In a Europe increasingly invaded by tourism and almost without virgin areas, one of the continent’s greatest treasures can be found. These are the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago that belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. Located in the North Atlantic, 250 kilometers north of Scotland, halfway between Iceland and Norway, they form an archipelago of 18 islands, of which 17 are inhabited. What stands out the most is the presence of wildlife, as well as its stunning landscapes.
One of its most well-known attractions is the Sørvágsvatn or Leitisvatn lake, located on the island of Vágar, which sits atop a cliff, creating a unique optical illusion. It is a lake without outlets to the ocean, only to waterfalls like Bøsdalafossur, which flow directly into the Atlantic. This lake is located within the municipalities of Sørvágur and Vágar, where the only airport of the islands is found, making it a must-stop for tourists. In addition to the views, visitors can engage in various outdoor activities, making it a major tourist attraction.
Faroe Islands
The archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, between Iceland and Norway, 250 km north of Scotland, is one of Europe’s gems. Belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark, it consists of 18 volcanic islands, of which 17 are inhabited. They are connected by road tunnels, ferries, elevated walkways, and bridges. The mountains, valleys, moorlands, and steep cliffs that host thousands of seabirds attract hikers and birdwatchers from all over the world. A perfect combination of volcanic mountains, sea, green meadows, and nature.
Optical illusion
The island of Vágar hosts one of the most distinctive places in the islands: the Sørvágsvatn or Leitisvatn lake, the largest of all the islands. If you have never seen it, you might not understand where the majesty of a lake could be, but this has nothing to do with anything you have seen so far. It is located on the top of a cliff, creating the optical illusion of floating above the ocean. It has no outlets except for waterfalls like Bøsdalafossur, which flows directly into the Atlantic.
Sørvágsvatn
It is a lake with an average depth of 2.5 m, although it can reach a maximum of 59 meters. With an area of 3.4 square kilometers, it extends approximately 6 km long and 800 m wide, and is located 32 meters above sea level. It belongs to the municipalities of Sørvágur and Vágar, where the only airport of the islands is located, making it a must-stop for all tourists.
Lake Attractions
The views and scenery offered by the lake should be attractive enough for those who know how to appreciate it. Nevertheless, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, camping, and fishing. However, the main attraction is enjoying the lake’s outflow to the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, plunging 30 meters into the Atlantic. To enjoy this gift of nature, you need to take a 45-minute to 1-hour hike to the viewpoint.
Effects of mass tourism
This type of landscape becomes almost unique. Not just because of the impressive views, the scenery, the natural phenomena it offers us, or the presence of wildlife in its natural habitat, although all of that alone already has incalculable value. It is a unique place because it barely has any human impact. It offers a natural, primitive, and raw beauty over which humans have had absolutely no influence.
This is increasingly difficult to find, both in Europe and elsewhere in the world due to the massification of tourism. When a unique place becomes fashionable, it stops being unique and begins to suffer the consequences of tourism. That is why it is important to take care of the few natural landscapes that remain, being respectful and careful during visits, passing through these places as if we did not want nature to notice we are there, impacting as little as possible.