ÞingvallavatnAbout Þingvallavatn
Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland and lies within Þingvellir National Park in southwestern Iceland. The lake is set in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, creating striking fissures and cliffs along its shores.
The lake and surrounding park are visited for geological scenery, birdlife and freshwater fishing; the area is also historically significant because the medieval Icelandic parliament Alþingi met on the adjacent rift-cliffs from the 10th century.
Þingvallavatn sits within the protected landscape of Þingvellir, which combines geological features, cultural history and recreational access in a compact area roughly within easy driving distance of Reykjavík.
- Largest natural lake: Iceland’s largest natural lake, notable for clear water, trout fisheries and its position within a tectonic rift landscape.
Best Time to Visit Þingvallavatn
Visit Þingvallavatn and the surrounding park in summer for the mildest conditions and longest daylight, or in shoulder seasons for fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Þingvallavatn
Þingvallavatn's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1121 mm/year), wettest in February, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -6° | 105 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 2° | -6° | 111 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 2° | -6° | 110 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 4° | -3° | 74 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 70 mm | overcast | 82% | 5.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 69 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 10° | 74 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 8° | 99 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 4° | 90 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 107 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 4° | -3° | 101 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 3° | -5° | 111 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Þingvallavatn
Þingvallavatn (the lake in Þingvellir National Park) is reached from Reykjavík by car via Route 1 and then Route 36 (Þingvallavegur) into the park. The drive from Reykjavík is roughly 40-50 minutes (about 45 km) depending on traffic. There is parking at Þingvellir and short walking trails to the lake shore.
Numerous Golden Circle day buses and scheduled coaches from Reykjavík also stop at Þingvellir/Þingvallavatn.
Tips for Visiting Þingvallavatn
- Go at dawn or late evening to catch the best light for reflections and to avoid the peak tour-bus hours that hit Þingvellir during midday.
- Park at the official Þingvellir visitor centre and follow the marked shoreline trails north of the car park for quieter stretches of the lake and better photo opportunities away from the main viewpoints.
- If you're interested in snorkeling or diving the Silfra fissure, book a licensed tour well in advance-those slots are limited and often sold out on the same day.