About
Sørvágsvatn is a lake on the Faroe Islands, the North Atlantic archipelago that belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. It is the largest lake in the islands, and it is known above all for an optical illusion: from certain viewpoints, the water appears to hang suspended above the ocean, as if it were floating in mid-air rather than sitting on the land.
What to expect
The effect depends on where you stand and the angle at which you look. Many visitors approach the lake from the surrounding high ground, where the drop to the sea beyond makes the illusion most striking. The views change with the light and the weather, so the lake may look quite different from one visit to the next.
- A scenic stop built around a natural optical illusion rather than a man-made attraction
- Wide views across the water and out toward the Atlantic
- A short, focused visit that suits photographers and those curious about unusual landscapes
Getting there
Sørvágsvatn lies on the island of Vágar, where the main airport of the Faroe Islands is also located, which makes it a convenient first or last stop for travellers arriving by air. From the surrounding area you can plan the rest of your time on the island around this one landmark.
Because the appeal of the lake rests on its setting, a visit suits anyone who enjoys open landscapes and the particular character of the Faroes. Allow time to walk, look and wait for the angle that shows the illusion at its best.