Risin og Kellingin, Sea stacks near Eiði, Faroe Islands
Risin og Kellingin are two vertical rock pillars rising from the ocean near Eysturoy's northern coast. The taller formation reaches about 71 meters high, the shorter about 68 meters, both composed of basalt and volcanic stone.
According to Faroese legend, these rock formations came into being when two supernatural beings from Iceland attempted to steal the Faroe Islands but turned to stone at sunrise. This mythological tale has been passed down through generations and remains central to island identity.
The names Risin and Kellingin come from Faroese folklore, meaning Giant and Witch. These names shape how locals and visitors think about the place and appear in traditional songs and stories.
The rock formations are best observed from the coastal path north of Eiði or from the village of Tjørnuvík on Streymoy. Weather in this area can change quickly, so visitors should come prepared for shifting conditions and wear sturdy footwear.
Kellingin, the formation closer to shore, is predicted by geologists to eventually collapse into the sea due to ongoing erosion during harsh winter storms. This impermanence makes it a fleeting feature of the landscape that visitors may only observe for a limited time.
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