Sørvágsvatn Lake, located on Vágar Island in the Faroe Islands 🌊, is famous for its optical illusion. When viewed from the Trælanípa cliffs, the lake appears to float hundreds of feet above the ocean, though it’s actually only about 30 meters above sea level. It's the largest lake in the Faroe Islands and a popular hiking destination. The trail to the viewpoint takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours and offers stunning views of the lake and nearby Bøsdalafossur waterfall, where the lake drains into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
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| Sorvagsvatn Lake |
📍 Overview
Sørvágsvatn, also known as Leitisvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, stretching about 6 km (3.7 miles) long. What makes it famous, though, is not its size — it’s the optical illusion it creates when viewed from a certain angle, appearing to hover hundreds of feet above the Atlantic Ocean.
In reality, the lake sits only about 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level — but the steep cliffs of Trælanípa, which drop dramatically into the ocean, make it look like the lake is floating high in the sky.
🗺️ Location
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Island: Vágar, one of the western islands of the Faroe Islands
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Nearest village: Miðvágur
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Coordinates: Approx. 62.0342° N, 7.2067° W
🥾 How to Get There & Hike Info
Start Point:
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The trail begins near Miðvágur (look for the parking area near the trailhead, which is marked).
Hike Details:
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Length: ~7 km (round trip)
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Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours (depending on pace and weather)
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Difficulty: Moderate – mostly flat but can get muddy and windy
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Fee: There’s often a small fee (DKK 200-300) to access the private land; it helps with trail maintenance
What You’ll See:
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Sørvágsvatn/Leitisvatn along your left as you hike
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Trælanípa – the vertical sea cliff viewpoint for the floating illusion
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Bøsdalafossur – the dramatic waterfall where the lake empties into the ocean
📸 Why It Looks Like It's Floating
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It’s all about perspective. When you stand at the right angle near Trælanípa, the ocean horizon lies far behind the lake, making it seem like the lake is suspended high above it.
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Drone shots from this area often exaggerate the illusion, adding to its surreal magic.
💡 Fun Facts & Legends
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The lake is called Sørvágsvatn by people from Sørvágur and Leitisvatn by those from Miðvágur — a little local rivalry in naming!
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The name Trælanípa means "Slave Cliff" — legend says that Viking slave-owners would push disobedient slaves off the edge.
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The Bøsdalafossur waterfall is one of the few waterfalls in the world that flows from a lake directly into the ocean.
🧳 What to Bring
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Waterproof hiking boots – terrain can be muddy
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Windbreaker/rain jacket – weather changes fast
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Camera or drone – essential!
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Snacks/water – no shops along the trail
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Layers – Faroe Islands = 4 seasons in one day
🕒 Best Time to Visit
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May to September: Long days and better weather
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Early morning or evening: For softer light and fewer tourists
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Avoid stormy days: Strong wind near cliffs can be dangerous
✅ Quick Travel Tips
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Respect the private land – stay on the trail
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Don’t go too close to cliff edges – the drop is sheer and dangerous
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Be prepared for sudden rain or fog
📌 Final Thoughts
Sørvágsvatn isn’t just a cool photo spot — it’s a place where nature plays tricks on your eyes and rewards you with epic views, raw beauty, and a touch of Norse mystery. If you're visiting the Faroe Islands, this should be at the very top of your must-see list.