South IcelandLargest lake
Þingvallavatn
Iceland's largest natural lake at 84 km². Located in Þingvellir National Park on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Famous for Silfra snorkeling in crystal-clear glacial water.
Lakes
Lakes of Iceland: Complete Guide
From the country's largest natural lake to remote highland reservoirs and glacier lagoons filled with floating icebergs.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Fishing
Permits required
All fishing requires a license—check veidikortid.is before you go.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Highland lakes require F-road access—always check road conditions before driving into the interior.
Sources to check
HighlandsReservoir
Þórisvatn
Iceland's second-largest lake and largest reservoir at 88 km² (expanded). Highland location; used for hydroelectric power. Remote and difficult to access.
North IcelandVolcanic lake
Mývatn
Shallow volcanic lake famous for extraordinary birdwatching—one of Europe's most important breeding sites for ducks. Surrounded by pseudocraters and lava formations.
East IcelandGlacial lake
Lagarfljót
Long, narrow glacial lake near Egilsstaðir. Home to the legendary Lagarfljótsormurinn (worm/serpent), Iceland's answer to the Loch Ness Monster.
HighlandsCrater lake
Öskjuvatn
Iceland's deepest lake at 220m, formed in the 1875 eruption of Askja. Highland F-road access only. Dangerously cold water—swimming is not advised.
South IcelandGlacier lagoon
Jökulsárlón
Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull. Boat tours available in summer. Growing larger as the glacier retreats.
ReykjanesGeothermal lake
Kleifarvatn
Deep, dark lake on the Reykjanes peninsula. No visible outlet—water seeps through the lava. Hot springs bubble at the southern shore.
HighlandsReservoir
Blöndulón
Large highland reservoir in a desolate lunar landscape. Created for hydroelectric power. Stark beauty but limited access.
HighlandsReservoir
Hágöngulón
Remote highland reservoir near the edge of Vatnajökull. Surrounded by barren volcanic terrain. Accessible only by 4x4 in summer.
HighlandsGlacial lake
Hvítárvatn
Glacial lake at the edge of Langjökull glacier. Icebergs calve into the lake from the glacier tongue. Starting point for highland hiking routes.
Planning help
Iceland lakes FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.