The Faroe Islands boast the greatness of Sørvágsvatn o Leitisvatn, the largest lake in the region, offering stunning views. Spanning a vast expanse of 3,56 km², with an average depth of 2,5 m and a staggering maximum depth of 59 m, the surrounding landscape attracts admiration from every angle, deepening affinity for the natural world.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Lake Sørvágsvatn, its magic, its landscapes and much more.
Sørvágsvatn Lake
One of the most notable aspects of the lake is its unique location above sea level (32 m above sea level), with impressive cliffs on one side and an impressive 30 m high waterfall on the other, which flows directly into the lake. Atlantic Ocean.
In the western part of the archipelago, south of the island of Vágar, It is a shared territory between the municipalities of Sørvágur and Vágar. Towards the northern limit, near the geographical midpoint of the island, is the town of Vatnsoyrar. On the south side, the lake flows into the well-known Bøsdalafossur waterfall.
Routes for tourists
You can experience the impressive emerald landscapes of the circular hiking trail, which covers approximately 3 kilometers, and takes you to the serene lake. As you continue along the trail, you will be captivated by the green landscape that surrounds you. For a stunning vantage point, venture onto the upper trail, which offers a panoramic view of the lake and the charming town of Miðvágur in the distance.
However, the journey does not end there. Follow the trail to reach Trælanípa, an imposing rock formation that reaches an impressive 142 meters above sea level. Its intriguing name, “Slave Mountain,” dates back to Viking times, as it is believed that slaves were once taken from its highest peak.
Sørvágur Lake is commonly referred to by locals as Sørvágsvatn, as it translates to “Sørvágur Lake.” The inhabitants of Miðvágur, on the other hand, They prefer the term Leitisvatn, since the eastern coast area is recognized as Leiti. However, among all the inhabitants of the island the name Vatnið is also used, which simply means "the lake."
Legends and myths
The locals of this idyllic paradise share two stories deeply rooted in Faroese folklore. The first narrative revolves around the mystical Huldufólk, ethereal beings who reside within ancient stone mounds. Legend has it that a priest once sealed one of her dwellings, but the haunting echoes of her painful cries persist to this day. Such is the belief in this charming story that the initial paths of the archipelago They were meticulously built to circumvent these sacred rocks.
There is another story, even more sinister than the previous one, that speaks of a being that resides in the depths of the lake. This entity is known as Nykur or Nix, and assumes the appearance of a magnificent equine creature, luring unsuspecting individuals to ride it, only to meet their disappearance beneath the waters. It is said that speaking his name takes away his power, causing him to disappear without a trace.
Origin and geology of Lake Sørvágsvatn
The origin and geological characteristics of Lake Sørvágsvatn add more curiosities to this natural corner of the Faroe Islands. There are different interactions of geological forces that have shaped this impressive landscape.
During the last Ice Age, which encompassed an extensive period of time from approximately 2.4 million years ago to about 11,700 years ago, glaciers played a crucial role in forming the topography of the Faroe Islands. The ice mass, advancing and retreating over thousands of years, carved out valleys, mountains and depressions, and the depression that now houses Lake Sørvágsvatn is thought to have originated during this process.
The geological particularity of the region is manifested in the separation between the lake and the Atlantic Ocean. Although the lake is located at a relatively high altitude, the peninsula surrounding it has steep cliffs that descend towards the sea. This contrast creates the illusion that the lake is suspended over the ocean, a phenomenon that captures the attention of observers and arouses curiosity about the forces that gave rise to this unique configuration.
In terms of geological composition, the rocks surrounding Lake Sørvágsvatn offer clues to the history of the region. On the Vágar peninsula, where the lake is located, basaltic rocks predominate, common in many volcanic areas. These rocks were formed from the solidification of basaltic lava during past volcanic eruptions.
The geological environment of the Faroe Islands, in general, is a testament to the tectonic and volcanic activity that has shaped the region over the eons. The combination of geological processes, from glacial activity to the formation of basalts, has converged to create the majestic scenery that characterizes Lake Sørvágsvatn.
At present, the interaction between the lake and the Atlantic Ocean through the Bøsdalafossur waterfall adds dynamism to the ecology of the area. This constant flow of water, descending from the lake towards the sea, contributes to the circulation of nutrients and biodiversity in the surrounding area.
Some curiosities
A peculiarity of Lake Sørvágsvatn is its direct connection to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its calm and secluded appearance, the lake flows directly into the sea via the Bøsdalafossur waterfall. This phenomenon creates a spectacular sight, as the water flows from the lake towards the ocean in an impressive leap, breaking with the serenity of the surrounding landscape.
The fauna that lives in and around the lake also provides its share of curiosities. Sørvágsvatn is home to several species of waterfowl, like seagulls and ducks, who find refuge in its calm waters. Additionally, fishing is a popular activity on the lake, with trout being a top target for local and visiting anglers.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about Lake Sørvágsvatn, its origin and its characteristics.