Sørvágsvatn, also known as Leitisvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands.
It’s famous for a unique optical illusion that makes it look like the lake is floating above the ocean.
Located on the island of Vágar, this beautiful lake is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Sørvágsvatn or Leitisvatn?
Among locals, there is an ongoing debate about the lake’s name.
The inhabitants of Sørvágur, a village on the western side of the lake, prefer the name “Sørvágsvatn,” meaning “the lake by Sørvágur.”
On the other hand, residents of Miðvágur and Sandavágur to the east favor “Leitisvatn,” referring to “the lake by Leiti,” an area on the eastern side of the lake.
This division reflects the deep historical and cultural connections the local communities have with this body of water.
Interestingly, the locals often sidestep the debate entirely by referring to it simply as “Vatnið,” meaning “the lake.”
This informal name is widely understood across the Faroe Islands.
However, the name controversy reemerges when outsiders discuss this enchanting place.
Geography and Optical Illusion
Sørvágsvatn spans an impressive 3.4 square kilometers, more than three times the size of Fjallavatn, the second-largest lake in the Faroe Islands.
It is situated on the island of Vágar, between the municipalities of Sørvágur and Vágar.
It is perched about 32 meters above sea level and surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
One of the lake’s most fascinating features is the optical illusion it creates when viewed from a particular vantage point on the Trælanípa cliff to the south.
From this angle, the lake appears to be floating high above the ocean, defying gravity and creating a surreal scene that has become iconic in photographs.
The illusion is a result of the lake’s elevation, the steep cliffs, and the presence of Bøsdalafossur, a waterfall that flows from the lake into the ocean below.
The cliffs around Bøsdalafossur are higher than the lake’s surface, contributing to the illusion of a lake suspended in mid-air.
A Bit of History
During World War II, the British army built an airfield near the lake, which is now Vágar Airport.
They also created a station to support seaplanes, and the first aircraft landed on the lake in 1941.
Legends and Mystical Creatures
Sørvágsvatn is also known for its legends.
One popular story is about the Huldufólk, or hidden people, who are said to live under the rocks around the lake.
It’s believed that a priest once locked one of their houses, and ever since, people have heard cries and strange noises from that area.
Another legend tells of a mysterious creature called Nykur, a shape-shifting water spirit that often appears as a beautiful horse.
The Nykur lures people toward the lake and pulls them underwater.
However, if you call the creature by its name, it loses its power and disappears.