HestvatnHestvatn at a Glance
About Hestvatn
Hestvatn is a lake in the Southern Region of Iceland. The name translates as “horse lake” and is one of many small lakes scattered across Iceland’s varied terrain.
The lake is used for local outdoor activities such as walking and nature observation, typical of small Icelandic lakes. It is not a major national tourist magnet but contributes to the region’s landscape diversity.
There are no widely reported historical events specifically associated with Hestvatn; it forms part of the natural freshwater network created by Iceland’s volcanic and glacial geology. Local land use is primarily natural and recreational.
Geographically the lake lies within Iceland’s Southern administrative region amid a mix of moorland and agricultural areas, accessible by local roads and tracks.
Best Time to Visit Hestvatn
Best in summer for accessibility and daylight; shoulder seasons suit photographers and those avoiding the peak travel window.
Weather & Climate near Hestvatn
Hestvatn's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1121 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -8° | 101 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 106 mm | overcast | 91% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 3° | -6° | 102 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 75 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 2° | 73 mm | overcast | 82% | 6.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 74 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 78 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 103 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 96 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 107 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 101 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 105 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Hestvatn
Hestvatn lies in southern Iceland and is most easily reached by car from Reykjavik via Route 1 (the Ring Road) and smaller county roads toward the Southern Region. Distances vary; consult local maps for the best route and current road conditions.
Tips for Visiting Hestvatn
- Head out at dawn for the best chance to see reflections on the lake surface and to avoid midday cloud build-up common in the region.
- Combine a visit with nearby hot springs or onsen if planning a longer Iceland trip-Hestvatn's low-lying landscape pairs well with geothermal stops elsewhere.
- Bring lens protection-wind and volcanic dust can be abrasive, and the lake's mirror surface attracts photographers who may hunker close to the water.