Geology
Geothermal Lake
Hot springs bubble at the southern shore. No rivers flow out of the lake.
Kleifarvatn - Iceland's Deep Dark Geothermal Lake
A deep, dark geothermal lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula with no visible outlet. Surrounded by volcanic hills and home to bubbling hot springs at its southern shore, just 30 minutes from Reykjavik.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Reykjanes Peninsula
~10 km² · Max depth 97 m · No visible outlet
Kleifarvatn is one of Iceland's most atmospheric lakes. Sitting in a barren volcanic landscape on the Reykjanes Peninsula, its dark waters reflect the surrounding treeless hills and moody skies. The lake has no visible outlet; instead, water seeps through fissures in the volcanic bedrock. After major earthquakes struck the area in June 2000, new cracks opened in the lakebed and the water level dropped dramatically, revealing previously submerged hot springs. The lake has since partially refilled, but the geothermal activity along its southern shore remains a vivid reminder that this landscape is very much alive.
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
Atmosphere
Dark & Mysterious
Deep dark waters set in a barren volcanic landscape with an eerie, cinematic quality.
Access
30 min from Reykjavik
Easy drive via Route 42. Paved road, year-round access.
What to Expect
Lakeshore Hot Springs
At the southern shore, geothermal vents bubble through the dark sand. Steam rises from the ground and the sulfurous smell is unmistakable. Stay on marked paths as ground temperatures are extreme.
Seltún Geothermal Area
Just south of the lake, the Krýsuvík-Seltún area offers a boardwalk through boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulfur-stained earth in vivid yellows, reds, and grays.
Mysterious Disappearing Water
The lake's water level fluctuates without any visible explanation, draining through underground lava fissures. After the 2000 earthquakes, the lake shrank by about 20%.
Black Sand Beaches
Stretches of dark volcanic sand line parts of the lakeshore, adding to the stark, otherworldly beauty of the area.
Dramatic Photography
The combination of dark water, barren hills, and often low clouds creates exceptionally moody and dramatic photographic conditions.
Reykjanes Geopark
Kleifarvatn sits within the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, an area of intense volcanic and geothermal activity bridging the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Getting There
Kleifarvatn is approximately 30 minutes south of Reykjavik via Route 42 across the Reykjanes Peninsula. The road is paved and accessible year-round, though winter ice is possible. A small parking area on the northern shore provides access to the lake viewpoint, and additional parking is available at the Seltún geothermal area to the south. The lake makes an excellent half-day trip from Reykjavik, especially when combined with the Blue Lagoon, Seltún, the Reykjanes lighthouse, and the Bridge Between Continents.
Best Time to Visit
Kleifarvatn is accessible and worthwhile in every season. Overcast, moody weather actually enhances the lake's dark atmosphere and photographic appeal. Summer offers the longest daylight for combining multiple Reykjanes stops. Winter provides dramatic low light and potential northern lights over the lake. The geothermal areas are equally impressive year-round. Wind can be fierce on the exposed peninsula, so bring windproof layers regardless of season.
Planning help
Kleifarvatn FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.