Kleifarvatn Lake
Volcanic lake with geothermal activity on Reykjanes Peninsula
Kleifarvatn sits on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula inside black-lava country; hikers and photographers visit for the lake's stark shores, nearby geothermal features and easy access from the capital region.
Kleifarvatn at a Glance#
Address: Kleifarvatn, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Admission: Free (park and road access; no formal entrance fee)
About Kleifarvatn#
Kleifarvatn is a freshwater lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland and is the peninsula’s largest lake. It lies within a tectonically active area marked by volcanic fissures and geothermal features.
The lake’s shoreline and surrounding lava fields create stark, open scenery with relatively few facilities nearby; visitors typically stop for views along the road encircling the Reykjanes area. There are no large settlements on the lake and access is by local roads.
Seismic and volcanic activity in the region has influenced the lake’s hydrology, including episodes when its water level changed noticeably following earthquakes. The lake sits within the broader Reykjanes volcanic zone and its character reflects the area’s geology.
Kleifarvatn is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula about a drive of less than an hour from Keflavík International Airport and within easy driving distance of Reykjavík for day trips. The surrounding terrain is volcanic lava fields and low hills.
- Access: It is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is reachable by road from the main Reykjanes routes, making it a common short-stop from Reykjavík or Keflavík.
- Geological note: The lake’s water level fell markedly after seismic activity around 2000, an event linked to changes in subterranean fissures in the area.
How to Get to Kleifarvatn#
Kleifarvatn lies on the Reykjanes Peninsula, south of Reykjavík and west of the Blue Lagoon. Drive from Reykjavík on Route 41 and follow local roads toward Grindavík and Reykjanes; parking areas and small tracks lead to viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Kleifarvatn#
- Visit after the 2000 Kleifarvatn water-level drop: the exposed black lava shores make for striking photographs, especially at sunrise.
- Combine Kleifarvatn with other Reykjanes Peninsula sites such as the Blue Lagoon and Gunnuhver for a full-day geological tour.
- Drive carefully on the F-roads around the peninsula - weather changes quickly and the terrain is often rough.
Best Time to Visit Kleifarvatn#
Kleifarvatn is a black, deep lake on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, notable for dramatic shores and a dramatic 2000 water-level drop caused by seismic activity.
Weather & Climate near Kleifarvatn#
Kleifarvatn'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 (1093 mm/year), wettest in February.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 103 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.4h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 117 mm | overcast | 91% | 8.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.4h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 112 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 72 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 14.7h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 74 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 17.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 61 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.8h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 63 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 18.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 7° | 89 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.9h |
| September | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 3° | 84 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 107 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 3° | -4° | 101 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 110 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.2h |