Eiði and Risin og Kellingin Sea Stacks in Faroe Islands 2023-2024
The two sea stacks of basalt formations are fascinating not only for their landscape but also for their legend
Best time: all year round
The basalt formations Risin and Kellingin are two striking sea stacks situated on the coast of Eysturoy Island. According to Faroe Islands' folklore, Risin and Kellingin translates to 'the Giant and his Wife' or 'the Giant and the Witch.' Rising far away from the crowd, Risin towers 233 feet (71 meters) tall, while Kellingin reaches 226 feet (69 meters) above the ocean.
How to get to Risin og Kellingin
Risin and Kellingin sea stacks can be explored from the village of Tjørnuvík or from Eysturoy Island, halfway between the village of Eiði and Eiðisskarð mountain pass. You can get a closer look from an observation deck near Eiði.
Village of Eiði
In addition to the great look towards the two sea stacks, Eiði is a picturesque village where you can also find the famous football stadium located next to the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, you can visit Lake Eiði, Fossá Waterfall, Funningur Church, or hike Slættaratindur, the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands, just a short drive from Eiði.
Legend about Risin og Kellingin Sea Stacks
According to legend, in ancient times, the giants wanted to drag the Faroe Islands back to Iceland with a rope. Eventually reaching the far north of Eysturoy, just hundreds of meters from the village of Eiði, one of the giants threw the rope to the top of a cliff, and a witch attached it to the ground. Then, the top of the cliff cracked, and a deep fissure formed that is still visible today. After several unsuccessful attempts, dawn broke. The giants tried to protect themselves from the sun, but they were petrified, turning into two sea stacks and staring across the ocean towards Iceland.
