Mountain expert challenges new Faroe Islands peak list

Mountain expert Pól Sundskarð has criticised the Environmental Agency’s new list of prominent mountain peaks, saying its results are misleading, KVF reported.

The agency compiled the list using four criteria. A peak must be at least 50 metres higher than the ridge or pass leading to a higher mountain, stand more than 100 metres high, be located on an island rather than an islet, and not be a stack or pinnacle.

The new list contains 209 peaks. Compared with the previous list, 135 mountains have been removed and four added: Hvannagjógvartindur on Viðoy, Rivsrøkur on Streymoy, Lisshøvdi on Borðoy and Borgarheyggjur in Vágar.

Sundskarð, who is knowledgeable about mountains, said a formula alone could not determine which peaks were prominent.

“With this formula, you often hit a plateau instead of a peak, and place names can also be moved. That is not possible,” he said.

He has asked the Environmental Agency to remove the list until it can be reviewed in cooperation with people who know the Faroe Islands’ mountains.

KVF also sought a comment from the Environmental Agency but did not receive one on Monday.