Ljótipollur Lake

The Basics

The 46-foot-deep lake was created by a volcanic explosion in 1477. It’s name, Ljótipollur, translates to “ugly puddle,” but its deep blue water are stunning and surrounded by crimson walls that change colors in the sunlight. Circle the crater rim on the footpath—a walk that takes about an hour and a half—and admire scenic vistas of the braided waterways of the nearby Tungnaá River. You can also join visitors and locals fishing for the lake’s plentiful brown trout.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You must have 4-wheel-drive to reach Ljótipollur Lake.

• The Icelandic highlands and Ljótipollur Lake are not easily accessible, but they offer unique views and sights.

• Bring a pair of sturdy hiking boots; you’ll need them whether you’re hiking from Landmannalaugar or just planning to circle the crater.

• You can enjoy excellent views of the crater from a lookout point about 1.5 miles from the F208-F225 intersection, down an unpaved road.

How to Get There

Ljótipollur Lake is located about 115 miles east of Reykjavík at the intersection of F208 and F225. The road is unpaved, and you’ll need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the lake (which is only accessible from spring through fall). Many visitors see the lake while driving along a 10-mile loop trail that begins at the Landmannalaugar basecamp and takes you through the highlands.

When to Get There

It’s best to visit the lake during the summer, when F-roads are open to 4-wheel-drive vehicles, hiking conditions are optimal, and the highlands are bursting with vibrant hues. Visit at “golden hour” (the minutes just before and after sunrise and sunset) when the landscape is bathed in warm light for the most stunning views. The roads surrounding the lake are closed in the winter.

The Icelandic Highlands

Iceland’s uninhabitable highlands, the 15,000 square miles in the center of the island nation, are home to some of the most beautiful sights in the country. A volcanic desert, the mountainous region sits between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and offers unique geology and colorful landscapes. Visit the region by trekking along one of the many hiking trails that run through the highlands to escape the bustle of the country’s Ring Road and enjoy the relatively untouched landscape.