Lake Toftavatn

Lake Toftavatn is a freshwater lake in the nature-filled Faroe Islands. It lies between the villages of Toftir and Runavík on Eysturoy Island.

Lake Toftavatn is the fourth-largest lake in the Faroe Islands with a surface area of 0.5 square kilometres (0.19 square miles). It is among the most beautiful lakes in the Faroe Islands.

Walk Around Lake Toftavatn

Go for a stroll around the lake and enjoy the solitude and the rich birdlife. This is not a tourist hotspot, so you will most likely have it all to yourself.

Lake Toftavatn is seen as a true treasure by many locals. Rolling hills covered in heather create an enchanted setting that seems to have sprung from the pages of a fairy tale. When visitors first approach the lake from Runavík, they tend to stop in their tracks, mesmerised by the serene beauty before them.

The lake’s appeal spans all seasons. The 2-kilometre (1.24-mile) circuit walk around the northern part of the lake is easy to do year-round, even after a snowstorm. It usually takes around one hour to complete. Take your time and enjoy the otherworldly scenery. The unique landscape, with its carpet of heather and mirror-like water on calm days, creates views unlike anywhere else in the Faroe Islands.

Hike up Mount Húsklond

For those seeking to ramp up their adventure, the nearby Mount Húsklond (129 m / 423 ft) is well worth a short detour. Out of the 340 mountain summits in the Faroe Islands, this is the fourth lowest. Nevertheless, an impressive panorama unfolds from this low peak.

Skálafjørður Fjord stretches below with settlements such as Søldarfjørður and Saltangará, while a long peninsula leads the eye toward the village of Strendur. Across the water, Streymoy Island rises with the village of Kollafjørður nestled along its coast. The summit also provides excellent views of the village of Toftir and the surrounding low mountain ranges.

After taking in the mountaintop vistas, descend along the lake’s northern shore and complete the circle walk around the lake. Eventually, the village of Runavík welcomes you again.

Sveinur Tróndarson

Sveinur Tróndarson is a prominent figure in the Faroe Islands, known for his multifaceted contributions to local society, particularly in journalism, media, and culture. Born and raised in the settlement Skála on Eysturoy Island in the Faroe Islands, Tróndarson has been actively involved in shaping the public dialogue around everything from sports, politics to preserving local traditions. Sveinur holds a master’s degree in political science from the Univerity of the Faroe Islands. As a journalist, he has worked with key media outlets in the Faroe Islands, including the public broadcasting cooperation Kringvarp Føroya and as both chief editor and CEO at the newspaper Dimmalætting. His insights are valued and he is often used as an expert in news media. His commentary reflects a deep understanding of history, language, and the Faroe Island' place in the world. In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Tróndarson has taken the official tourism course in the Faroe Islands. Today, he also works as a tour guide.

Go to author