Nordenskjöld Lake
Lake Patagonian glacial lake in Torres del Paine
Within Torres del Paine, Nordenskjöld Lake lies under the Paine Massif; trekkers and photographers visit for trail access, wind-swept shores and reflections of the mountain walls.
Nordenskjöld Lake (Laguna Nordenskjöld) is a glacial-fed lake in Torres del Paine National Park in the Region of Magallanes, southern Chile, set against the Paine Massif. The lake is named after the Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld.
The lake is valued for its striking turquoise water and framed views of the Paine peaks; it is visible from park roads and from short walking tracks and viewpoints that lie on the park’s trail network. It is less frequently visited than some of the park’s larger lakes but is often included on day routes within Torres del Paine.
The name commemorates Otto Nordenskjöld, who explored parts of Patagonia; the basin and surrounding moraines were shaped by successive glacial advances. The lake sits within the protected area of Torres del Paine and is part of the park’s glacial and fluvial landscape.
Nordenskjöld Lake is located inside Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, in the commune and Region of Magallanes. The setting is mountainous and remote, accessed via the park’s road and trail system.
- Colour and appearance: The lake gets its green-turquoise colour from glacially ground rock sediment carried into the basin, producing strong colour contrasts with the dark Paine Massif behind it.
How to Get to Nordenskjöld Lake #
Nordenskjöld Lake is inside Torres del Paine National Park, approximately 112 km north of Puerto Natales. From Puerto Natales take Ruta CH-9 north and then follow the park access roads toward Laguna Amarga or the park’s main loop roads; signage inside the park points toward Lago Nordenskjöld viewpoints. Many visitors arrive on organized park shuttles or private transfers; once inside the park the lake’s main viewpoints are a short walk from parking areas. For multi-day trekkers, the W and O circuit trails pass within walking distance of the lake.
Tips for Visiting Nordenskjöld Lake #
- Arrive early (before 9am) to catch the still, backlit reflections of the Cuernos in the lake - late morning winds often roughen the surface.
- If visiting Torres del Paine the same day, buy park entry at Laguna Amarga entrance to avoid queues at busier gates.
- Bring layers and a waterproof shell-weather changes fast on the Patagonian steppe; sun, sleet and wind can arrive within an hour.
- Don't confine yourself to the main viewpoint: the trail along the southern shore offers fewer people and better light for photographing the pale-blue glacier-fed water.
Best Time to Visit Nordenskjöld Lake #
Best visited in the Southern Hemisphere spring through early autumn (November-April) for trail access and milder weather.
Weather & Climate near Nordenskjöld Lake #
Nordenskjöld Lake's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 17°C. Moderate rainfall (708 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and breezy conditions.
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