Glacier
Langjökull
Glacier views vary; calving and floating ice are not promised.
Hvítárvatn: Glacial Lake at Langjökull's Edge
A glacial lake at the edge of Langjökull glacier in Iceland's central highlands. The Hvítá river flows south from here toward Gullfoss waterfall.
Location
Central Highlands
~30 km² · Elevation ~430 m · Kjölur route (Rte 35)
Quick Answer
Hvítárvatn is a roughly 30 km² glacial lake at the edge of Langjökull, source of the Hvítá river. The Kjölur route passes nearby; glacier views depend on conditions.
Hvítárvatn is where Langjökull meets the highland plain. Its glacier margin has changed over time; do not use old photographs to predict present-day icebergs. 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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
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.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
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
Changing Glacier Margin
The changing glacier margin is part of the lake’s history; present-day ice sightings are not guaranteed.
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
Views across the lake toward Langjökull depend on cloud and visibility.
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
Visit when the Kjölur road and the separate access to your chosen stop are open. July and August generally offer the main summer travel window; confirm road and hut conditions before setting out. 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.
Plan the hut approach separately from Kjölur
FÍ’s Hvítárnes hut page specifies summer access by 4×4 from Road 35 after the Hvítá bridge. Permission or suitability for the main Kjölur road does not establish that the hut’s approach is suitable for your car.
Built in 1930, the hut is FÍ’s oldest. It is a start or finish for the old Kjalvegur walking route, not simply a trailhead for Kerlingarfjöll. Reserve a bed, bring your own supplies and take rubbish away; opening depends on road and snow conditions.
Planning help
Hvítárvatn FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Are there icebergs in Hvítárvatn?
Do not count on seeing calving or floating ice. The glacier margin changes, and old photographs are not a reliable guide to current conditions. Choose the visit for the lake and highland landscape.
How do I get to Hvítárvatn?
Hvítárvatn is located along the Kjölur highland road (Route 35), which runs between Gullfoss in the south and Blönduós in the north. The road passes right by the lake's eastern shore. Check your rental agreement and the precise approach; FÍ specifies 4×4 access to the hut.
Can I hike around Hvítárvatn?
Yes, hiking trails lead around parts of the lake and toward the glacier. The hut connects to the old Kjalvegur walking route. The Hvítárnes mountain hut on the eastern shore provides a base for hikers. Trails can be muddy and unmarked, so good navigation skills are important.
Is Hvítárvatn related to the Hvítá river?
Yes, Hvítárvatn is the source of the Hvítá river, which flows south from the lake and over Gullfoss waterfall. The name Hvítá means 'White River,' referring to its milky glacial color, and Hvítárvatn means 'White River Lake.'
Country reference: Iceland statistics.