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.
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.
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.
Discover more about Sørvágsvatn
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Smiðjan
3.4 km
Experience the flavors of the Faroe Islands at Smiðjan, a local restaurant blending tradition with stunning views.
Viðarlundin á Tungu
3.5 km
Explore the serene beauty of Viđarlundin á Tungu, a stunning park in Sandavágur, Faroe Islands, perfect for relaxation and nature exploration.
Miðvágs kirkja
3.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Miðvágur's Lutheran Church, a peaceful retreat amidst the stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands.
Standbeeld Mikkjal á Ryggi
3.6 km
Explore the Mikkjal á Ryggi Statue in Sandavágur, a historical landmark celebrating Faroese heritage amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Magn Miðvágur
3.6 km
Discover the beauty of the Faroe Islands with a convenient stop at Magn Miðvágur, your essential gas station and travel hub.
Kristjanshavn
3.6 km
Discover Kristjanshavn, a peaceful hotel in Miðvágur offering a gateway to the stunning landscapes and rich culture of the Faroe Islands.
Magenta Guesthouse
3.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality of Magenta Guesthouse in the heart of the Faroe Islands, your perfect base for adventure.
Sandavagur Bus Stop
4.6 km
Discover the Faroe Islands from Sandavagur Bus Stop, your essential transport hub for exploring stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bøsdalafossur Waterfall
0.1 km
Witness the breathtaking Bøsdalafossur Waterfall where a lake dramatically plunges into the Atlantic Ocean on the Faroe Islands.
Trælanípa
0.6 km
Discover the breathtaking cliffs of Trælanípa in the Faroe Islands, a stunning tourist attraction offering unparalleled natural beauty and serene landscapes.
Slave Cliff (Lake Above the Ocean)
2.8 km
Explore Slave Cliff in the Faroe Islands for breathtaking views and unforgettable hiking experiences in a stunning natural setting.
KÁLVALÍÐ
3.9 km
Discover Faroese heritage at KÁLVALÍÐ museum in Miðvágur, exploring local history, traditions, and the captivating stories of the Faroe Islands.
The Nix
5.2 km
Discover the captivating Nix sculpture on the Faroe Islands, where art, nature, and folklore intertwine along the scenic Sørvágsvatn lake.
Dunnesdrangar
5.3 km
Hike to the iconic Dunnesdrangar sea stacks on Vágar Island for breathtaking views of the Faroe Islands' rugged coastline.
Krígssavnið
5.5 km
Explore Faroese resilience during WWII at this immersive museum in Sørvágur, featuring personal stories and wartime artifacts.
Faroe Islands War Museum
5.5 km
Explore the untold story of the Faroe Islands during WWII at this immersive historical museum in Sørvágur.
Sandavágs Kirkja
5.6 km
Experience the spiritual charm and stunning architecture of Sandavágs Kirkja in the heart of the Faroe Islands.
Witches Finger Trail
5.7 km
Hike to the iconic Trøllkonufingur rock formation in the Faroe Islands for stunning views and a touch of local folklore.
Klovningur
6.1 km
Discover Klovningur, a mesmerizing Faroe Islands landmark with dramatic cliffs, lush landscapes, and panoramic ocean views near Sandavágur.
Trøllkonufingur Viewpoint
6.3 km
Discover the breathtaking vistas of Trøllkonufingur Viewpoint, a serene escape in the stunning Faroe Islands, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Village Museum Sørvágur
6.4 km
Step back in time at Sørvágur Village Museum and discover the captivating history and traditions of the Faroe Islands in a picturesque setting.
Puffin Safari Boat Tours
6.7 km
Experience the magic of Faroe Islands' puffins on an unforgettable boat tour departing from Sørvágur, with stunning views and expert guidance.
Vágar
8.3 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty of Vágar, the enchanting island of the Faroe Islands, a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Essential places to dine
Faroe Fish Dinner
3.2 km
Experience authentic Faroese cuisine with delicious seafood dishes at Faroe Fish Dinner in Miðvágur.
Fish an Chips
3.7 km
Experience authentic fast food at Fish and Chips in Sandavágur—where fresh ingredients meet stunning island views.
Asian Food Restaurant
4.0 km
Experience authentic Asian flavors in Miðvágur's hidden culinary gem amidst stunning Faroese landscapes.
Café Zorva
5.6 km
Experience authentic Faroese cuisine at Café Zorva in Sørvágur – where every dish tells a story.
Resturant Cafe Pollastova
6.3 km
Discover authentic Faroese cuisine at Restaurant Café Pollastova in Sørvágur – where every meal comes with breathtaking views.
Pakkhúsið í Bø
9.6 km
Discover authentic Faroese cuisine at Pakkhúsið í Bø, where local ingredients meet stunning landscapes in a cozy dining atmosphere.
Fjósið
9.8 km
Discover authentic Faroese cuisine at Fjósið in Bøur, where local ingredients meet breathtaking island views.
Gásadalsgarður
14.1 km
Experience traditional Faroese cuisine at Gásadalsgarður, where local flavors meet stunning island views.
Krambúðin
14.8 km
Experience authentic Faroese flavors at Krambúðin, a charming brasserie in Vestmanna offering delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fiskarin - Vagabokhald.com
3.0 km
Explore the Faroe Islands with expert guidance and top-notch gear from Fiskarin, your go-to hunting and fishing store.
Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins - Miðvágur
3.0 km
Discover the finest selection of local beers and wines at Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins in Miðvágur, a treasure trove of Faroese spirits.
FK Super Market
3.0 km
Explore local flavors and essentials at FK Super Market in Miðvágur – your one-stop shop for Faroese treats and groceries.
Bónus
3.3 km
Discover the best local and international flavors at Bónus in Sandavágur, a must-visit grocery store for every traveler in the Faroe Islands.
Dávur’s TuneUp Shop
3.5 km
Discover the essential rest stop at Dávur’s TuneUp Shop in Miðvágur, offering clean facilities for travelers exploring the stunning Faroe Islands.
Sorella Miðvágur
3.9 km
Discover Sorella Miðvágur, a charming boutique in the Faroe Islands offering unique women's clothing, beauty products, and local treasures.
Duty Free Fae
5.2 km
Experience unparalleled shopping at Duty Free Fae in the Faroe Islands, where luxury meets local charm in a stunning setting.
KAFE FAE
5.2 km
Discover the flavors of the Faroe Islands at KAFE FAE, your perfect coffee stop in Sørvágur, offering warmth and local charm.
Paint the Faroe Islands
5.5 km
Experience the vibrant art of the Faroe Islands at Paint the Faroe Islands, a unique gallery and studio that showcases stunning local creativity.
Bartalstova
5.6 km
Discover local flavors and essentials at Bartalstova, a charming grocery store in the heart of Sandavágur, Faroe Islands.
Tatink tattoo
5.7 km
Discover the unique artistry of Tatink Tattoo in Sandavágur, where each tattoo tells a story reflecting your Faroe Islands adventure.
Húsfríðkan
5.8 km
Explore creativity at Húsfríðkan, Sandavágur's beloved yarn and paint store, where artistry flourishes in the heart of the Faroe Islands.
Tattoo Culture
6.0 km
Experience the vibrant tattoo culture in the Faroe Islands at Tattoo Culture, where artistry meets individuality in a stunning coastal setting.
PE Sørvágur
6.4 km
Explore local flavors and essentials at PE Sørvágur, your go-to grocery store in the heart of the Faroe Islands.
Luksusdjór
6.4 km
Discover Luksusdjór, your go-to animal feed store in Sørvágur, Faroe Islands, offering quality products and local charm in a stunning landscape.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fiskastykkið // Úti á Gjógv
5.4 km
Discover the flavors of the Faroe Islands at Fiskastykkið, where local ingredients meet breathtaking views in a cozy café.
Hotel Vagar
5.5 km
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and Faroese charm at Hotel Vagar, your gateway to stunning landscapes and local culture.
Guesthouse Hugo
6.6 km
Discover the charm of the Faroe Islands at Guesthouse Hugo, your cozy retreat in Sørvágur's breathtaking landscapes.
Cafe Kai
6.9 km
Discover Café Kai in Sørvágur, a cozy café offering delicious local treats and breathtaking views in the heart of the Faroe Islands.
Múlafossur Cottages
14.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Múlafossur Cottages in the Faroe Islands, where breathtaking nature meets modern comfort for an unforgettable retreat.
Disvoy
14.9 km
Experience the flavors of Scandinavian cuisine at Disvoy, a delightful restaurant in Vestmanna, Faroe Islands, known for its local ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
Faer Isles Distillery
15.0 km
Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of artisanal spirits at Faer Isles Distillery, where tradition meets modern innovation in the stunning Faroe Islands.
Vestmanna Tourist Centre
15.1 km
Experience the essence of the Faroe Islands at Vestmanna Tourist Centre, where local cuisine, boat tours, and unique souvenirs await.
Magnstøðin í Vestmanna
15.1 km
Discover the charm of Magnstøðin í Vestmanna, a unique gas station offering bakery delights, fast food, and delicious ice cream.
Mykines
20.8 km
Explore Mykines Island, a birdwatcher's paradise in the Faroe Islands, where stunning cliffs and serene landscapes await your discovery.
Niđristova
20.9 km
Experience authentic Faroese cuisine at Niđristova, a culinary gem in Hvalvík, where local flavors meet breathtaking landscapes.
Joe Pizza
21.1 km
Discover the taste of Italy in the heart of Faroe Islands at Joe Pizza, where every slice is a journey into flavor.
Sandoy pizza
22.7 km
Enjoy the flavors of the Faroe Islands at Sandoy Pizza, a cozy haven for pizza lovers in Skopun, offering delightful dishes and stunning views.
Á Sandoyggin
22.7 km
Explore Á Sandoyggin in Skopun for a taste of local Faroese culture and a wide selection of groceries and delicacies.
The Locals
22.9 km
Discover the cozy charm of The Locals cafe in Mykines, where authentic Faroese flavors meet breathtaking natural beauty.
