Risin & Kellingin

Risin & Kellingin is a pair of sea-stacks in the wild Faroe Islands. These basalt rock formations lie off the coast of Eysturoy Island far away from the crowds. There are two main locations from where to experience the sea-stacks with a third option for those up for a hike.

Experiencing these striking offshore monoliths is always worth it. Risin & Kellingin translates to “the Giant and his Wife”. A must-see when in the Faroe Islands.​

Risin towers 71 metres (233 feet) out of the ocean and Kellingin is 69 metres (226 feet) above sea level. The sheer cliff that sits next to the sea stacks is called Eiðiskollur.

Risin & Kellingin has been one of the most photographed attractions in the Faroe Islands. Whether you experience the monoliths during the endless summer nights from May to August or during the darker months, Risin & Kellingin are always worth it.

Experiencing Risin & Kellingin

Most people experience these sea-stacks from either the settlement Tjørnuvík on Streymoy Island or from Eysturoy Island halfway between the village Eiði and the mountain pass Eiðisskarð. Both these places are accessible in a car.

Firstly, the tiny settlement Tjørnuvík lies in a hidden bay with no other settlements in sight. On the other hand, you will have views of Risin & Kellingin from Tjørnuvík. Walk down to the black sand beach in Tjørnuvík and you will get the beach in the foreground and the sea-stacks as a backdrop.

Secondly, just outside of the village Eiði is a parking lot with an observation point. Here you can get a closer look at the rock formations.

There is also a third way to experiencing Risin & Kellingin. Tie your hiking boots and go for a hike from Eiði up the hill behind the village. After just more than an hours hike, you will get to the Eiðiskollur Cliff. You will see the attraction from above when standing near the edge of the cliff.

Easy to Reach by Car

Most travellers want to experience Risin & Kellingin from at least two vantage points. While two are easy to reach by car, the third comes with a hike making it the most adventurous way to experience the sea-stacks. 

The car manufacturer Audi took key media outlets to the Faroe Islands to unveil the Q6 e-tron. This exclusive event took the test drivers through the breathtaking Nordic landscapes presenting not only the luxury car but did so with stops in both Tjørnuvík and the parking lot just outside Eiði. Both these sites on the road trip unfolded the sea stacks to the test drivers.

Høgni Reistrup

Høgni Reistrup is the CEO and Co-founder of Guide to Faroe Islands. Born and raised in the Faroe Islands, Høgni has deep roots in the archipelago. He co-founded the marketplace Guide to Faroe Islands in 2018 as a way for travellers to plan and explore the best of the island group.

Go to author