The Faroe Islands’ Floating Lake is One of many Most Magical Optical Illusions

By most requirements around the globe, a 1.31-square-mile lake could not appear to be a giant deal. However not solely is Lake Sørvágsvatn the most important within the Faroe Islands, it additionally makes guests query their perspective, fairly actually, due to an optical phantasm that makes the physique of water seem to “float” above the ocean.

Situated on Vágar, one of many 18 islands that makes up the Danish archipelago between Iceland and Scotland, the lake sits comparatively calmly among the many rolling inexperienced hills that result in dramatic rock formations. 

However catch the angle good and also you’ll instantly perceive why the location has been dubbed “the lake above the ocean.” Actually talking, that nickname may be right for the reason that lake’s waters do movement out to the Atlantic Ocean. What’s so mind-boggling is that the way in which the point of view comes collectively to make it seem as if Lake Sørvágsvatn, also called Leitisvatn, is actually hovering above the ocean.

Very similar to Firefall in Yosemite, the place the daylight displays by means of Horsetail Waterfall and makes it appear to be it’s flaming, or Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the place the sheets of white confuse the views of distance and sizes, the Faroe Islands’ personal visible trickery is solely all about angles and sightlines.

On the finish of the lake is a 98.4-feet-high waterfall referred to as Bøsdalafossur working over the sting to the Atlantic Ocean, virtually like nature’s model of an infinity pool. Including to the drama is the ocean stack Geituskoradrangur that may also be seen from the identical aspect because the falls. 

The hike out the point of view is a straightforward path that takes between 45 minutes to an hour to achieve Trælanípa mountain. A climbing price is required on the sales space close to the trailhead on the primary gate.

Whereas strolling alongside the pathways will make you’re feeling utterly enveloped by the good outdoor, it’s really in shut proximity to the island’s requirements, together with being a few five-minute drive from Vagar Airport and the trailhead being adjoining to the village of Miðvágur.