Þingvallavatn
Iceland's largest natural lake, sitting on a rift zone where the tectonic plates are pulling apart. The water is clear, and the Silfra fissure forms part of its northern shore.
Þingvallavatn covers about 84 square km and is Iceland's largest natural lake. Its lake bed is a graben formed by the North American and Eurasian plates spreading apart, and the lake is home to a rare subspecies of Arctic charr. Route 36 and Route 361 around the lake have several viewpoints overlooking the volcanic island in the lake and the distant Hengill volcano. In summer, fishing is allowed in designated areas (a fishing license is required), but the water is too icy for swimming.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Silfra Fissure
- Thingvellir National Park
- Öxarárfoss
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
- Hveragerði
- Kerið
- Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiði Power Plant
- Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel