Perched precariously on the steep cliffs above the sea, Leitisvatn Lake has become the most notable attraction in the Faroe Islands.
Often described as a miraculous gift from nature, Leitisvatn Lake sits nestled between the sky and the ocean, creating an incredibly surreal beauty.
The lake exists with two names simultaneously, located in a unique position 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, situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. With an area of 3.4 km2, Leitisvatn is three times larger than Fjallavatn, the second-largest lake in the Faroe Islands, which is also on Vagar Island.
The ethereal beauty of Leitisvatn Lake from an aerial perspective.
A remarkable feature of Leitisvatn is its astonishing proximity to the ocean. Photographs taken from above give the impression that the water from the lake could cascade down into the sea at any moment.
At times, when the lake’s water exceeds its capacity, it flows down into the sea like a waterfall.
The optical illusions and angle of photography can easily mislead viewers into thinking 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. Thus, the lake’s water never fully spills over, creating the sensation of being suspended between the sky and the sea.
Occasionally, when the lake is full, it creates streams that flow into the ocean below like waterfalls. The sight of the white water merging with the ocean creates an impressive moment that captivates visitors.
In the past, locals fiercely debated the naming of the lake. The residents of Sorvagsvatn, one of the larger villages on Vagar Island, wanted to name the lake after their village, while the people from Miðvágur preferred the name Leitisvatn. Since then, the lake has been known by both names.
The spectacular scenery of Leitisvatn Lake.
Currently, there are paths around Leitisvatn Lake on the cliffs and hills for visitors to hike. On one side, you have the serene and clear lake, and on the other, the ocean’s waves crashing, making Leitisvatn a fascinating destination for those looking to “adventure” between sky and land.
Additionally, if you’re an adventure seeker, you can choose viewpoints from the surrounding hills to admire the unique beauty of this lake.
