Hvítárvatn
Lake Glacial lake in Iceland fed by Langjökull meltwater
Hvítárvatn is a glacial lake fed by Langjökull’s meltwater on Iceland’s highlands; travelers encounter glacier-fed waters and stark volcanic plateaus on highland routes.
Hvítárvatn is a glacial lake in west-central Iceland fed by meltwater from the Langjökull ice cap and associated outlet glaciers.
The lake is a highland, glacier-fed body of water that contributes to the Hvítá river system; its waters are typically milky from glacial silt. The immediate landscape is glaciated highland terrain with sparse vegetation and volcanic bedrock.
Hvítárvatn formed and is sustained by contemporary glacial processes tied to Langjökull, and its level and outflow vary with seasonal melt.
The lake lies on the southern slopes of the Langjökull ice cap in western Iceland, within the island’s interior highlands rather than near coastal lowlands.
- Source of Hvítá: The lake is fed by meltwater from the Langjökull glacier and serves as a headwater for the Hvítá river system.
How to Get to Hvítárvatn #
The lake lies in the Icelandic highlands north of the Golden Circle. Access is by highland roads (F‑roads) that require 4x4 vehicles and often a guided tour from Reykjavik or Borgarnes; check local conditions before travel.
Tips for Visiting Hvítárvatn #
- The lake is remote - a guided glacier tour or a stop on a glacier-access route is the sensible way to see Hvítárvatn for most visitors.
- Watch weather closely; conditions near Langjökull glacier can change fast and roads are often unpaved.
- Combine with a visit to Gullfoss and Þingvellir for a fuller southwest Iceland itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Hvítárvatn #
Visit in summer for reliable access to highland roads; outside of summer, expect limited access and rough conditions.
Weather & Climate near Hvítárvatn #
Hvítárvatn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 10°C. Moderate rainfall (756 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
