Sigöldulón

Reservoir Icelandic reservoir created by hydroelectric dam

Highland Sigöldulón is a man‑made reservoir in southern Iceland ringed by volcanic hills and lava fields. Photographers and hikers pass through on routes that cross raw, often colorful geothermal terrain.

Main image

Sigöldulón is an artificial highland reservoir in southern Iceland created for hydroelectric development, situated among rhyolite hills and volcanic terrain. The lake and surrounding features are part of Iceland’s mid-20th to late-20th century hydroelectric infrastructure.

The reservoir is framed by distinctive rhyolite peaks and highland plateaus that give the area a striking, open landscape; the water is commonly noted for its clear, blue-green colour. The site is visited by people travelling the Icelandic highlands and by those interested in geology and hydroelectric works.

Sigöldulón was formed as part of a river‑capture and hydroelectric scheme to harness highland rivers; the infrastructure and reservoir are managed in the context of Iceland’s national power network.

The reservoir lies in the southern Icelandic highlands and is reached via highland routes; seasonal access and rough roads mean visits are normally undertaken in summer.

  • Highland access: Access is seasonal and typically requires a 4x4 vehicle and unpaved highland roads; conditions are safest in summer months when F-roads are open.

What to See #

  • Sigöldulón reservoir: The reservoir itself, formed behind a hydroelectric diversion and noted for its clear, often turquoise water set among rhyolite hills.
  • Surrounding Sigöldutindar peaks: Nearby rhyolite peaks and barren highland terrain that frame the lake and are locally known by related place names; the area is used by energy infrastructure and seasonal visitors.
Sigöldulón
64.1522, -19.0553

How to Get to Sigöldulón #

Sigöldulón is in Iceland’s southern highlands, accessed via highland roads (F-roads) that require a 4x4 vehicle. The nearest ring-road junction is along Route 26; travel through highland terrain is seasonal and dependent on road openings-check with local authorities before attempting the route.

Tips for Visiting Sigöldulón #

  • Bring a thermal layer and waterproof outerwear-the area around the reservoir can be windy and changeable.
  • If driving, park near the road that gives access to the lake's eastern shore for the most straightforward walking route.
  • Beware that the dam area can be icy outside summer months-check local conditions and respect warning signs.

Best Time to Visit Sigöldulón #

Summer offers the safest and most comfortable conditions for visiting; winter is for experienced winter travelers only.

Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 5-15°C
Milder weather with long daylight-best for hiking and photographing the turquoise waters.
Winter (December-February)
Dec-Feb · -10-0°C
Snow and ice create stark monochrome landscapes but access may be limited; the reservoir might be partially frozen.

Weather & Climate near Sigöldulón #

Climate

Sigöldulón's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1311 mm/year), wettest in October.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.0h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
18.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
20.4h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
19.3h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
16.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
12.8h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (142 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.6h daylight

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