Vágar Island and Floating Lake Hike from Torshavn

Vágar Island, gateway to the western Faroe Islands

Vágar is the third-largest island of the Faroe Islands and the first one many visitors see, because the islands' only airport lies here. From Torshavn the van crosses Streymoy and dives into the Vágatunnilin, a subsea tunnel of almost five kilometres opened in 2002, which runs beneath the sound between the two islands. The scenic drive takes about 45 minutes and passes fjords, sheep pastures and small fishing villages.

On Vágar you drive through the villages of Sandavágur and Miðvágur and past the airport on the way to the west coast. Your guide explains how people have farmed and fished here since the Viking age, and how tunnels and bridges changed island life in recent decades. It is the perfect introduction to a Vágar Island tour before the walking begins, and a chance to spot oystercatchers, the national bird.

Gásadalur and Múlafossur waterfall

Gásadalur is a tiny village on a green ledge above the sea, surrounded by some of the highest mountains on Vágar. Until a road tunnel was opened in the early 2000s, the only way in was a steep path over the mountain, which villagers used for the post and supplies. Today a short walk from the parking area leads to the viewpoint that has become one of the most famous images of the Faroe Islands.

From there you watch Múlafossur waterfall pour off the edge of the clifftop straight into the ocean, with the grass-roofed houses of the village above and steep peaks behind. It is especially beautiful in soft evening light, but impressive in any weather. You have time for photos while your guide shares the history of the village; keep to the marked path, as the cliff edges are unfenced.

Leitisvatn and the hike to Trælanípan

Leitisvatn, also called Sørvágsvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, stretching about six kilometres towards the southern cliffs of Vágar. The Trælanípan hike follows its eastern shore from Miðvágur on a mostly gentle path across open moorland, roughly an hour each way, with grazing sheep, nesting birds and wide views over the water. The landowners charge a hiking fee to maintain the trail, and it is included in this tour.

At the end the path rises to the top of Trælanípan, a cliff about 142 metres high above the ocean. From here comes the famous floating lake view: seen from the right angle, the lake appears to sit high above the sea. Trælanípan means slave cliff, and legend says that in Viking times disobedient slaves were pushed from its edge. On clear days you can also see several of the southern islands.

Bøsdalafossur waterfall and Geituskorardrangur sea stack

Just beyond the viewpoint, Leitisvatn empties into the sea through Bøsdalafossur, a waterfall about 30 metres high that tumbles from the end of the lake straight into the North Atlantic. Standing on the grassy slope beside it, you hear the roar of the water meeting the waves below, and in windy weather the spray is blown back up towards the cliff. It is one of the few places in the world where a lake drains directly into the ocean in this way.

Offshore stands Geituskorardrangur, a slender freestanding sea stack rising from the water, a favourite subject for photographers. Your guide chooses safe spots for photos, away from the crumbling edges, and explains Faroese folklore and the birdlife of the cliffs, where fulmars and gulls glide on the updrafts. After time to enjoy the view, you walk back along the lake and return by van to Torshavn.