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How to Visit Lake Sørvágsvatn in the Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands Insider Guides
by Jessica Devnani Jul 3, 2017

THE FAROE ISLANDS are a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Iceland and Norway. Lake Sørvágsvatn is located on the island of Vágar and is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands. This lake appears to sit high above the ocean on a cliff. However, this is just an optical illusion. In reality, the lake is actually only about 90 feet above sea level, but its surrounding cliffs are higher which prevents the lake from emptying into the ocean.

How to get there

Atlantic Airways is the Faroe Islands’ national airline. They have direct flights from major destinations in Scandinavia, as well as elsewhere in Europe. Scandinavian Airlines also has a direct flight from Copenhagen. There are also ferries departing from Denmark and Iceland.

If flying, you will arrive in Vágar Airport, which is only about 3 miles from the lake. It is best to rent a car or even a campervan and explore the Faroe Islands by self-driving.

What you should consider

  • The weather on the Faroe Islands is mostly cool all year around. During summertime, the average temperature is 50°F, so pack accordingly. Weather can also change very abruptly so layers are a good idea!
  • It is wet a lot of the time, so always have a waterproof jacket on you. The rocks are also very slippery when wet, so if you plan to do any hiking in the area you will need a sturdy pair of shoes with slip-proof soles.
  • If you enjoy fishing, book a fishing tour on the lake. Sørvágsvatn is full of brown trout.

What it will cost

A flight from Europe will cost anywhere from $100-$250 one way, depending on the departure city and time of year. Once on the Faroe Islands, your main accommodation options are the hotels in the capital city of Tórshavn, which start at $100 or more per night.

For those on a budget, there are also 3 youth hostels with beds starting at roughly $40/night. Camping is also an option; however, it is against the law to freely camp in the open. You may camp only in designated camp grounds. Sites start at roughly $10/night.

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