Sørvágsvatn Travel Guide

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

Download the Free PDF guide

A brief summary of Sørvágsvatn

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.

4.5 Excellent · 67 Google reviews

Plan your visit

Opening hours

Every dayOpen 24 hours

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address: Sørvágsvatn, 370, Faroe Islands

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

Overview

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.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from

Google

By star rating

Guest reviews

Explore Sørvágsvatn on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sørvágsvatn, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Sørvágsvatn, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near Sørvágsvatn

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of Vágar

Discover the wild beauty of Vágar in the Faroe Islands - a land of dramatic cliffs, tranquil lakes, and charming villages, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Explore Vágar

More of the country

Explore more of Faroe Islands

Discover the Faroe Islands: A land of rugged beauty, rich history, and tranquil villages, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Explore Faroe Islands