Sørvágsvatn/Trælanípa Hike
Witness the surreal 'lake above the ocean' illusion from the dramatic Trælanípa cliffs on Vágar Island. A must-see Faroe Islands natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Essential for the iconic views
Sørvágsvatn/Trælanípa Hike
Best Time
Essential for the iconic views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the surreal 'lake above the ocean' illusion from the dramatic Trælanípa cliffs on Vágar Island. A must-see Faroe Islands natural wonder.
"Incredible views all the way to the iconic viewpoint, which made the steep price of 200kr almost worth it."
Pay the Entry Fee 💰
The hike costs 450 DKK. Pay at the office near the parking lot.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The path can be muddy and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Sørvágsvatn / Trælanípa
Vágar Island
Witness the surreal 'lake above the ocean' illusion from the Trælanípa cliffs. A truly unique natural wonder.
Bøsdalafossur Waterfall
End of Sørvágsvatn
A beautiful waterfall cascading from the lake directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Best viewed after rain.
Coastal Cliffs
Trælanípa
Perpendicular cliffs offering dramatic, sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Be mindful of the wind.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Fee Structure
Weather is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pay the Entry Fee 💰
The hike costs 450 DKK. Pay at the office near the parking lot.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The path can be muddy and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must.
Bring Snacks & Water 🍎
There's a small shop, but it's wise to pack your own.
Be Cautious Near Cliffs :warning:
The edges are steep and can be windy. Stay on marked paths.
Visited Sørvágsvatn in the Faroe Islands and proceeded to have my socks knocked off.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pay the Entry Fee 💰
The hike costs 450 DKK. Pay at the office near the parking lot.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The path can be muddy and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must.
Bring Snacks & Water 🍎
There's a small shop, but it's wise to pack your own.
Be Cautious Near Cliffs :warning:
The edges are steep and can be windy. Stay on marked paths.
Check the Weather Forecast :cloud:
Crucial for enjoying the views and staying safe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the unique 'lake above the ocean' illusion at Trælanípa, calling it one of the most iconic landscapes in the Faroe Islands. The dramatic cliff views and the scenic hike along the lake are major highlights. However, the steep entry fee and the sometimes unmaintained trail conditions, particularly the final ascent, are frequently cited drawbacks.
"Trælanípa is a perpendicular cliff on Vágar Island in the unexplored Faroe Islands. The cliff treats travellers to one of the most spectacular nature attractions in the Faroe Islands.
It is also very well known as “Lake above the Ocean” because it looks like the lake is floating above the Atlantic Ocean which is just below.
From Trælanípa Cliff, in English the Slave Cliff, you can see the freshwater Lake Leitisvatn.
You will find the trailhead to Trælanípa Cliff very close to Vagar Airport. It takes 5 minutes to drive from the airport to where the path starts. The trailhead is located next to the village Miðvágur. Once you see the centrally located church in Miðvágur, you are very close. There is a parking lot beside a small shed from where you set off. There are signs in Miðvágur pointing you in the direction of the shed.
As you will be in the great outdoors for around three hours, you might want to bring some snacks with you. There are grocery stores and a gas station in the village Miðvágur located 1 kilometres (0.6 miles) from the trailhead.
The ticket is 200 DKK per person.
#faroeislands #vagar #lakeabovetheocean #hiking #cliffs"
Stefano Prina
"Visited May 2025. This was our last hike in the Faroe Islands before we left. Two magical weeks ending on a high note. There is a nice big parking lot available. You can pay your hiking fee in the office. They also have a gift shop with food and drinks. There were some cattle at the beginning of the hike like 10 ft away from the path which was really cool to see. The hike is longer than others, but it is relatively flat getting out to the viewpoints. It is a dirt and rock path with rolling little hills. There are a couple water runoff paths to traverse but you won't get wet. You hike along the lake, so there are plenty of old houses and graves to see on your way. At the viewpoints at the end, you will need to hike a steep incline to get up to the top. The views are amazing. There was little rain in the two weeks we were there, so the waterfall wasn't flowing. We still went down to see it. There are a bunch of large rocks to hike around to get there. I would walk west to try and get the best viewpoint of the falls. If you walk right to the falls the view is clipped."
Josh H
"Incredible views all the way to the iconic viewpoint, which made the steep price of 200kr almost worth it. I say almost as the trails were not fully maintained, especially towards the end. The hike up the hill to the viewpoint was a bit strenuous for the casual hiker, and it took us 1 hour to reach."
Justina Chua
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is conveniently located near Vágar Airport, just a 5-minute drive away. It's situated next to the village of Miðvágur. Look for signs pointing to the parking lot near a small shed where the hike begins.
Yes, there is a nice, large parking lot available at the trailhead, making it easy to start your hike.
While public transport exists in the Faroe Islands, it might be less direct to reach this specific trailhead. Renting a car or taking a taxi from the airport is generally the most convenient option.
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate, with a gentle, flat path for most of the way. However, there is a steep incline at the very end to reach the main viewpoints.
Many visitors find renting a car to be the most flexible way to explore the Faroe Islands, allowing easy access to trailheads like Trælanípa.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for the Trælanípa hike is 450 DKK per person. This fee contributes to trail maintenance.
You can pay the hiking fee in the office located at the trailhead, near the parking lot.
Yes, farmers are authorized to issue fines of up to 1000 DKK if you are found trespassing on their land. It's essential to pay the fee and stay on the marked path.
Information on advance ticket purchases is limited. It's generally recommended to pay the fee upon arrival at the trailhead office.
The fee is intended to help maintain the trails, which can be challenging due to their natural state and weather conditions. +1
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is mostly flat and easy, following the lake. The final ascent to the cliff edge is steep, requiring some effort.
The hike typically takes around 3 hours round-trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the path can be muddy and uneven. Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly and it gets windy at the cliffs.
There is a parking lot and an office where you can pay the fee. Some reviews mention a gift shop with food and drinks available.
You'll see the stunning Lake Sørvágsvatn, old houses and graves, and the dramatic Trælanípa cliffs. The Bøsdalafossur waterfall is also a key sight.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Aim for clear weather days. The 'lake above the ocean' illusion is most striking when the light is good and the sky is not completely overcast.
Position yourself on the Trælanípa cliffs to get the perspective where the lake appears to be floating above the sea. Experiment with different angles.
The main viewpoint at Trælanípa offers the iconic perspective. For the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, walk west from the falls for a less obstructed view.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help manage the bright light and enhance the blues of the sky and ocean.
Exercise extreme caution. The cliffs are steep and can be very windy. Stay well back from the edge and never lean over for a photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to emphasize safety, especially near the cliff edges, and ensure children stay on marked paths. Bringing plenty of snacks and water is recommended, as facilities are limited. The unique 'lake above the ocean' view is sure to captivate younger imaginations, making it a memorable outing if approached with appropriate preparation.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, ensure you visit on a day with the best possible weather to fully appreciate the iconic scenery. Packing your own food and drinks from a local grocery store in Miðvágur before you start can save money on any available refreshments at the trailhead.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Lake Above the Ocean' Illusion
To best appreciate and photograph this, aim for a day with good lighting. The contrast between the calm lake and the vast ocean below is what makes this view so iconic. Be prepared for wind, as it's a common feature on these exposed cliffs, which can add to the dramatic atmosphere of your photos.
While the hike itself is relatively straightforward for much of its length, the final approach to the cliff edge requires careful footing. The reward for this effort is an unforgettable vista that has become a signature image of the Faroe Islands.
Understanding the Hike's Terrain and Conditions
However, the final section leading to the main viewpoints involves a steep incline. This part can be challenging for casual hikers and requires good balance and stamina. The path can also become muddy and unmaintained, especially after rain, making sturdy, waterproof footwear essential.
Given the exposed nature of the landscape, wind is a constant factor. Visitors should always be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain and strong gusts, which can impact both the hiking experience and the clarity of the views.
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