HomeEuropeLeitisvatn Lake – The Mind-Blowing Lake Hanging Over the Ocean
Leitisvatn Lake – The Mind-Blowing Lake Hanging Over the Ocean
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The Leitisvatn Lake is one of the most breathtaking sights you must see in your life. It is only a short hike away from this stunning, dramatic, and magical place. Leitisvatn Lake, also known as Lake Sorvagsvatn, is located in the northern part of Vagar, an island in the Danish archipelago of the Faroe Islands.
The Leitisvatn Lake is known for its unique position on the Atlantic, close to a precipice from which it appears to overlook the ocean as it sits on a rocky plateau. This is actually a magnificent optical illusion. Combined with its elongated shape and wonderful light play, it creates an illusion of a surreal inclination to the human eye. Leitisvatn Lake is also called “Hanging Lake” and is an illusion-causing lake.
An area of 1.5 square miles makes up this natural beauty, which is the largest in the archipelago. In comparison, its area is three times larger than Fjallavatn, which is the second-largest lake in Vágar. Despite its appearance, it is only 40 meters above sea level. Its outlet is covered with a higher cliff, which prevents it from emptying fully into the ocean. There are two opposite shores of this lake and they have competed to name it according to its suggestive natural phenomenon.
Locals disagree on the lake’s name. Those who live in Sørvágur to the west prefer Sørvágsvatn, which means “the lake by Sørvágur”. The peoples of Miðvágur and Sandavágur call it Leitisvatn, which means “the lake by Leiti”, referring to the territory on the east side of it. The locals refer to it as Vatnið (the lake), which refers to that body of water. Therefore a heated debate could not agree.
As part of World War II, the British army built an airfield west of the lake (now known as Vágar). Seaplanes were also supported by a station. Leitisvatn Lake is one of the most fascinating and spectacular landscapes on the planet, a lake that seems to hover above the ocean. For years, photographers and nature lovers have been drawn to Lake Sorvagsvatn because of its beauty and optical illusion.
The Faroe Islands’ pristine and wild paradise can only offer this breathtaking lake, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. The Leitisvatn Lake offers opportunities to catch brown trout. Boat excursions were organized in 2005 as part of a local initiative to make it a tourist spot. Visit this beautiful natural site if you have the time and opportunity. You won’t regret it.