Hvítárvatn Glacier Lake
About Hvítárvatn Glacier Lake
Hvítárvatn is a glacial lake at the eastern foot of Langjökull in Iceland's central Highlands, just west of the Kjölur route. It covers about 30 square kilometers, and the Hvítá river flows out of its eastern end on the way to Gullfoss. The name means White River Lake, after the milky meltwater.
Outlet glaciers of Langjökull reach down toward the western shore, and for much of the last century they calved icebergs straight into the water. As the ice has retreated, the glacier fronts have pulled back from the lake and floating ice is far less common than in older photos. The view across the gray water to the ice cap is still the reason to come.
The best place to see Hvítárvatn is Hvítárnes on the northeast shore, where the oldest mountain hut of the Iceland Touring Association still stands. Built in 1930, the turf-roofed hut sleeps 30, has a summer warden and marks the southern end of the old Kjalvegur hiking trail to Hveravellir. A short walk from the hut takes you to the lakeshore.
To get to Hvítárvatn, drive road 35 north from Gullfoss and turn left onto the track right after the Hvítá bridge, about an hour from Gullfoss in total. The track to Hvítárnes is for 4x4 vehicles only and opens in summer with the rest of the Kjölur road, so check the road conditions map first. Combine the lake with Kerlingarfjöll or Hveravellir for a full highland day.
Good to know
Where is Hvítárvatn?
Hvítárvatn is in Iceland's central Highlands at the eastern edge of Langjökull glacier, just off the Kjölur route (road 35). It is about an hour's drive north of Gullfoss.
How do you get to Hvítárvatn?
Drive road 35 north from Gullfoss and turn onto the track right after the Hvítá bridge toward Hvítárnes. You need a 4x4, and the road is open only in summer.
Are there icebergs on Hvítárvatn?
Icebergs were common when Langjökull's outlet glaciers calved into the lake, but the glaciers have retreated from the water. Floating ice is now rare.
What is the Hvítárnes hut?
Hvítárnes is a turf-roofed mountain hut near the northeast shore of Hvítárvatn, built in 1930. It is the oldest hut run by the Iceland Touring Association and sleeps 30.
Is Hvítárvatn the source of Gullfoss?
Yes. The Hvítá river flows out of Hvítárvatn and runs south to Gullfoss, the waterfall on the Golden Circle.
When can you visit Hvítárvatn?
Only in summer, once the Kjölur road opens, usually in June. Check the road conditions map for the current opening status.
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