The true trailhead lies at the end of Mainifløta, the highest street in the village, reached by following Kolsvegur past the school. A gate marks the entrance, and from there the path climbs steadily along a fence before turning right. A large cairn sits at the top of the first slope, visible from below, guiding hikers toward the staircase of stone steps that form the next section.
Early Ascent
The first 15 minutes are gentle, the ground muddy in places but manageable. Waterproof boots are essential, especially in April, when puddles and boggy patches dominate sections of the trail. Wool socks provide warmth against dampness, and walking sticks can help with balance. The path is clear once the cairns are located, and the climb begins to feel purposeful.
Weather Shifts
The Faroe Islands are notorious for rapid weather changes. Clear skies can vanish in minutes, replaced by dark clouds rolling over the mountains. On this hike, hail arrived suddenly, driven sideways by brutal winds. Sitting down to wait out the storm became the only option, turning the moment into an impromptu lunch break. Fortunately, the weather shifted again within minutes, offering a brief window of calm to continue upward.
Steeper Climb
Beyond the boggy section, the trail steepens. The staircase of stones leads to a gentler slope, with antennas near the summit visible ahead. An old building, likely military in origin, sits along the path, a reminder of the island’s layered history. Fitness levels need only be moderate, but caution is required on wet ground. The climb is steady rather than punishing, though the wind adds difficulty.
Summit of Eiðiskollur
At 352 meters (1,154 feet), Eiðiskollur rises above the Atlantic with sheer cliffs dropping directly to the sea. The summit plateau offers expansive views, but the edges are dangerous. Warning signs mark certain areas, yet vigilance is necessary everywhere. The cliffs are unfenced, and the drop is immediate.
Views Toward Streymoy and Tjørnuvík
From the summit, the panorama extends across the strait toward Streymoy. Glimpses of Tjørnuvík appear between mountains, while the surrounding peaks of Eysturoy frame the horizon. The village of Eiði lies below, its harbor and football stadium visible from above. On this day, a match was underway, the stadium fitting neatly into the category of scenic backdrops for sport.
Risin & Kellingin
The sea stacks known as the Giant and the Witch (Risin og Kellingin) stand offshore, visible from the cliffs. Approaching the edge offers dramatic views, but only in calm weather and only for those comfortable with heights. The stacks rise from the sea, isolated and imposing, their legend woven into Faroese folklore. Fulmars nest along the cliffs, their flight patterns filling the air. Often mistaken for gulls, they are petrels, adapted to the harsh Atlantic winds.
Return to the Village
Retracing the path leads back to Mainifløta. The descent offers new perspectives, with the village framed against the sea. The harbor comes into view, and the stadium remains a focal point. The trail is muddy in places, but manageable, and the cairns guide the way back without confusion.
Trail Conditions
The hike covers 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in an out‑and‑back route. The ascent totals 376 meters (1,234 feet), with the highest point at 352 meters above sea level. The average duration is just over two hours, though weather can extend the time. Difficulty is moderate, suitable for those with reasonable fitness. Children can manage the trail, but caution is essential near the cliffs.
Practical Notes
Parking is available at Mainifløta, near the school. Public transport connects Eiði via bus from the Streymoy–Eysturoy bridge, where the Sundini Strait lies. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended, and walking sticks can help with balance. Weather changes rapidly, so layers and waterproof clothing are necessary. Food and water should be carried, as storms may force pauses along the way.
Reflections on the Hike
Eiðiskollur is not the most strenuous hike in the Faroe Islands, nor the most famous, but it offers a quintessential experience. The combination of steep cliffs, unpredictable weather, and panoramic views captures the essence of the islands. The trailhead may be difficult to locate, but once found, the path is clear. The reward is a view over Risin & Kellingin, even if conditions prevent approaching the edge.
Comparison with Other Hikes
Other hikes on the islands may rank higher in terms of challenge or scenery, but Eiðiskollur holds its own. It serves as an ideal warm‑up for longer treks, introducing the rhythm of Faroese hiking: the uncertainty of trailheads, the sudden shifts in weather, the balance between caution and exploration. The views of Eiði from above, combined with the dramatic cliffs, make the hike memorable.
Cultural and Natural Context
The Faroe Islands are shaped by their weather and geography. Villages like Eiði exist in harmony with the landscape, their houses clustered against mountains and sea. Hiking trails reflect this relationship, often beginning without clear markers, as if requiring visitors to prove their intent. Cairns and signs eventually guide the way, but the initial uncertainty is part of the experience.
Wildlife Encounters
Fulmars dominate the cliffs, nesting and flying in constant motion. Their presence adds life to the stark landscape, their calls echoing against the rock. Sheep wander freely along the lower slopes, observing hikers with curiosity. The combination of wildlife and scenery creates a layered experience, blending natural beauty with cultural tradition.
Weather as Character
The weather is not merely a backdrop but an active participant. Sunlight and clear skies offer brief moments of clarity, while storms arrive suddenly, reshaping the hike. Waiting out hail and wind becomes part of the rhythm, a reminder that the islands dictate the pace. The saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” proves accurate, though it also works in reverse.
Safety Considerations
The cliffs demand respect. The drop is immediate, and the absence of fences means caution is essential. Warning signs mark certain areas, but the responsibility lies with the hiker. Approaching the edge should only be done in calm weather and only if comfortable with heights. Children must be supervised closely, especially in windy conditions.
Final Impressions
Eiðiskollur offers a balance of challenge and reward. The hike is short but steep, the views expansive but dangerous. The village of Eiði provides a scenic base, its harbor and stadium adding cultural context. The sea stacks of Risin & Kellingin remain the highlight, whether viewed directly or imagined through the mist. The experience captures the essence of the Faroe Islands: unpredictable, dramatic, and unforgettable.
