Lakes in Iceland

Hafravatn is a shallow freshwater lake just outside Reykjavik, popular with locals for fishing and birdwatching year-round. The area around it offers easy walking paths and peaceful views away from the city bustle, making it a good spot for a quiet afternoon if you want nature without traveling far from the capital. In winter, the lake sometimes freezes over enough for ice fishing.

Ljótipollur is a crater lake in the highlands southeast of Landmannalaugar, sitting at around 600 meters elevation in a dramatic volcanic landscape. The name means "ugly pool," though the surrounding scenery of red and black volcanic rock, with views across the colorful rhyolite mountains, draws hikers year-round during summer. It's typically reached as part of a day walk or longer trek through the area, offering a tangible sense of Iceland's geothermal and volcanic geology up close.

Hnausapollur is a small crater lake in the Landmannalaugar highlands, known for its striking deep blue waters that contrast sharply with the colorful rhyolite mountains surrounding it. The lake sits at about 640 meters elevation and is accessible by the main trail through Landmannalaugar, making it a natural stopping point for hikers exploring the geothermal landscape. The vibrant mineral-rich soils and steam vents in the area create an otherworldly setting that showcases Iceland's volcanic geology.