Skaftafellsjökull
National Park, Glaciers, Hikings
Skaftafellsjökull, Skaftafell, South Iceland
Veiðivötn is a remarkable cluster of around fifty small lakes filling volcanic fissure craters in the South Highlands of Iceland, northeast of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The craters were formed in 1477 during simultaneous eruptions of the Bárðarbunga and Torfajökull volcanic systems, and over time each crater filled with water to create a unique ‘maar lake’ landscape spread across a 20 km stretch of highland desert.
The region is celebrated among Icelanders as one of the country’s premier trout and arctic char fishing destinations, and small fishing huts and cabins dot the lakeshore. The colour of the lakes varies from turquoise to jet-black depending on their geology, creating a striking patchwork visible from higher ground.
Access is via the F228 (Veiðivatnaleið) highland road, which branches from Route 26 and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with river-crossing capability. The road is usually open from late June to October. Fishing permits are required and available online in advance.
