Langisjór Lake
About Langisjór Lake
Langisjór is a long, narrow highland lake in the southern Icelandic highlands, inside Vatnajökull National Park just west of the Vatnajökull ice cap. It stretches about 20 km from southwest to northeast, covers roughly 27 km² and reaches 74 m at its deepest point.
The water is among the clearest of any mountain lake in Iceland, a deep blue against black sand and moss-green ridges. That wasn't always so: in the first half of the 20th century, a branch of the glacial Skaftá river flowed into the lake and turned it ashen gray, and the water has only cleared since that inflow stopped.
The best view is from Sveinstindur, the 1,089 m peak at the lake's southern tip. The path to the summit is about 2 km long with roughly 400 m of climbing and takes 2–3 hours round trip from the car park, and on a clear day the top looks straight up the length of Langisjór toward the edge of Vatnajökull.
Getting to Langisjór means driving the F235, which branches off the F208 north of Eldgjá and runs about 25 km to the south end of the lake. It is a 4x4-only road with several unbridged river crossings and generally opens at the start of July. Plan on at least 2.5 hours from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and close to 5 hours from Reykjavík.
A small campsite with a flush toilet and running water sits on the pumice flats at the south end, and Útivist runs a hut below Sveinstindur by the Skaftá. Services are minimal, so bring food and fuel, and ask the rangers in Kirkjubæjarklaustur about river levels before setting out.
Good to know
Where is Langisjór?
Langisjór is in the southern highlands of Iceland, inside Vatnajökull National Park just west of the Vatnajökull ice cap. It is reached on the F235, which branches off the F208 north of Eldgjá.
How big is Langisjór?
Langisjór is about 20 km long and covers roughly 27 km². Its deepest point is around 74 m.
How do you get to Langisjór?
Take the F208 to the F235 turnoff north of Eldgjá, then drive about 25 km to the south end of the lake. The road is 4x4 only and has several unbridged river crossings.
When does the road to Langisjór open?
The F235 to Langisjór generally opens at the beginning of July. Check the road conditions map before going.
How long is the Sveinstindur hike at Langisjór?
The hike up Sveinstindur is about 2 km each way with roughly 400 m of ascent. Most people take 2–3 hours from the car park to the 1,089 m summit and back.
Can you camp at Langisjór?
Yes. There is a small campsite with a flush toilet and running water at the south end of the lake, plus a hut below Sveinstindur that sleeps 18 and should be booked in advance.
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