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Sørvágsvatn: The Lake Above the Ocean

Experience the optical illusion of the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, seemingly floating above the Atlantic Ocean, with stunning cliffside views.

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Sørvágsvatn, also known as Leitisvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, famous for its optical illusion where it appears to float high above the ocean. A hike to the lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and the Bøsdalafossur waterfall.

A brief summary to Sørvágsvatn

  • Sørvágsvatn, FO
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots as the trail can be rocky and muddy.
  • Bring layers of clothing, as the weather in the Faroe Islands can change rapidly.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting for photography.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach Sørvágsvatn by car, navigate to the village of Miðvágur on Vágar Island. From Miðvágur, follow signs for Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur. A gravel road leads to the parking area near the trailhead. Parking is free. From Tórshavn, the drive to Sørvágsvatn is approximately 40 minutes. Be aware that the road to the parking lot includes a short section of gravel.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Sørvágsvatn via public transport from Tórshavn, take bus line 300 to Miðvágur. From the bus stop in Miðvágur, follow the signs to Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur, which is a walk of approximately 2 km to the Sørvágsvatn parking area and trailhead. The bus trip from Tórshavn to Miðvágur takes around 40 minutes. A multi-day travel card can be purchased for unlimited bus and ferry travel (excluding Mykines). A 4-day travel card costs 500 DKK.

  • Hiking

    From the parking area, access to the Sørvágsvatn trail requires passing through the main gate and paying a hiking fee. As of July 2025, the fee is 200 DKK per person, payable by cash or credit card. Follow the well-marked gravel path along the eastern shore of the lake. The hike to Trælanípa viewpoint takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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Discover more about Sørvágsvatn

Sørvágsvatn, or Leitisvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, situated on the island of Vágar. Locally, it's often simply referred to as Vatnið, meaning "The Lake". The lake's fame stems from the optical illusion it presents when viewed from certain angles, making it seem as though the lake is suspended high above the ocean. This surreal sight draws visitors from around the world. The lake is positioned close to the ocean, yet its surface sits approximately 40 meters (130 ft) above sea level. Higher cliffs surround the lake, preventing it from fully emptying into the ocean, with the Bøsdalafossur waterfall serving as its outlet. The viewpoint at Trælanípa offers the most iconic perspective, where the lake appears to hang dramatically over the sea. The hike to Sørvágsvatn also provides views of Trælanípa, a rock wall 142 meters above the sea with historical significance. Legend has it that Vikings once pushed slaves off this cliff. The hike to the primary viewpoint and back typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

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