Vatnsoyrar

Vatnsoyrar is a small village next to Lake Leitisvatn in the wild Faroe Islands. The settlement is only a minute’s drive from Vágar Airport.

Vatnsoyrar is the only landlocked village in the Faroe Islands. It’s also one of the newest villages in the archipelago. It was founded in 1921 by three families from Sørvágur who settled there to cultivate the land.

In 1967, the Zarepta children’s and youth camp was founded in the village by Brøðrasamkoman, a Christian community that has its roots in the international Christian revivalist movement known as the Plymouth Brethren. It is the second-largest religious community in the Faroe Islands. Around 10% of the population is affiliated with 35 assemblies across the islands.

During the Second World War, the British Army occupied the Faroe Islands and established an important military base in Vatnsoyrar. The village still has many building remains from the war.

The settlement itself is modest – a collection of two-story homes rising gracefully in the landscape. What lies beyond Vatnsoyrar is a trail leading to the pristine Lake Fjallavatn and the thundering Reipsáfossur Waterfall.

Hiking in Vatnsoyrar

Vatnsoyrar serves as the portal to some of the Faroe Islands’ most gentle hiking terrain. Many travellers pass through this settlement when driving in the Faroe Islands. However, there are many hidden gems to be discovered beyond the unassuming village.

Please note that weather conditions in the Faroe Islands can change rapidly. Hence, proper preparation including checking the weather forecast is essential before setting out on a hike.

Hike to Lake Fjallavatn and Reipsáfossur Waterfall

Setting out from Vatnsoyrar, take the main road through the village and after about an hour’s walk, Lake Fjallavatn reveals itself. This is the second-largest lake in the Faroe Islands. It’s surrounded by mountains and feels far away from everything with no civilisation in sight.

The lake itself and the hike to it is rewarding in its own right. Nevertheless, make sure to continue along the trail on the lake’s northeastern shore and out to the coast for even more breathtaking views.

At the far end of the lake, you will encounter a river crossing that can be difficult to cross after rainfall. You may need to remove your shoes and wade over.

Continue to the river Reipsá and follow it to where it plunges into a cleft, forming the mighty Reipsáfossur Waterfall. Continue to the edge of the land for a view of a hidden black sand beach below the cliffs. Beyond the beach, you can see the abandoned village of Víkar.

If you’re looking for a longer and more challenging hike, you can continue towards Víkar.

The hike to the waterfall is 20 km (12.5 miles) for a return trip, and it takes around 6 hours. If you only hike to the end of the lake and back, it is 16 km (10 miles) and will take you around 4 hours for a return trip.

Hike to Miðvágur

From Vatnsoyrar, there is a nice hiking trail to the village of Miðvágur. This is one of the public historic cairn trails that villagers used for travelling before roads. It is an easy hike, reaching a maximum elevation of 190 m (623 ft). You will have beautiful views of Lake Leitisvatn and the famous Trælanípa Cliff along the route.

Start at Oyravegur in Vatnsoyrar and follow the trail southeast along the hillside. The trail is marked by cairns and is well-trodden. There are several small streams to cross, but they are all easy with several stepping stones.

Stay on the lower trail when paths split, and continue until the trail joins a gravel road. Turn left at the fork and continue towards Miðvágur.

The hike can be done in either direction. It is 4 km (2.5 miles) and takes 1-2 hours one way.

To return to your starting point, you can either hike back the same way or catch a bus.

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.

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