Perched precariously on a steep cliff above the ocean, Leitisvatn Lake has become one of the most visited attractions in the Faroe Islands.
Often described as a miraculous gift from nature, Leitisvatn Lake hovers between the sky and the sea, creating an astonishingly surreal beauty.
The lake exists with two names simultaneously, situated uniquely between the sky and the sea.
Leitisvatn Lake, also known as Sorvagsvatn, is located on Vagar Island. It is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, sitting between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Covering an area of 3.4 km2, Leitisvatn is three times larger than Fjallavatn, which is the second-largest lake in the Faroe Islands and is also located on Vagar Island.
The ethereal moment of Leitisvatn Lake from an aerial viewpoint.
What makes Leitisvatn unique is that it sits astonishingly close to the ocean. Aerial photographs often give the impression that water from the lake is about to cascade down into the sea like a waterfall.
Sometimes, when the lake overflows, it can create streams of water flowing down into the sea like a waterfall.
The optical illusion and the angle of the photographs can easily mislead viewers into thinking that the distance from the lake to the ocean is several hundred meters. In reality, the lake is only about 30 meters above sea level, surrounded by majestic cliffs. Therefore, the lake never fully drains into the sea, creating the illusion that it is suspended between the sky and the ocean.
Occasionally, when the lake fills beyond capacity, it creates streams that flow down into the sea below like waterfalls. The sight of the white water merging into the ocean creates an impressive moment that captivates visitors.
In the past, locals fiercely debated what to name the lake. Residents of Sorvagsvatn—one of the larger villages on Vagar Island—wanted to name the lake after their village. Conversely, the people from Miðvágur insisted on the name Leitisvatn. Since then, the lake has had two names simultaneously.
The stunning landscape of Leitisvatn Lake.
Currently, there are trails around Leitisvatn Lake that allow visitors to hike up the surrounding cliffs and hills. On one side, there’s the serene and clear lake, while below lies the crashing ocean waves, making Leitisvatn an exciting destination for those seeking adventure between the sky and the earth.
Moreover, if you love adventure, you can choose vantage points from the surrounding hills to enjoy the lake’s unique beauty.
