FARTRAVEL
Plan my trip
Blue-green water of Lake Kleifarvatn curving past a black sand beach and an eroded tuff headland under dark hills
Lakes

Kleifarvatn

About Kleifarvatn

Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a deep, dark body of water hemmed in by bare volcanic ridges less than an hour from Reykjavík. The road along its western shore is one of the most dramatic short drives near the capital, with black sand beaches and twisted lava formations at almost every bend.

The lake sits on the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and has no visible river flowing in or out, since most of its water arrives and drains underground. Its greatest recorded depth was 97 meters in 1975. After the earthquakes of 2000, the water started to drain through new cracks, and about a fifth of the lake's surface has since disappeared.

To get there, take Route 42 (Krýsuvíkurvegur) south from Hafnarfjörður, about 40 minutes from central Reykjavík. The road is paved and fine in a regular car, though wind and winter conditions can change quickly, so check road.is before you set off. Pull-outs along the shore let you stop for photos or a walk down to the water.

Most visitors pair Lake Kleifarvatn with the Seltún geothermal area, a few minutes farther south, and spend an hour or two between the two. On clear winter nights, the dark shore away from city lights is a good place to watch for the northern lights. Local folklore also tells of a monster living in the lake, though nobody has proven it yet.

Day tours that visit Kleifarvatn

Browse all day tours →

Multi-day trips featuring Kleifarvatn

All packages →
  • Witness the South Iceland At Leisure: 7 Days Self Drive Itinerary7 days

    Witness the South Iceland At Leisure: 7 Days Self Drive Itinerary

    Concluding this 7-day adventure, the self-drive tour offers a diverse immersion into Iceland's landscapes. Each day, from Reykjavík's vibrant streets to the tranquil beauty of other natural wonders. Marvel at icebergs, explore volcanoes and unwind in geothermal baths. The tour thoughtfully blends famous landmarks with hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable journey. After exploring the captivating landscapes of South Iceland, you can choose to extend your journey to explore the stunning West Iceland. The tour thoughtfully blends famous landmarks with hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable journey. With comfortable accommodations and the freedom to explore at your pace, it's perfect for those seeking an in-depth experience of Iceland's natural beauty and culture. As you depart this magical land, carry memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and Icelandic hospitality, making this journey unforgettable.

  • Into the Glaciers of South and West Iceland: 6 Days Self Drive Itinerary6 days

    Into the Glaciers of South and West Iceland: 6 Days Self Drive Itinerary

    This 6-day self-drive winter adventure through South and West Iceland is a harmonious fusion of nature's marvels and cultural exploration. From the bustling streets of Reykjavik to the depths of Langjökull glacier ice and the iconic Golden Circle to the serene Blue Lagoon, this journey offers a memorable tapestry of Iceland's beauty and charm. As you bid farewell to Iceland, you'll carry treasured memories of glacier tunnels, erupting geysers, stunning waterfalls, and serene moments at the Blue Lagoon. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures that your winter escapade in Iceland becomes an indelible chapter in your travel story.

Good to know

How do you get to Kleifarvatn?

Drive south from Hafnarfjörður on Route 42 (Krýsuvíkurvegur), about 40 minutes from central Reykjavík. The road runs along the lake's western shore, with pull-outs for stopping.

How deep is Kleifarvatn?

Its greatest recorded depth was 97 meters in 1975. The lake has been shrinking since the 2000 earthquakes, and a 2012 survey measured a maximum depth of 89.5 meters.

Why is Kleifarvatn shrinking?

Earthquakes in 2000 opened cracks in the lakebed, and water has drained underground ever since. About 20% of the surface area has disappeared.

Can you see the northern lights at Kleifarvatn?

Yes, on clear, dark nights between September and April. The lake is far enough from Reykjavík's lights to make a good viewing spot, but check the aurora and cloud forecast at vedur.is first.

What is near Kleifarvatn?

The Seltún geothermal area, with boardwalks around steaming mud pots, is a few minutes south on Route 42. Grænavatn, a green crater lake, is just past it.

More Lakes

All attractions →

Trip planning — free, no commitment

Put Kleifarvatn on your route

Tell us your dates, pace and can’t-miss list — a local planner builds the route, stays and tours around it, and stays a text away while you travel.

Plan my tripBrowse day tours