Ljótipollur Crater Lake
About Ljótipollur Crater Lake
Ljótipollur is a red explosion crater with a deep lake in its floor, in the Fjallabak highlands of South Iceland just north of Frostastaðavatn and a short drive from Landmannalaugar. The name translates as "ugly puddle," which is hard to square with the rust-red walls and blue-green water you see from the rim.
The crater is the southernmost vent of the Veiðivötn fissure system and formed in a large eruption in 1477. Its rim rises to about 722 m, while the lake surface sits at roughly 568 m, so the drop from the edge to the water is well over 100 m. The lake has no stream flowing in or out, yet it holds brown trout, and anglers fish it in summer with a permit.
A rough side track leaves the F208 north of Frostastaðavatn and climbs to the crater's northern edge, where you leave the car. From there, a path follows the rim, and walking part of it gives the best views down into the lake and across the black sand plains toward the Landmannalaugar mountains.
Getting to Ljótipollur takes a 4x4, since every approach uses F-roads that open only in summer, usually from around late June. Plan on about 3.5 hours from Reykjavík, and check the road conditions map before setting out. Most people combine the crater with a day at Landmannalaugar, giving it an hour or so for the rim walk and photos.
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Good to know
What is Ljótipollur?
Ljótipollur is a volcanic explosion crater with a lake in its floor, in the Fjallabak highlands near Landmannalaugar. It formed in an eruption in 1477 and is the southernmost crater of the Veiðivötn fissure system.
What does Ljótipollur mean?
Ljótipollur means "ugly puddle" in Icelandic. The name is ironic, since the crater's red walls and blue-green lake make it one of the most colorful sights in the area.
How do you get to Ljótipollur?
Drive the F208 to the area north of Frostastaðavatn, then take the short side track up to the crater rim. A 4x4 is required, and the F-roads are open only in summer.
Can you hike around Ljótipollur?
Yes. A path runs along the crater rim from the end of the access track, and walking part of the loop gives the best views into the lake. Allow about an hour for the walk and photos.
Is there fishing in Ljótipollur?
Yes. The lake holds brown trout even though no stream runs in or out of it, and fishing is allowed in summer with a permit.
When is the best time to visit Ljótipollur?
Visit between July and early September, when the highland roads are usually open. Outside that window, the F-roads are closed to all traffic.
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