Hvalvatn
Lake Scenic Icelandic lake near Glymur waterfall
In west Iceland, Hvalvatn is a glacial lake set in steep canyons; hikers use nearby trails to reach waterfalls and observe Icelandic highland terrain.
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Hvalvatn is a glacial lake in western Iceland, set in a steep valley on the northern side of the Hvalfjörður fjord. The lake is known for its clear water and its role as the source area for nearby waterfalls and river systems.
The lake is small and remote compared with Iceland’s major tourist sites; most visitors come for short hikes, photography and to continue on to the trail for Glymur, a tall waterfall that drains the lake. Facilities are minimal and routes are primarily unpaved mountain tracks.
Hvalvatn is a natural feature formed by glacial and fluvial processes and has no built history beyond occasional rural usage. The surrounding landscape shows classic Icelandic glacial valleys with steep sides and scattered volcanic rock outcrops.
Situated in the Western Region of Iceland, Hvalvatn lies on the north side of Hvalfjörður roughly 30-45 kilometres northwest of Reykjavík by road, depending on route. The area is accessible from local mountain roads and trailheads near the fjord.
- Nearby hike: The nearby trail to Glymur waterfall offers a close route linking the lake to a prominent hiking destination; paths can be muddy and require sturdy footwear.
How to Get to Hvalvatn #
From Reykjavík drive northwest on Route 1 and follow the Hvalfjörður turnoff onto Hvalfjarðarvegur (Road 47) toward the Hvalfjörður area; the drive to the Hvalvatn turnoffs is roughly 40-50 minutes (around 40 km) depending on exact start point and traffic. There are small signed pull‑outs/parking spots on the local road where you leave the paved road onto a gravel track.
From the parking area a short walk or hike (typically 20-30 minutes, on rough ground) brings you to the lake and surrounding viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Hvalvatn #
- Combine a visit to Hvalvatn with the Glymur waterfall hike - the trail follows the lake's shore and continues to viewpoints over the canyon, giving the most complete scenery in one outing.
- Start early in summer (mid-June to August) to make the most of long daylight and avoid the busiest hours; even in summer the area is remote, so early starts reduce encounters with larger hiking groups.
- Continue beyond the first overlook on the Glymur route - many hikers stop early and miss the dramatic canyon viewpoint and the lake's narrower, more rugged sections further along.
Best Time to Visit Hvalvatn #
Hvalvatn is best visited in the short summer months for accessibility and daylight; outside that window expect cold, variable conditions and possible road closures.
Weather & Climate near Hvalvatn #
Hvalvatn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -5°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1066 mm/year), wettest in February, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
