The Faroe Islands is among the most exciting places to hike in the world, and the country has many incredible treks. Many spectacular viewpoints are accessible on hikes that nearly everyone can manage. Possibly the most famous image from the Faroe Islands is doable on this easy half-day Sørvágsvatn hike, and we wanted to create a guide to help you get there.
Sørvágsvatn (or Leitisvatn) is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, and it became Instagram famous for its mind-blowing optical illusion. It earned the nickname “Lake Above the Ocean” and has likely helped spur the increase in tourism to the Faroe Islands. Sorvagsvatn hike is one of the easier hikes across the country and absolutely a must-see on your trip.
To help you plan your trek, our guide outlines everything you need to know about the hike. We’ve included directions to the trailhead, costs, tips, and other info you need to ensure you’re prepared for the trip. Read below to find out why the Sorvagsvatn hike should be near the top of your list for things to do in the Faroe Islands. For more information about hiking in Faroe Islands, check the Faroe Islands Hiking Guide.
How to get to Vágar Island?
The drive to Vágar takes about 35-40 minutes from the capital Tórshavn on Streymoy Island. Although it’s an easy route with gorgeous scenery, you’ll encounter one of the sub-sea tunnels that charge a toll. There are two sub-sea tunnel tolls on the Faroe Islands, with the Vágatunnilin tunnel connecting Vágar and Streymoy.
Fortunately, the Sorvagsvatn hike trail isn’t difficult to find once you exit the tunnel on Vágar. Just 10 minutes past Sandavágur on Route 11, you’ll reach the charming town of Miðvágur. To reach the trailhead, drive past the Miðvágur church and follow the signs to Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur.
The gravel road is a little bumpy, but the parking lot has plenty of signs and is much easier to find compared to other Faroe Islands hikes. Try to arrive early during high season since the parking lot only has room for around 10 vehicles at max. The trailhead is only a 10-minute drive to Vágar Airport, and the Sorvagsvatn hike is an excellent first or last activity for your trip.
Also Read: Our guide for the Kallur Lightouse Hike!
Video: Sorvagsvatn Hike Inspiration
The hike to Sørvágsvatn
- Length: 7.2 km
- Elevation gain: 369 m
- Route type: Out & Back
Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.
From the parking lot, there is an iron gate and a map of the area that signals the start of the trail. The path is clearly marked, and we recommend remaining on the trail to protect the landscape. Make sure to shut the gate behind you and start trekking toward the Trælanípa viewpoint.
The trail starts flat and should be a breeze to walk, but maybe covered with mud. As you hike along Sorvagsvatn lake you hike towards the sea cliffs, watch out for wildlife hanging around the path. Eventually, the trail forks with the left side heading towards Trælanípa and the right side to the Bøsdalafossur waterfall.
Head to the Trælanípa sea cliffs first and climb the rocky face until you reach the viewpoint. This is the section where you’ll have to veer off the path to get a clear angle of the Sorvagsvatn lake. Once you reach the viewpoint and behold the optical illusion, you’ll never want to leave. Although it’s not the case, Sørvágsvatn appears to hang high above the Atlantic waves crashing against the jagged cliffs.
Enjoy every moment at the Trælanípa viewpoint and snap lots of otherworldly pictures of the scenery on Vágar Island. After taking in the spectacular views, trek down the cliff to venture towards Bøsdalafossur. Situated on the edge of Sørvágsvatn, the beautiful waterfall is where the water spills into the ocean.
It’s a slight scramble downhill to the waterfall, but you’ll find astonishing images of rugged cliffs and sea stacks. From Bøsdalafossur, the trail loops along the Sorvagsvatn lake’s shoreline and goes back to the trailhead. Although you could probably hike the loop within two hours, don’t be surprised to spend several hours enjoying the views. Can’t get enough of hiking?
Check out Top things to do in the Faroe Islands
Tips for your Sørvágsvatn Hike
Before starting the Sørvágsvatn hike, save these useful tips that may help on the trail.
- Foreign visitors must pay a fee of DKK 200 (about $31.50, €27, £24.50) when hiking to Trælanípa. The payment is collected in the parking lot before you begin the hike.
- To get the best views of the optical illusion, you have to venture off the path to see the Sorvagsvatn lake above the ocean. You’ll make a short ascent along the closest cliff to reach the viewpoint. If you’re unsure, there will likely be other people on the trail that you can follow.
- Be extremely careful when hiking around the cliffside edge, especially when it’s windy. You won’t survive a fall off the cliffs here, and no picture is worth your life!
- Waterproof hiking shoes with good traction are essential for this trek. You’ll encounter lots of streams and muddy areas on the trail that can be slippery. A normal pair of sneakers won’t provide enough support to prevent a fall.
- Try to avoid this hike on a rainy day due to increased amounts of slippery surfaces on the trail. Plus, crummy weather will ruin the incredible views of this alluring Sorvagsvatn lake.
- Bring a portable charger for your camera (or cell phone) since you’ll likely take tons of pictures. The viewpoint overlooking Sørvágsvatn might be the most stunning image you’ll see in the Faroe Islands.
- If your GPS works, the trail to Trælanípa and Bøsdalafossur is on Google Maps. You’ll also find a map of the area at the trailhead that marks the path.
- Wear the best hiking boots as the path can be really challenging especially after some snow or rain.
Must Read: Road Trip Itinerary Faroe Islands
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2 thoughts on “2024 Complete Sorvagsvatn Hike Guide Faroe Islands: All You Need to Know + Map”
Hi, can you pay with card? Or is it cash only?
Hi Julie,
200 DKK per adult. Collected add the gate. Cash or credit card.
It’s absolutely worth it and the money is well spend to maintain the area.
Enjoy your trip.
Safe Travels,
Kelly