Slættaratindur

Slættaratindur is the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands. It is located in the north of Eysturoy Island. The mountain rises 880 metres (2887 feet) above sea level.

Its name translates to “The Flat Mountain Peak”, and the summit is indeed level enough for Faroese chain dancing. On June 21st, the longest day of the year, there is this tradition to climb the mountain to watch sunset and sunrise, accompanied by chain dancing, Faroese singing and eating traditional food.

The flat area on the very top of Slættaratindur is roughly 1000 square meters (10.764 square feet). This gives hikers plenty of great photo opportunities in every direction. On a clear day, you can even see all 18 islands from the summit!

How to climb Slættaratindur

Making it to the highest point in the Faroe Islands is not easy but it is most certainly worth the effort.

The trailhead for Slættaratindur is located at the Eiðisskarð mountain pass along the mountain road between the villages of Eiði and Gjógv. It is only reachable by car or bike as there is no public transport on this road.

Park your car in the small parking lot at Eiðisskarð and hike up the trail in front of you. You are already up 390 metres (1.280 feet) at the mountain pass, so you only have to hike up the last 490 metres (1607 feet). The trail is very well-trodden and easy to follow, but the last section to the summit requires a bit of rock climbing. To get back to the parking lot, return the same way you hiked up. The hike takes 2-3 hours return.

Those who want to reach the highest peak without the potential of getting lost can do so with a local mountaineer. Click here to book a tour guide to Slættaratindur. It will definitely add to the experience to have a local guide by your side.

Trail Admission Fee: Please note that there is a fee of 200 DKK per person when entering the trail where the hike starts. The money can be paid online using a QR code found on a sign at the trailhead. The fee does not include a guide.

When to hike Mount Slættaratindur

The best time to hike Slættaratindur is on calm and clear days in the summer season, between the beginning of May and end of September. If the summit is foggy, do not attempt to climb the whole way as the last part requires some rock climbing, and this is dangerous with limited visibility.

The road to the trailhead is only accessible by car from May through September. From October 1st to May 1st, the road is closed except for farmers and road crew.

If you decide to walk or bike to the trailhead outside the summer season, watch out for ice on the road and on the trail. The path is not visible in snow so it is not recommendable to venture up the mountain on your own during the winter season.

The summit of Slættaratindur is often engulfed in fog. Some days, you will not see the summit at all. On other days, you will have beautiful aerial views of the archipelago.

With clouds inevitable most days, simply wait for a moment while you’re on the mountain and before you know it, things might clear up and the views will open in front of you. If the entire mountain is covered in fog before starting the hike, wait and do the hike later in the day or another day.

Views from Slættaratindur

The hike to Slættaratindur is popular among locals and travellers alike.

Along the way, you will see all kinds of small flowers and meet curious sheep. Once you get to the roof of the Faroe Islands, you will have undisturbed views of all 18 islands in the archipelago. You will have a great view of the sea stacks, Risin & Kellingin, when standing on the northern part of the summit.

See Mount Slættaratindur from other perspectives

If you want to see Slættaratindur from a distance then head to the village of Haldórsvík. This settlement on Streymoy Island will give you a good view of the entire mountain.

You can also see the mountain from the Hvíthamar Vantage Point.

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.

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