Glacier
Langjökull
Norðurjökull outlet glacier calves icebergs directly into the lake.
Hvítárvatn - Glacial Lake at Langjökull's Edge
A glacial lake at the edge of Langjökull glacier in Iceland's central highlands. Icebergs calve from the glacier into the milky-blue water, and the Hvítá river begins its journey south toward the famous Gullfoss waterfall.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Central Highlands
~30 km² · Elevation ~430 m · Kjölur route (Rte 35)
Hvítárvatn is a place where glacier meets highland in a scene of quiet grandeur. The Norðurjökull outlet glacier, an arm of Langjökull (Iceland's second-largest ice cap), creeps down to the lake's southern shore, periodically releasing icebergs into the milky glacial water. The lake is the birthplace of the Hvítá river, which flows south through the lowlands to carve out Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. Sitting along the Kjölur highland road, Hvítárvatn offers one of the most accessible tastes of the Icelandic interior and serves as a gateway to the spectacular Kerlingarfjöll geothermal mountains.
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
River Source
Hvítá → Gullfoss
The water flowing from this lake eventually plunges over Iceland's iconic Gullfoss.
Access
Kjölur Route (Rte 35)
Highland road passable by regular cars in summer. 4x4 recommended.
What to Expect
Calving Icebergs
Watch icebergs break from the Norðurjökull glacier tongue and float across the milky glacial water. Smaller than Jökulsárlón's bergs, but equally mesmerizing and far less crowded.
Kerlingarfjöll Gateway
The turnoff to Kerlingarfjöll geothermal highlands is nearby, offering colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and some of Iceland's most spectacular highland hiking.
Hvítárnes Mountain Hut
A Ferðafélag Íslands (Iceland Touring Association) hut on the eastern shore provides basic accommodation for hikers exploring the area.
Glacial Panorama
The view south across the lake to the Langjökull ice cap is one of the highland's most impressive sights, with the glacier filling the entire southern horizon.
Hvítá River Origin
Stand at the point where the Hvítá begins its journey from the lake, knowing this same water will eventually cascade over Gullfoss dozens of kilometers downstream.
Highland Flora
Despite the harsh conditions, resilient highland plants including moss, Arctic river beauty, and various grasses dot the lakeshore during the short summer growing season.
Getting There
Hvítárvatn is located along the Kjölur highland road (Route 35), approximately 80 km north of Gullfoss. The Kjölur route is one of Iceland's more accessible highland roads and can be driven by regular cars in good summer conditions, though a 4x4 is always recommended for highland travel. From Reykjavik, drive to Gullfoss (about 1.5 hours) and continue north on Route 35 for another hour or so. The road passes right along the lake's eastern shore. Coming from the north, the lake is about 3 hours from Blönduós. The road is typically open from mid-June to September.
Best Time to Visit
Hvítárvatn is accessible from mid-June through September when the Kjölur road is open. July and August offer the warmest weather, the most icebergs in the lake as glacial melt peaks, and the best hiking conditions. Early summer (mid-June) may still have snow around the lake, creating a dramatic contrast with the milky water. September brings the possibility of early northern lights but roads may close with the first highland snows. Weather at 430 meters elevation is always unpredictable, so pack warm and waterproof layers.
Planning help
Hvítárvatn FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.