Sørvágsvatn (Leitisvatn): The Illusory Lake in Faroe Islands

Lake Sørvágsvatn is a 3.4 square kilometer lake located in the Faroe Islands. With an optical illusion that appears to be floating above the ocean, this lake is larger than the second largest lake in the archipelago, Fjallavatn. Despite the illusion that the lake is high above the ocean, the elevation difference is only 30 meters. The surrounding hills give the lake its unique appearance and make it appear to be much higher above sea level.

Vagar Island played a historical role during Britain’s occupation of the Faroe Islands in WWII. British Royal Engineers built an airfield on Faroe to defend against potential German warships, with the location obscured from enemies. The airfield was built west of Lake Sørvágsvatn.

The lake is located in a depression with its towering headlands rising 252 and 376 meters on either side. The lake’s name is a point of contention, with the people of Sørvágsvatn village naming it after their home, while other nearby towns prefer the name Leitisvatn. Regardless of its name, the illusion created by the lake is a natural wonder that never fails to impress.

Visiting Sørvágsvatn

To reach the lake, fly to Vágar Island (the airport is also located there), which is easily accessible from Tórshavn, the capital city, via a long sea tunnel connecting the islands. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from the capital and 15 minutes from the airport. A hike to the lake takes 1 to 1.5 hours, is relatively easy, but expect to catch your breath at the cliff’s edge due to the view or the hike.

The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is from June to August, with warmer weather and less rain. Experts recommend spending 4-5 full days in the Faroe Islands to fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy other captivating hikes.