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As I was walking along the banks of Lake Leitisvatn on my way back from a long hike across three mountains to get to the famous cliffs of Trælanípan at the edge of the lake, I spotted three kayaks on the lake.
I had never before considered kayaking on Leitisvatn – or in general on the Faroe Islands – but after thoroughly enjoying my first ever kayaking trip on Horsens Fjord back in July, I found myself wishing that it was me out on the lake.
So an idea started brewing. I looked up the price and it wasn’t bad at all, 200 DKK for two hours. Better yet, in off-season you can have the kayaks for the whole day for the same price! But kayaking alone doesn’t sound like much fun to me, so I wanted to wait until I found someone who would want to join! Well, a few weeks later, Lars and Mikael checked into the hostel and they were keen on joining me!
We booked the kayaks just before 11 pm the day before. Ten hours later, we were on our way in the bus to the lake. We got off just past Vatnsoyrar as I’d read somewhere that this was the starting point, but I soon remembered that I’d also read somewhere that Gróthustangi near Miðvágur is the starting point. The latter was correct. Frantically, we called the kayaking company and our instructor agreed to pick us up halfway as he needed to eat some breakfast first. I felt so guilty, but it all turned out perfect in the end, as Johanne turned up at Gróthustangi just as we arrived. She was going kayaking by herself, but we asked her to join us. So off we went, four Danes on the biggest lake on the Faroe Islands!
Johanne was the perfect addition to our little group, and we had such a fun time paddling through the calm waters of Leitisvatn. I was so happy to be back out kayaking, something I’d really missed since that trip around Horsens Fjord!
We took it slowly, enjoying the solitude broken only by our conversations as we headed towards the edge of the lake. Lars and Mikael hadn’t yet seen the popular area, so Johanne and I were their tour guides for the day.
We started on the southern side of the lake where the famous Trælanípan cliffs and the Bøsdalafossur Waterfall are. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to this spot, but it’s always wonderful to return as it truly deserves its popularity. Johanne and I had a great time showing Lars and Mikael around and taking them to all of our favourite viewpoints.
Leaving the touristy side behind, we paddled the short distance to the northern side of the lake, my favourite side which I explored a few weeks back for the first time. I was so glad to return as this area is truly one of my favourites on the Faroe Islands. It was wonderful to be able to share the joy.
I showed them my favourite viewpoint of the sea stack Geituskoradrangur and the most wonderful reflection of Ritubergsnøva in the lake, before heading down as close as possible to Bøsdalafossur, closer than I’ve ever been before. We ended the sightseeing tour at a small gorge and then headed back to the kayaks to paddle home.
I was sure the trip home would take about an hour as that was what it felt like when going over, but it didn’t even take half an hour. Distances on the barren Faroe Islands can be so hard to judge sometimes.
At the end of the trip, my arms were quite sore, and I was really glad we hadn’t started near Vatnsoyrar like I thought in the beginning! Instead of an easy 5 km paddle, that would’ve been at least 12 km!
Instead of a really easy 45-minute hike that costs 200 DKK, I think kayaking is a more fun and adventurous way to get to this popular destination – and for the same price! I would love to do more kayaking on the Faroe Islands, maybe on Lake Fjallavatn or even out on the ocean someday.
How to go kayaking on Lake Leitisvatn
WHERE TO BOOK = We booked our trip with Guide to Faroe Islands. They were helpful and punctual, and didn’t mind taking calls late at night!
PRICE = The price has been updated to 300 DKK per person for two hours, although in off-season it’s likely that you can have the kayaks for the whole day as they probably won’t be booked by anyone, but just ask the instructor!
STARTING POINT = The trip starts at Gróthustangi, the collection of small stone-built houses with turf roofs just outside Miðvágur.
INSTRUCTIONS = You will get thorough instructions on how to use the kayak and where to go before you set off. Don’t worry about safety – the kayaks are very stable and easy to use. Have fun!
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