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
The country's largest natural lake, remote highland reservoirs, and glacier lagoons filled with floating icebergs.
Fishing
Permits required
All fishing requires a license, so check veidikortid.is before you go.
Quick Answer
Iceland's major lakes range from Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake, to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Notes on fishing permits, access, and seasons.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Highland lakes require F-road access, so always check road conditions before driving into the interior.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
HighlandsReservoir
Þórisvatn
A reservoir whose surface area changes with water level. Highland location; used for hydroelectric power. Remote and difficult to access.
North IcelandVolcanic lake
Mývatn
Shallow volcanic lake known for its birdlife, 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
Deep crater lake formed during the 1875 Askja eruption. 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 landscape and 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. Its glacial setting changes as the ice margin retreats. Starting point for highland hiking routes.
One lake can have several fishing arrangements
For example, Þingvellir National Park’s permit covers its designated northern-shore fishing area and excludes Kárastaðir. Choose the shore first, then buy the permit that covers it.
Planning help
Iceland lakes FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Do I need a fishing permit for Icelandic lakes?
Obtain permission for the specific lake and shore you intend to fish. A fishing card covers its listed areas, not every lake or every stretch of shoreline. Read the local season, permitted methods and catch rules.
When can I access highland lakes?
Access depends on the exact road and current conditions. Check the route to Þórisvatn, Öskjuvatn or Hágöngulón individually; a calendar month does not establish that a road is open.
Can I swim in Icelandic lakes?
Icelandic lakes can be extremely cold, so swimming is dangerous without proper cold-water experience. Glacier lagoons like Jökulsárlón are especially dangerous due to strong currents and icebergs. Stick to designated geothermal pools for bathing.
Can I take a boat tour on Jökulsárlón?
Yes, amphibian boat tours and zodiac tours run during summer (roughly May–October). Zodiac tours get closer to the icebergs. Book ahead in peak season as tours fill up quickly.
When is the best time for birdwatching at Mývatn?
Late May through July is peak breeding season, with up to 15 species of ducks nesting around the lake. The area is also rich in waders and Arctic terns. Respect nesting areas and stay on marked paths during breeding season.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.