Kleifarvatn
The largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, surrounded by black sand beaches and lava mountains, with a desolate, mysterious atmosphere and scenery along the road to Seltún.
Kleifarvatn lies in a rift valley on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is the largest lake on the peninsula. Its shores are made of black volcanic sand and oddly shaped lava, and bare volcanic ridges surround it, creating a vast, desolate landscape. Legend says a water monster lives in the lake. After the 2000 earthquake, cracks in the lakebed caused the water level to drop noticeably. Route 42 along the lake is the only way to reach the Krýsuvík-Seltún geothermal area, and several parking spots along the way offer photo opportunities and beach walks. Admission is free. Drivers should take care, as the road is narrow and winding.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Krýsuvík – Seltún Geothermal Area
- Sky Lagoon
- Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
- Perlan
- National Museum of Iceland
- Hallgrímskirkja
- Tjörnin Pond & Reykjavík City Hall
- Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)