SigöldulónSigöldulón at a Glance
About Sigöldulón
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.
Best Time to Visit Sigöldulón
Summer offers the safest and most comfortable conditions for visiting; winter is for experienced winter travelers only.
Weather & Climate near Sigöldulón
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - 0° | -10° | 110 mm | overcast | 94% | 7.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -6° - -1° | -10° | 115 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -5° - -1° | -10° | 106 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 2° | -7° | 82 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 90 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 96 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 96 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.3h |
| August | Poor | 6° - 12° | 6° | 131 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 122 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 142 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 106 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 0° | -10° | 115 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
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.