Slættaratindur Summit Track — Eiði to Slættaratindur via Eysturoy Highland Spine
Highest ground in the Faroe Islands.
Slættaratindur is the highest peak in the Faroe Islands at 882 metres, and the track pushing toward it from Eiði across the Eysturoy upland plateau is as bleak and rewarding as the islands get. The route leaves the village of Eiði on Eysturoy’s northwest coast and climbs through open moorland — trackless-feeling in fog, brutally exposed in wind — across saturated peat bog and basalt scree before reaching the ridge approaches below the summit. The terrain is loose volcanic rock, deep grass ruts, and perpetually waterlogged ground. Drainage channels cut across the track in multiple places. The views north toward the cliffs of Enniberg on Viðoy and west across the Eiðisvatn lake are worth every km of punishment.
This is a high-clearance 4WD route at minimum, ideally a short-wheelbase capable vehicle — the soft peat and lateral ruts will swallow a long rig. Run it June through August when the ground is firmest, though ‘firm’ is relative in the Faroes. No permits required. Fuel in Eiði village before you go — the nearest reliable pump is Runavík to the south. Cell coverage is patchy on the plateau. No formal camping, but wild camping is culturally accepted on open moorland. Bring waterproofs regardless of the forecast — this summit makes its own weather.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8.7 mi / 14 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2894 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Short-wheelbase 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Eiði, Eysturoy |
| Land manager | Faroese Environment Agency (Umhvørvisstovan) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum rig to run this trail — will a stock Jimny or short-wheelbase Defender handle it?
Short-wheelbase, high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — a stock Jimny or short Defender is about right. Long-wheelbase trucks and full-size rigs will struggle with the tight highland switchbacks and rocky terrain near the summit approach. Locking diffs or a rear locker are a serious advantage on the wet rock sections.
Is this trail accessible in September or October, or does Faroese weather shut it down early?
June through August is the reliable window — Faroese weather turns fast after that, and the highland spine above Eiði regularly sees low cloud, high winds, and ice on exposed rock from September onward. Snow can appear at elevation any month of the year. Outside summer, expect trail conditions to be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Do you need a permit to drive the Slættaratindur summit track?
No formal vehicle permit is required to access this route, but it falls under the oversight of the Faroese Environment Agency (Umhvørvisstovan). Stick to established tracks — off-track driving on Faroese protected highland is taken seriously and can result in fines. Check current access status before departure as restrictions can change seasonally.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it technical?
The final push along the Eysturoy highland spine toward the summit is the crux — exposed basalt ledges, loose rock, and steep cross-slope angles combine with near-constant moisture to make traction genuinely unreliable. At 882 metres, wind loading on the vehicle can be severe. There's no recovery room on the narrow ridge sections and nowhere to turn a long rig around.
How far is it from the trailhead to the nearest fuel, and is there any reliable water on route?
Eiði is your last fuel stop — it's a small village with limited services, so fill up before you leave and don't assume anything will be open. Water crossings exist on the route and highland streams are present, but bring your own treated water for the day; backcountry stream quality in grazed highland areas is not guaranteed. Cell service is spotty at best, so download offline maps and file a trip plan before you head up.
Trail track
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