Reipsáfossur Waterfall

Reipsáfossur Waterfall is a remote attraction in the far-flung Faroe Islands. Located far away from the crowds on Vágar Island, this place brings solitude to adventurous travellers.

Getting to this attraction takes some hours on foot. Next to Vágar Airport lies the village of Vatnsoyrar. Find your way first to Vatnsoyrar and from there further into the valley northwest of the village.

The Hike to Reipsáfossur Waterfall

After around 30 minutes on foot from Vatnsoyrar, you will get to Lake Fjallavatn. The trail winds along the northeastern shore of Fjallavatn, the second-largest lake in the Faroe Islands. Continue further afield and you get to the Botnáin river. This river can be a bit of a challenge as it can be tricky to cross with no bridge to get you to the other side. You may want to remove your boots and wade through the cool water.

Once across, you will soon meet the river Reipsá. Follow the course of the river along its north bank through the flat Norð á Munna valley. At the end of the river, it transforms into the dramatic Reipsáfossur Waterfall. Cascading into a cleft and sending up mist as it tumbles toward the sea, the waterfall marks the dramatic boundary where the valley meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Views from Reipsáfossur Waterfall

As you approach the edge of the valley, the landscape changes dramatically. A sheer wall of rugged peaks and valleys suddenly appears, forming an incredible backdrop. From the waterfall, looking west, you will catch sight of a secluded black sand beach, constantly pounded by the pristine North Atlantic waves and full of driftwood. This is also where the abandoned settlement Víkar comes into view. You are very far away from it all when standing here. The closest settlement to this place is another abandoned settlement, Slættanes.

As you watch the power of Reipsáfossur Waterfall and the otherworldly views from this place, you are some 80 metres (262 feet) above sea level. This vantage point rewards you with some of the most serene views of the Faroe Islands. The crowd-less black sand beach stretches out below, untouched by time.

Fríða Weihe

Fríða Weihe is Faroese born and bred. She grew up in Tórshavn, the capital in the Faroe Islands. Graduated from Glasir Tórshavn College within Marketing Management, Fríða did her internship at Guide to Faroe Islands. Fríða has since then continued working within travel and tourism ensuring a high quality all way through.

Go to author