Primary Use
Hydroelectric Power
Feeds the Blönduvirkunn power station via the Blanda river system.
Blöndulón - Iceland's Highland Reservoir in Lunar Landscape
A large hydroelectric reservoir in Iceland's northern highlands, surrounded by a vast, stark, and lunar landscape of gravel deserts and sparse moss. A testament to Iceland's renewable energy ambitions.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Northern Highlands
~57 km² · Highland road access · Completed 1991
Blöndulón is one of Iceland's largest reservoirs, created by damming the Blanda river in the northern highlands. The reservoir, completed in 1991, feeds the Blönduvirkunn hydroelectric power station. What makes Blöndulón remarkable for visitors is not just the engineering but the landscape it inhabits: a vast, windswept gravel desert where the horizon seems infinite and the terrain could pass for another planet. The reservoir's water level fluctuates significantly with the seasons, sometimes revealing wide, sandy shores that add to the area's desolate beauty.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.
Sources to check
Landscape
Lunar Terrain
Vast gravel deserts and barren highlands stretch in every direction.
Access
Highland Roads
Partially accessible via Route 35 (Kjölur) in summer. Remote areas need 4x4.
What to Expect
Vast Highland Desert
The landscape around Blöndulón is one of Iceland's most extreme: endless gravel plains, sparse vegetation, and an overwhelming sense of scale and emptiness.
Renewable Energy Infrastructure
See the dam and infrastructure that harnesses glacial river power for Iceland's grid. A visible example of the country's commitment to renewable energy.
Arctic Char Fishing
The reservoir holds Arctic char, and the Blanda river below the dam is one of Iceland's premier salmon rivers. Fishing permits are available seasonally.
Shifting Shorelines
The reservoir's water level changes dramatically between seasons, revealing sandy beaches and mudflats when low, and covering them when the glacial melt peaks in summer.
Birdlife
Pink-footed geese and other migratory birds use the area as a staging ground. The sparse but resilient highland birdlife adds life to the barren landscape.
Complete Solitude
Few visitors make it to Blöndulón. On most days you will have the entire vast landscape to yourself, with only the wind and occasional bird for company.
Getting There
Blöndulón can be approached from several directions. The eastern end is accessible via Route 35 (Kjölur highland road), which connects Gullfoss in the south to Blönduós in the north. The Kjölur route is a mountain road that can be driven by regular cars in good summer conditions, though a 4x4 is recommended. From the north, the reservoir can also be reached via roads from Blönduós. Highland roads are typically open from mid-June to September. There are no services at the reservoir, so bring all necessary supplies, fuel, and provisions.
Best Time to Visit
Blöndulón is accessible during the summer months when highland roads are open, typically from mid-June through September. July and August offer the mildest weather and the longest daylight hours, though conditions in the highlands can change rapidly. The water level is highest in late summer when glacial melt peaks. Early summer may reveal more of the shoreline. Always check road conditions on road.is before departing, and be prepared for cold winds and rapidly changing weather even in summer.
Planning help
Blöndulón FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.