Sedimentary processes on the continental slope north of the Faeroe Islands during the Cenozoic were studied in detail using high-resolution multichannel reflection seismic data. A wedge-shaped succession of Cenozoic sediments with a maximum thickness of approximately 2 km overlies the basaltic basement, which forms the underlying structure of the slope. The sedimentary succession represents four depositional sequences and a contourite deposition. Also some slump deposits are recognised. The oldest sequence, which is possibly of Eocene–Late Oligocene age, was prone to repeated mass movements during the deposition of the sequence. At the end of the Oligocene, the sediments on the slope stabilised, and the depositional pattern was strongly influenced by sea level changes. In the Late Pliocene, a renewed instability of the slope occurred, resulting in mass movements causing erosion at the middle of the slope and creating a major slide escarpment at the base of the slope. Subsequently, the sedimentary processes change from mainly downslope, progradational forms to along-slope, current-induced contourite deposition. This change most likely marks the formation of a Norwegian Sea Deep Water current pattern similar to the present. Variations of the current strength and sediment supply caused by glacial–interglacial cycles probably results in an alternating sedimentation pattern of the contourite deposit. Another impact from the glaciation of the Northern Hemisphere is the presence of iceberg turbate at the upper parts of the northeastern Faeroes slope.