Hiking at the lake Sørvágsvatn, Faröer

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blessed with nice weather we make our way to Sørvágsvatn, where the largest lake of the Faroe Islands extends into the ocean

Sometimes, in the middle of British winter, I comfort myself that at least I'm not on Cotopaxi. At least I'm not on Cotopaxi. Our glacier hike in 2015 at the Cotopaxi volcano was probably the coldest I've ever done. My fingers were immobile and my feet were chunks of ice, and yet we continued to trudge through rain, porridge and snow.

followed by the memory of this test drive, I put on a base layer, a middle class, a light fleece, a thick fleece and a waterproof jacket before our hike to Sørvágsvatn-See. After all, we were on the Faroe Islands that are hardly known for summer sun.

This remote collection of 18 islands is about halfway between Iceland and Norway in the Atlantic Ocean. His untamed beauty promises a lot - adventure, seclusion, mystery and drama - but sun is not one of them.

Fortunately, we arrived in good weather, perfect for hiking on Lake Sørvágsvatn. We drove 40 km from the capital Tórshavn to Sørvágsvatn on the neighboring island of Vágar. Wrapped up in all my layers I got out of the car and was pretty sure I would keep all my fingers.

We entered through a gate that marked the starting point and were greeted by a local. We had read that the Färinger are a stoic bunch and did the words and silence to the small talk. As such we nodded hello.

As it turned out, he did not greet us because of that; There was now an entry fee and he was there to collect it.

Alt = “Hiking at the See Sørvágsvatn”> Atlas & Boots View on the hike along Lake Sørvágsvatn

We learned that hiking on Sørvágsvatn-See would cost us 200 DKK per person-rather painful $ 30 per person-what makes it the most expensive day hike that we have ever done. The path leads through private land and is one of several on the Faroe Islands with hiking restrictions and mandatory fees. Doesn't matter. We were on the Faroe Islands that are not for nothing.

We set off, a simple 45-minute walk along the lip of the lake. With more than 6 km length, the Sørvágsvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands. His awareness could explain why it is also a source of disputes. The locals in the area do not agree on the name of the lake.

The residents of Sørvágur in the west prefer Sørvágsvatn, which means "the lake near Sørvágur", while the residents in the east of Leitisvatn prefer what "the lake at LeiTi" means. The tourism association uses both tactfully.

Alt = “Hiking-Sørvágsvatn-Sehaus-2 ″> Atlas & Boots A lonely dwelling on the lake Sørvágsvatn

We went through picturesque peat meadows towards Trælanípa (slave rock), a vertical rock wall that rustles 142 m from the sea. Trælanípa is said to have earned its name in the Viking era, as unwanted slaves were pushed off the wall and exposed to the sea.

The headland at Trælanípa is famous for her view of "the lake above the ocean". Photographed in a certain way, it looks as if the lake Sørvágsvatn is upgraded to the cliffs high above the ocean. In truth, it is behind the cliff, only 30-40 m higher than the sea.

alt = “hike at the lake sørvágsvatn”> Shutterstock The famous view of "the lake above the ocean"

The high cliffs around the Sørvágsvatn See prevent it from fluid in the North Atlantic, except for the Bøsdalafossur waterfall. Here is the literal meeting point of a lake and an ocean.

Apart from the charming parrot diving in Mykines, the hike to the Sørvágsvatn-See was the climax of our trip, which alleviated the sting of the fee.

Alt = “The Bøsdalafossur waterfall flows into the ocean”> Atlas & Boots The Bøsdalafossur waterfall flows into the ocean

After going the lake lengthy, Peter now wanted to go the width (as it is in his nature). Rotten rocks and huge boulders formed a natural dam, and so we made our way to the other side.

"Are you sure that we are allowed to do that?" I asked and chose a careful way. "Of course," said Peter, carefree as always. "It was on the menu," he said confidently.

On the other hand, I crouched between two rocks in a trough and looked for protection against the wind, while Peter took more photos. At one point he was dangerously close to losing his tripod above the edge of the cliff.

  • Alt = "Beautiful but treeless view of the Faroe Islands"> Beautiful, but treeless
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It didn't take long for us to trace our route back over the dam and hit the official way again. It got sunnier and I started to take off my layers. On the Faroe Islands, putting on and taking layers must be a national pastime in view of the constantly changing weather. This can be a bit exhausting, but the Faroe Islands are worth the additional effort.

These wild islands exceed the hype and pulsate with the legend of the Viking blood. Deep valleys without trees, wave -whelled land tongues and steep cliffs conjure up traditions and myths. We don't know if we will come back, but we will definitely try all your strength.

hiking at the lake Sørvágsvatn: Tips

  • The weather can change abruptly, so make sure you pack layers
  • Remember that the hike costs 200 DKK ($ 30) per person
  • stop at the fuel at Trælanípa to enjoy the famous view of "the lake above the ocean"
  • be careful on the edges, since it can suddenly become windy
  • Visit the nearby Trollkunfinger after a hike on the See Sørvágsvatn

hiking at the lake Sørvágsvatn: The most important

Was: hiking at the Sørvágsvatn on the Faroe Islands.

Where: We stayed in The Old Millar House, a charming house, 1 km from the city center. The cottage is warm and cozy with a traditional peat roof and access to a grotto -like garden.

There is a beach just a few meters away (although it could be too cool to swim!) And the Sandá river flows practically right on the doorstep. If you want to get to know the nightlife of the Faroe Islands, you may want to live closer to the center, but for those who like to retreat to cozy evenings, the Old Millar House is an excellent option.

Click here to get a discount on your first stay at Airbnb, or find an alternative accommodation via Booking.com. 

  Booking.com
 

 When: The best time to travel for the Faroe Islands is from May to September.  The late spring brings long days (perfect for hiking), wildflowers and of course parrot divers.  From mid -June to mid -August, the parrot divers flock to nesting.  For two weeks on both sides you will probably still see some. 


 like: hiking at the See Sørvágsvatn costs 200 DKK ($ 30) per person.  Hikers can pay the fee with a card or cash on arrival.  The price includes a tea or coffee in the Portcabin at the starting point.  There are also toilets on site. 


 We rented a car at 62 ° N Car Rental and navigated with "Sørvágsvatn" in Google Maps to the starting point of the hiking trail.  Driving on the Faroe Islands is uncomplicated, the streets are in good condition, easy to navigate and rarely drive up.  There are free parking spaces at all important sights.  The parking lot on Sørvágsvatn can be reached via a short piece of gravel path.  Read our guidelines for driving on the Faroe Islands for more information. 


 We flew to the Faroe Islands with Atlantic Airways.  Book flights over Skyscanner. 


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 Mission statement: Atlas & Boots 


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