A Guide to Hiking Lake Sørvágsvatn, The Lake Above The Ocean
Lake Sørvágsvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands and is famous for its optical illusion where it appears to hang over the sea. This guide includes details on the hour-long hike to the famous viewpoint, including parking, trailhead, costs, duration, what to pack, and the best time of year to enjoy the best views.
Without a doubt, the lake of Sørvágsvatn is every bit as stunning in real life as it appears on Instagram. In fact, we were so taken with its beauty that we returned twice, and would have gone a third time if not for the weather.
Located on the island of Vágar, Sørvágsvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands and is famous for its optical illusion where the lake appears to hang over the sea below.
The area surrounding Sørvágsvatn is also well-known for Trælanípa, a rock wall 142m above the sea where Vikings once allegedly pushed their slaves off the mountain, as well as Bøsdalafossur waterfall, which plummets straight into the sea below.
To reach the famous viewpoint, you’ll need to take the stunning hour-long walk from Midvágur to Trælanípa, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the cliffs and lake.
The hike, while manageable, doesn’t come without risk, nor considerable cost (yes, you need to pay to take this hike!), which is why we’ve put together this guide to hiking Lake Sørvágsvatn.
Our Sørvágsvatn guide includes everything you need to know to enjoy the best of Lake Sørvágsvatn, including parking & trailhead details, hike costs, duration, what to pack, and the best time of year to enjoy the best views.
Enjoy, and remember to pack your camera…
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LAKE
SØRVÁGSVATN
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Vágar Island, Faroe Islands
TRAILHEAD |Midvágur car park
HIKE DURATION | 7.2km / 2.5 hours
COST | 200 DKK per person
WHAT TO TAKE | Water, sturdy hiking boots, camera
WHERE IS LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN
Sørvágsvatn on the island of Vágar in the Faroe Islands, about 40 minutes drive from the Faroe Islands capital, Tórshavn, which is accessed via the sea tunnel to Steymoy.
The island of Vágar is the largest in the Faroe Islands, and home to some of its most dramatic, rugged and famous scenery, and is also home to the country’s main airport.
The hike itself starts from this carpark in Midvágur, just off the main highway that connects the Vágar to Streymoy.
For the hike map and trailhead, click here
THE HIKE TO LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN AND TRÆLANÍPA VIEWPOINT
The hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn and Trælanípa viewpoint starts in a non-descript car park close to Midvágur.
A small iron gate marks the start of the trail, and from here the hike descends from farmland into more low-lying scrub. The path is very well maintained (the money you’re playing has got to go somewhere, right?), albeit a bit muddy in parts.
Before long you’re in the thick of it, ambling along the muddy path as you cross many small waterfalls. To your left, the verdant mountain rises gently towards the clouds - to your right, the deep blue Sørvágsvatn lake spans out to the opposite shore - it’s all very pretty, and quiet, stupidly quiet.
After an hour of fairly easy hiking, you’ll eventually arrive at a fork in the trail, which sits alongside a very ominous cliff. Continue left (be careful of the cliff) and start heading up towards Trælanípa viewpoint.
Eventually, the trail forks with the left side heading towards Trælanípa and the right side to the Bøsdalafossur waterfall.
You’ll soon arrive at Trælanípa, a rock wall 142m above the sea which is supposedly where at one point in time, Vikings pushed their slaves off the mountain. It’s from here that the famous optical illusion view of Sørvágsvatn is; situated at the base of a steep cliff, the lake appears to be suspended in mid-air, offering a unique and unforgettable view.
The viewpoint offers a bird's eye view of this natural wonder, and it's a great spot to take in the natural beauty of the Faroe Islands. This is the perfect point to snap photos of the incredibly rugged coastline.
To your right on the edge of Sørvágsvatn is the Bøsdalafossur waterfall which thunders straight into the sea below. We highly suggest continuing your hike to this point as, if the North Atlantic is at its most ferocious, it's an absolutely incredible sight to see as huge waves pummel the cliffs and the waterfall blows back into the lake.
Once you’re done photographing the hell out of the lake, follow the same path back towards Midvágur carpark.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN
We'd recommend the Lake Sørvágsvatn hike in Summer, between July and August, when the weather is slightly more stable and the days long, allowing for more exploration.
The second time we did this hike, we started it after 9 pm to try and catch the sunset - although, in the end, it was a fail it, still goes to show how long the days are during summer.
If you're more intrepid, the winter can provide incredible scenery, but with two - four hours of sunlight a day, we just don't think it's worth it.
It's important to note that the Faroe Islands’ weather patterns are wildly unpredictable. In fact, there's actually a saying in the Faroe Islands that if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes - something we came to understand within the first few minutes of being there.
That goes for the Lake Sørvágsvatn hike, too. Weather can change here in an instant, and clouds and fog can roll in quickly, while high winds can buffer from all angles. Due to the dangerous cliffs on this hike, we suggest you pay close attention to the weather and be careful when standing near the edge of cliffs or rocks.
Additionally, it does pay to have some flexibility in your planning, as poor weather conditions mean your plans may shuffle around.
HOW LONG DOES THE LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN HIKE TAKE?
They say you can hike the route 7.2km hike in around 2.5 hours, but having hiked to the Trælanípa viewpoint twice, we suggest giving yourself at least three hours to complete the hike.
Although not a particularly difficult hike, the weather is often changeable, and you’ll want/need to spend a lot of time enjoying the stunning views afforded once you arrive at the viewpoint.
That, and you’ve paid 200 DKK for the hike - why not hang around and enjoy the view?
IS THE LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN HIKE DANGEROUS
The Lake Sørvágsvatn hike itself is super safe, especially if you're hiking with a guide (book your own guide here). The pathway is well-marked, maintained, and mostly flat.
Towards the end of the hike, as you approach Trælanípa, you do need to keep your wits about you, as the cliffs are sheer, and there are no protective barriers.
It's here where things can get a little bit dangerous, especially if you're after an insta-banger. If you're a keen photographer like us, it's probably only natural to want to test the boundaries to get some cool shots.
Being adventurous is totally fine, but being unsafe and stupid puts your life (and others who try to help you) in danger.
Ferocious and unexpected wind gusts are a thing here too, so don't jeopardise your safety by standing too close to the edges.
Always take the usual precautions, listen to how your body and mind are feeling about where you are, and when you're out at windy peaks, it pays to sit down on the ground rather than stand when the wind really strikes up!
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN HIKE?
The Lake Sørvágsvatn costs 200 DKK per person, which equates to approximately $30 USD. In our opinion, this cost is extravagant, however, it is private land, and the landowner can do what they want.
Back in 2018 when we first attempted the Lake Sørvágsvatn hike, it was free. Yep, we just turned up, parked, and started the hike without issue.
However, in early 2019 the landowners started charging for the trek out to Sørvágsvatn.
To understand why, you've got to understand that most of the land on the Faroe Islands is privately owned by local farmers, and is already designated as grazing land. This was also the case with the area around Sørvágsvatn and Trælanípa.
As the hike became more popular, the cost of maintaining the path and amenities increased. Thus, a fee was introduced for the upkeep of the property.
So while you may not agree with the high cost, you can at least understand why.
Payment is collected add the gate, via either cash or credit card. Alternatively, take a guided hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn.
BOOK | This guided hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn
IS THE LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN HIKE WORTH THE MONEY?
In a word, yes. It's a once-in-a-lifetime hike, so we think so.
We get that it is expensive, and we understand that paying to hike to a natural viewpoint is impossible to comprehend for most people, but this is public land, and most people would pay to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, or the Empire State Building, for example, so why not here?
The views of lake Sørvágsvatn, Trælanípa Viewpoint and Bøsdalafossur waterfall are some of the most recognisable in the Faroes, and the epic landscapes are worth the fee.
BOOK | This guided hike to Lake Sørvágsvatn
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN HIKE
The sun might be shining when you leave your hotel room in the morning, but trust us: when you're in the middle of a hike and the skies open up with pouring rain, you'll never regret throwing some warm waterproof gear in your daypack.
If you need to wait out a storm or the weather leaves you stranded, it's always safe to have some extra water and some snacks with you too. Remember, the weather changes quickly, and it can be powerful - so always err on the side of caution!
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world, while not polluting our planet
HIKING BOOTS | Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes with good traction to protect your feet and prevent slips
HIKING GEAR | A pair of good quality waterproof hiking boots, Hiking pants (women’s prAna pants here), Fleece jumpers (fleece or woollen), Warm goose-down jacket (Men's North Face here, women's North Face here), Gore Tex waterproof jacket, Waterproof pants (mens version here, womens version here)
SUN PROTECTION | The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect your skin and eyes
SNACKS | The hike is short, but we still recommend packing some energy-boosting snacks like nuts, trail mix, and energy bars to keep you fueled
CAMERA | Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Lake Sørvágsvatn and the surrounding landscape
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR LAKE SØRVÁGSVATN
Intense, vast, and seriously stunning: Lake Sørvágsvatn's landscapes are just made for photography.
The one photo you'll want to get is the famous optical illusion shot of the 'lake above the ocean' - for this, we recommend a super wide-angle lens (ie. 16-35mm), as it can be hard to get everything into the frame with a standard zoom lens (we learned from experience).
A wide-angle zoom lens will also help if you're adding a human subject to amplify the scale of the landscapes.
To get some super tight detail shots, a zoom lens like 70-200mm is essential.
If the weather is nice, we recommend heading here for sunset, as it's meant to be spectacular (according to our guide!)
Tip: also be sure to pack a lens cleaning kit in your camera bag, and the salty air and constant wind can wreak havoc on your lens!
See our full travel photography kit here.
RELATED | If you’re interested in photography, check out our custom Lightroom Presets here.
DRONES
Although you can absolutely fly your drone in the Faroe Islands, but just be aware that you're not allowed to fly it within 5km of the airport, so that makes flying a drone at Lake Sørvágsvatn illegal.
Check the full drone restrictions here.
We've obviously seen photographers on Instagram who have flown their drones here, so if you do plan to break the rules, keep the drone within your line of sight and don't fly any higher than 50m - it's just not worth being that dickhead who causes huge damage to an aircraft.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
The Faroe Islands’ unique and untouched wilderness has become extremely popular through Instagram and other social media apps over recent years.
This has led to some pretty bad behaviour in and around the area, along with the environmental and social impact of over-tourism. Although the Government and Tourism Board are working together to control the negative impacts of tourism, there are a few responsible travel tips you should be aware of before visiting.
The Faroe Islands aren’t your Instagram playground | Yes, the Faroes are an incredible natural phenomenon perfect for photography, but that doesn’t mean you have free reign to break rules, ruin natural environments and use it as your playground (read our responsible travel tips here).
Don't climb over fences and trample to get "the shot" for Instagram.
Respect local land owners | It’s surprising to learn that the majority of land here is actually privately owned by local farmers and is designated as grazing land.
Tourists brazenly ignoring the repeated warnings to stay off private land has led to unnecessary tension and hostility between locals and tourists, and frankly: it's bloody disrespectful to do.
In short, don’t be an idiot and stick to the marked trails or hire a local guide.
Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again.
BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take!
Don’t litter | Whatever you do, please don’t litter in this pristine natural environment. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you can’t, carry it out of the national park with you.
Pick up any trash you see | Although, thankfully, there’s not much rubbish to be found around these parts, the odd piece can still pop up. If you come across rubbish on your travels here, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later.
Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. Read our guide on how to carbon offset here.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE FAROE ISLANDS
We hired a small Toyota Yaris hatchback for our Faroes Islands road trip which handled everything perfectly.
The beauty of the Faroes is that, while remote, they’re also Scandinavian, which means great infrastructure and high-quality roads — no need for off-roading vehicles for the average tourist here!
Hiring a car in the Faroe Islands is, for all intents and purposes, the same as anywhere else in the world, apart from one thing: it’s super expensive.
BOOK | Search for car rental options in Faroe Islands
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF THE FAROE ISLANDS
We have a heap of essential reading before visiting the Faroe Islands:
THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED | Our ultimate Faroe Islands road trip itinerary guide, The best things to see and do in the Faroe Islands, plus everything you need to know before visiting the Faroe Islands
TÓRSHAVN GUIDE | A guide to the Faroe Islands’ quirky capital city
THE BEST FAROE ISLANDS DAY TRIPS | Our complete guide to rugged Mykines and our guide to Kalsoy and the Kallur Lighthouse hike
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO FAROE ISLANDS WITH THESE POSTS!
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