Meet the Traelanipa “slave” cliffs of the Faroe Islands

Traelanipa cliffs in the Faroe Islands

Located on the island of Vagar in the Faroe Islands, Denmark, is the beautiful Traelanipa cliffs. This chasm is the westernmost and widest in the islands.

The lake above the ocean — also known as “Flying Lake” — starts from the shores of Sorvagsvatn Lake and juts out to the steep cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean. Sea caves are just visible below.

Faroe Islands lake effect

The dramatic plunge serves as an optical illusion, however. The lake stands only 100 feet above sea level. But don’t tell this to the countless slaves thrown off the steep cliffs.

Traelanipa cliffs translate to “Slave Cliff.”

It used to be the site where Viking settlers would push disobedient slaves, mostly women from Ireland and Scotland, down 466 feet into the sea.

One can take a 40-minute hike to the top of the cliffs and stare down into the abyss for a magical view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Traelanipa cliffs in the Faroe Islands
Traelanipa cliffs in the Faroe Islands
Traelanipa cliffs in the Faroe Islands
Traelanipa cliffs in the Faroe Islands