The insanely beautiful European lake that's ‘floating’ on top of the Atlantic Ocean

The world is full of beautiful lakes, but very few of them can be described as “floating on an ocean.” Nonetheless, a spot like that can be found between Iceland and Norway, and it's one of the most surreal sights you'll ever see.

Sørvágsvatn, also known as Leitisvatn, is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands and it’s famous for being a jaw-dropping optical illusion. When seen from the right angle, it looks like the lake is perched high above the ocean, as if it’s floating in the sky. The lake is located on Vágar, one of the islands in the North Atlantic archipelago that lies between Iceland and Norway. Although Sørvágsvatn only sits around 98 feet (30 metres) above sea level, its position above steep sea cliffs creates the perfect conditions for the illusion.

Visitors walking to the Trælanípa cliff on the southern side of the lake are treated to a view that seems to defy gravity.

From this spot, the lake appears completely disconnected from the ocean below.

But this mind-bending illusion is helped by another natural wonder, a stunning waterfall called Bøsdalafossur, which carries water from the lake down into the Atlantic Ocean.

The sudden drop in landscape tricks the brain into thinking the lake is suspended in mid-air.

According to the Faroe Islands’ official tourism site, the best way to experience the view is on foot.

A relatively easy hike starts near the village of Miðvágur, just a 4.3-mile (7 km) drive from Vágar Airport or 25 miles (40 km) from the capital, Tórshavn. The full round trip to the cliff and back is about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) and takes around 2.5 hours.

There are also longer circular walking routes, including one around the whole lake, which stretches about 13 miles (21 km).

The area is also popular for kayaking, giving visitors the chance to paddle on the so-called “floating lake.”

Along the way, hikers can spot oystercatchers, curlews, and enjoy the island’s rugged scenery.

Despite its remote location, the hike is suitable for most people, with only a small incline near the end.

According to the Guide to Faroe Islands, the lake covers an area of 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometres).

The best time to visit is in summer, when the weather is more stable and the longer daylight hours give tourists plenty of time to soak up the views. But even in winter, the landscape is jaw-dropping.