Bøsdalafossur Waterfall
Witness a unique waterfall plunging from a lake directly into the Atlantic Ocean, with breathtaking cliffside views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, better views
Bøsdalafossur Waterfall
Best Time
Clearer skies, better views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness a unique waterfall plunging from a lake directly into the Atlantic Ocean, with breathtaking cliffside views.
"Spectacular views of basalt cliffs and imposing tall green mountains around Leitisvatn lake."
Wear waterproof boots
The trail can get very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check the weather forecast
Fog and rain are common. A clear day offers the best views of the waterfall and surrounding cliffs. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bøsdalafossur Waterfall
Flowing from Sørvágsvatn into the Atlantic
Witness the dramatic sight of a lake's waterfall plunging directly into the ocean. A truly unique natural spectacle.

Trælanípa Cliff
Overlooking Sørvágsvatn and the ocean
Capture the iconic 'lake above the ocean' illusion from this stunning viewpoint. Perfect for photographers.

Sørvágsvatn Lake Hike
Trailhead near Miðvágur
An accessible, mostly flat hike offering breathtaking coastal scenery and leading to the impressive waterfall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Hike & Fee
Weather & Visibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visited Sørvágsvatn in the Faroe Islands and proceeded to have my socks knocked off.
Wear waterproof boots
The trail can get very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential.
:athletic_shoe:Check the weather forecast
Fog and rain are common. A clear day offers the best views of the waterfall and surrounding cliffs.
:cloud:5 days on the Faroe Islands last week
The impossible looking Lake Sorvagsvatn, Faroe Islands [OC] [5506 x 3671]
Bring cash for fee
The DKK 200 entrance fee is required for the hike. Be prepared to pay upon arrival.
:moneywithwings:Allow ample time
The hike can take up to 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and stops for photos.
:stopwatch:Hike to Mulafossur?
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear waterproof boots
The trail can get very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential.
:athletic_shoe:Check the weather forecast
Fog and rain are common. A clear day offers the best views of the waterfall and surrounding cliffs.
:cloud:Bring cash for fee
The DKK 200 entrance fee is required for the hike. Be prepared to pay upon arrival.
:moneywithwings:Allow ample time
The hike can take up to 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and stops for photos.
:stopwatch:Consider the season
Water flow can vary. Visiting after heavy rain ensures a more dramatic waterfall experience.
:droplet:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the spectacular views of Bøsdalafossur Waterfall and the iconic 'lake above the ocean' from Trælanípa cliff, calling the scenery stunning and worth the effort. However, the DKK 200 entrance fee is frequently mentioned as high, especially on foggy or rainy days, and the trail's muddy and slippery conditions are noted as challenging.
"Visited in August during a rainy and foggy day. Let me tell you that the DKK 200 (GBP 23) per person fee for the hike to get drizzled on for 2h is not everyone’s idea of a good time. For me, the fee is completely NOT justified, there is a track for the first bit but nothing on the second part. It took us 1h45 to loop around and get back to the car park. They should have discounts on days it’s bad weather.
Now I’ve complained a lot but I still fully enjoyed it; and embraced that this is just the way things go in the Faroe Islands.
PS: I entered the following coordinates for the parking which got me there perfectly.
62°02'31.7"N 7°11'57.2"W"
Nico M
"Spectacular views of basalt cliffs and imposing tall green mountains around Leitisvatn lake. Pay to visit for the maintenance of the trail which is fair and the original trail head was closed due to bird disturbance, head to Traelanipa trail head. The rain held off, waterfall is not much unless there is a lot of water in the lake but the scenery here is stunning. A 2hr round trip"
Jennifer Coughlan
"It is up to 1 hour hike from trailhead to the waterfall. For some sections, there was virtually no trail due to it being very muddy and difficult to navigate. It is not an option for young children and any mobility issues. When at the waterfall, it is difficult to traverse due to it being rocky and in wet weather it is very slippery. Waterfall it not easy to view. Whilst I enjoyed the challenge, you need to consider if it is worth it based on the 200DKR entrance fee"
Dean Fisher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Bøsdalafossur is by hiking from the trailhead near Miðvágur. You can drive to the parking area. If you don't have a car, the 350 bus from Sørvágur stops nearby, but check the infrequent schedule.
Yes, there is a designated parking area. Travelers have shared coordinates like 62°02'31.7"N 7°11'57.2"W to find it accurately.
Yes, you can take the 350 bus from Sørvágur. However, the bus schedule is infrequent, so plan your timings carefully. Some visitors consider hiking from a bus stop before the tunnel.
The Trælanípa viewpoint is accessed via the same trail as Bøsdalafossur, starting from the designated trailhead. It's a short walk from the waterfall itself.
The primary and recommended route is the marked trail from the trailhead. Some older information might mention a different trailhead, but it's often closed due to bird disturbance. Stick to the official trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a DKK 200 per person entrance fee for the hike to Bøsdalafossur and Trælanípa. This fee contributes to trail maintenance.
The fee is for the maintenance of the trail and to help preserve the natural beauty of the area. It's considered fair by many for the upkeep of such a significant natural attraction.
Some visitors have suggested discounts for bad weather, but currently, there are no official discounts mentioned. The fee is generally applied regardless of conditions.
Information on online payment is not widely available. It's best to be prepared with cash (DKK) to pay at the trailhead.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times posted, but it's advisable to complete the hike before dusk.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is about 1 hour each way from the trailhead. The path is generally flat for the first part, but can become muddy, rocky, and difficult to navigate in sections, especially when wet.
The hike is not ideal for young children or those with mobility issues due to the muddy, rocky, and slippery terrain. Sturdy footwear and caution are advised.
While parts are flat, other sections are rocky and can be very slippery when wet. Navigating can be challenging, and there's virtually no trail in some parts.
Viewing the waterfall can be difficult as it's rocky and slippery. The waterfall itself might not seem 'great' unless there's a lot of water in the lake.
The Trælanípa cliff offers spectacular views for photos, especially the 'lake above the ocean' illusion. The area around the waterfall also provides dramatic coastal scenery.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the dramatic cliffs and ocean views are impressive throughout the day, weather permitting.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the 'lake above the ocean' effect. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance sky colors.
Stand at the Trælanípa cliff and frame your shot carefully to emphasize the elevation difference between Sørvágsvatn lake and the Atlantic Ocean below.
Drone photography regulations in the Faroe Islands can be strict. Always check current local drone laws and respect any no-fly zones, especially around bird nesting areas.
Beyond the waterfall and Trælanípa, look for the basalt columns along the coast and the dramatic green mountains surrounding the lake. The changing weather can also create moody, atmospheric shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Bøsdalafossur: What to Expect
Due to the terrain, this hike is not recommended for very young children or individuals with mobility issues. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must to handle the slippery and uneven ground. The total round trip can take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend admiring the views. Remember to factor in the DKK 200 entrance fee, which is used for trail maintenance.
While the waterfall itself might not be the most voluminous, the dramatic setting of it plunging from the lake into the vast Atlantic Ocean is truly unique. The nearby Trælanípa cliff offers an iconic perspective, often referred to as the 'lake above the ocean,' which is a must-see for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Understanding the Bøsdalafossur Entrance Fee
It's important to be prepared to pay this fee upon arrival at the trailhead. While some visitors have expressed a desire for discounts during inclement weather, there are currently no official provisions for such reductions. The fee is generally applied regardless of the weather conditions on the day of your visit. Ensure you have cash (DKK) readily available, as card payment facilities may not always be available or convenient.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Bøsdalafossur
Beyond the famous viewpoint, the waterfall itself, especially when the lake is full, provides a dramatic subject. The rugged coastline, basalt cliffs, and the powerful ocean waves crashing below add to the photographic appeal. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sky and sea, and to manage reflections on the water. The weather in the Faroe Islands is constantly changing, so embrace the moody skies and dramatic light for unique and atmospheric shots.
When visiting, remember that the terrain can be slippery and uneven. Take your time, use a tripod for stability, and protect your gear from the elements. While drone photography can offer unique perspectives, always be aware of and adhere to local drone regulations to ensure responsible and legal operation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit