Exploring the Lakes of Iceland

Þórisvatn (Thorisvatn)

Þórisvatn is the largest lake in the country. It exists in the highlands of Iceland, at the south end of Sprengisandur highland road. It is a reservoir that has a surface area of about 88 km², and its water level goes between 561 and 578 meters above sea level. Its waters are exploited to generate energy. The natural surroundings near this lake are known to be barren and desolate, but the lake is blue-green in color.

Þinsvallavatn (Thinsvallavatn)

This is the largest natural lake in Iceland, and it is located in the south-western region of the country. Its surface area is about 84 km², and its greatest depth is 114 meters. It is part of the Thingveller National Park, which is a popular tourist destination where people go to explore Iceland’s unique geology. This lake has volcanic origins, and its only outflow is the Sog River. When wind starts blowing, this lake can turn into a boiling pot, which is dangerous for fishers and others on boats.

Blöndulón

Blöndulón is a reservoir that was built between the years of 1894-1991 to fuel a power plant. It is situated within the highlands of Iceland, near the Kjolur highland road. Its greatest depth is 39 meters, and its surface area measures about 57 km².

Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn is of northern Iceland and is about 36 km² in surface area. Its greatest natural depth is around 4.5 meters. This lake is in a volcanically active territory, near the Krafla volcano. There are several points where is is deeper because it has been pumped at the bottom. The area around the lake is indented with coves, and there are about 40 islands located around its waters. This lake has some of the biggest fish for fishers, and has a very large biodiversity of birds, especially ducks.

Lagarfljót

Lagarfljót is situated in eastern Iceland, and has a surface area of 53 km², and maximum depth of 112 meters. The River Lagarfljót also flows out from this lake. The Hallormsstaarskogur forest is located near Lagarfljót, as well as the Henigfoss waterfall, which is very scenic. There is also a legendary worm monster, the Lagarfljotsormurinn, which is a local legend that is rumored to live in the lake. When the water freezes in the winter, there are some gases in the bottom that create openings in the ice.

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