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 flows south from here toward Gullfoss waterfall.
Location
Central Highlands
~30 km² · Elevation ~430 m · Kjölur route (Rte 35)
Hvítárvatn is where Langjökull meets the highland plain. The Norðurjökull outlet glacier, an arm of Langjökull (Iceland's second-largest ice cap), creeps down to the lake's southern shore and periodically releases icebergs into the milky glacial water. The lake is the source of the Hvítá river, which flows south through the lowlands and over Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. The lake sits along the Kjölur highland road, one of the easier ways into the Icelandic interior, and is a gateway to the Kerlingarfjöll geothermal mountains.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
River Source
Hvítá → Gullfoss
The water flowing from this lake eventually plunges over 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 with far fewer people around.
Kerlingarfjöll Gateway
The turnoff to the Kerlingarfjöll geothermal highlands is nearby, with colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and 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 takes in the Langjökull ice cap, which fills the entire southern horizon.
Hvítá River Origin
Stand where the Hvítá leaves the lake. The same water goes over Gullfoss dozens of kilometers downstream.
Highland Flora
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 have 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, which stands out against 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.