The Ultimate Faroe Islands Hike: Lake Sørvágsvatn, Bøsdalafossur Waterfall, and the Sheer Cliffs of Trælanípa

The hike along Lake Sørvágsvatn, out to the sheer cliffs of Trælanípa and Bøsdalafossur Waterfall, is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque in all of the Faroe Islands. While the names are certainly are tongue-twisters for us, the area is truly one of the most rugged and magical spots on the planet.

The Lake Sørvágsvatn hike out to Trælanípa cliffs and Bøsdalafossur waterfall | Faroe Islands | CompassAndTwine.com

Lake Sørvágsvatn (also known as Lake Leitisvatn to some) is the largest lake in the Faroe islands and has, over the years, garnered the nicknamed “lake over the ocean”. In fact, it’s known for a little optical illusion created by none other than Mother Nature herself. The lake appears to sit significantly higher than the ocean due the slanted nature of the surrounding cliffs. It’s really just about 80ft above sea level, but the angles of encompassing topography make the lake seem much higher than that.

The whole 45-minute hike, about 3 miles there and back, is very doable for most skill levels and only gets relatively steep at the end when ascending the last cliff slant. The straightforward path runs you along the shores Lake Sørvágsvatn and directly up to the cliffs of Trælanípa. Bøsdalafossur waterfall lies at the very end, where the lake drops into the ocean.

The entire scene is nothing short of spectacular and the rugged coastline juxtaposed with the serene lake setting will leave you in awe. Bring a picnic and sit out on the top of the highest cliff and slowly take in the epic views. The grass is insanely soft on the cliff slope and there a few rocky areas for sitting if the ground is wet. Be cautious though; the cliff edge beckons you closer for a better view and the grass can be a little slippery at times.

Getting there:

+ The parking lot and trail head is accessed from the town of Miôvágur. Coming from Tórshavn, turn left just after the gas station and roadside church. You’ll see a little sign that says ‘Trælanípa’. Keep following the signs for “Trælanípa” a little ways until you run into the parking lot. Per usual, there are sheep all around and there’s a little gate, so just go through and keep following the gravel path.

+ There’s actually another trail that runs closer down to the lake’s shoreline, and the parking for that lies just off the main road as it curves around the lake next to where the little grass roof huts lie. The little gravel turn off road is unmarked and easy to miss, so just keep your eyes peeled.

+ Lake Sørvágsvatn lies on the island of Vágar, a stone’s throw from the airport. In fact, the runway butts right up to the northwest end of the lake. From Tórshavn, it’s about a 40 minute drive.

tipS:

+ Keep an eye out for Lake Sørvágsvatn as you land on the flight into the Faroe Islands. Usually, depending on the wind, the plane’s approach takes you right over the area, following the curvature of the lake onto the runway. Our best guess is to snag a left side window seat and have those cameras ready!

+ Careful with drones for all you drone-ers! As mentioned above, this is where the planes approach. There may only be like 1 flight landing that day – but still!

If you look closely in the photo below, you can see Bøsdalafossur waterfall, where the lake empties into the ocean.