Frostastaðavatn

Frostastaðavatn, whose name translates as ‘lake of the frosty place’, lies in the South Highlands just two kilometres from the famous Landmannalaugar camping area at an elevation of 572 m. Its 2.6 km² surface shimmers between deep blue and vivid green depending on the angle of the light, tinted by geothermal minerals carried from the surrounding volcanic terrain.

The lake sits at the intersection of some of Iceland’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes: the 1477 Bárðarbunga–Torfajökull lava fields reach to its southern shore, and the colourful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar loom nearby. Arctic char thrive in the cold waters, and the lake is a popular spot for highland fishing with a permit.

Access is via the F208 Fjallabaksleið nyrðri highland road, which requires a 4WD vehicle and is typically open from late June to September. The lake is an easy short walk from the main Landmannalaugar car park.