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Kleifarvatn lake

ReykjanesLakeFree entryOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Kleifarvatn
Kleifarvatn
KLEIFARVATN IN SHORT

Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, sitting in a stark volcanic landscape close to the Krýsuvík geothermal area. It is about 30 km (around 30–40 minutes) from Reykjavík, free to visit, open all year, and most people spend 30–45 minutes walking part of the shore.

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Quick factsHistoryGetting thereAround the lakeBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Kleifarvatn

Kleifarvatn covers about 9.1 km² and is around 97 metres deep, which makes it one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. It sits in the middle of the Reykjanes Peninsula, below the steep ridge of Sveifluháls, a short distance from the Seltún geothermal area. The lava around it is covered in thick moss, and steam rises from hot springs in several places.

Kleifarvatn lies on the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs through the Reykjanes Peninsula. It has no visible rivers flowing in or out; the water level rises and falls mainly with groundwater and geothermal activity underneath, and it dropped noticeably after the 2000 earthquakes on Reykjanes, losing a significant part of its surface area. Over recent decades the level has varied by about 4 metres.

The surrounding land is dramatic and largely untouched, with dark lava fields, steep slopes and views towards the geothermal area at Krýsuvík nearby. It is a quiet, open place rather than a dressed-up attraction, popular with walkers, birdwatchers and anyone doing a loop of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

People come here to walk the black shore, watch birds, take photographs and fish for trout and char; you need a permit to fish. Because it is dark and only a short drive from the capital, Kleifarvatn is also a good place to look for the Northern Lights on a clear winter night.

Quick facts

TypeLargest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula
AreaAbout 9.1 km²
DepthAbout 97 m at its deepest; the water level has varied by about 4 m
RegionReykjanes Peninsula, southwest Iceland
From ReykjavíkAbout 31 km, around 30–40 minutes by car
EntryFree
Opening hoursOpen all year, day and night
Time needed30–45 minutes

A lake that shrank overnight

After the earthquakes that shook the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2000, Kleifarvatn's water level dropped noticeably, and at least a fifth of its surface disappeared as cracks opened underground and changed how the groundwater fed the lake. It is a reminder that this landscape is still geologically active, on the same fissure zone that produced the Fagradalsfjall and other recent eruptions further along the peninsula.

Hot water from springs runs into the southern end of the lake, while the rest of it is very cold. Local folklore adds a monster: a worm-shaped creature the size of a medium whale is said to live in the depths.

How to get to Kleifarvatn

By carFrom Reykjavík, take Route 41 through Hafnarfjörður towards Keflavík, then turn left onto Route 42 towards Krýsuvík. Route 42 runs along the western shore of the lake. You can rent a car in Reykjavík or at the airport; having your own wheels lets you stop at the sights along the way.
On a guided tourTours of the Reykjanes Peninsula often drive past Kleifarvatn and stop at Seltún.
By public transportThere is no regular public bus to Kleifarvatn, so a rental car is the practical way to visit.
ParkingFree pull-offs and small car parks are available along Route 42 by the lake shore.

Kleifarvatn can be reached in any season, but check the road conditions in winter.

Places to visit around Kleifarvatn

The lake is one stop in a small area full of geothermal sights. These are all within a short drive.

Seltún and the Krýsuvík geothermal areaMud pots, hot springs and steaming vents, surrounded by mineral deposits in many colours. Krýsuvík has several geothermal fields, including Hverahvammur and Hverahlíð, but Seltún is the one most people visit, all year round. Wooden walkways lead you safely through it.
GrænavatnA crater lake formed by a volcanic explosion, about 45 metres deep and a few hundred metres across. The green colour comes from thermal algae and crystals that absorb the sunlight. A path around the lake takes about 20 minutes, and from the rim you can see the colour change where the water gets deeper.
GestastaðavatnAnother explosion-crater lake close to Seltún and Grænavatn, usually seen on the same stop.
Skátalaug hot springIf you have more time, look for <a href="/locations/skatalaug-hot-spring/">Skátalaug</a>, a small, little-known hot spring near the lake that few travellers find.

Stay on the walkways at Seltún. The ground is hot and the crust is thin.

Best time to visit Kleifarvatn

SummerThe easiest time for walking the shoreline, with long daylight for exploring the wider Reykjanes Peninsula.
WinterThe exposed landscape can be windy and cold, and the road can be icy, so check conditions before driving out.

Safety and practical tips

  • Combine it with the Krýsuvík geothermal area and Seltún mud pots nearby.
  • The area is exposed and often windy, so dress warmly even in summer.
  • Stick to marked paths near geothermal features close to the lake, as ground there can be unstable and hot.
  • Walk a stretch of the black sand shore from one of the pull-offs. The views of the lava and the mountains are best from the water's edge.
  • Come on a clear, dark evening in winter for a chance of Northern Lights without driving far from Reykjavík.
  • The tourist information in Hafnarfjörður has a map of the Kleifarvatn area with walking routes, history and geology.

Facilities and accessibility

No toilets, café or shop at the lake itself. The nearest services are in Hafnarfjörður or towards Grindavík.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

KrýsuvíkKrýsuvíkGeothermal area with mud pots, a short drive southSkátalaugSkátalaugSmall, quiet hot spring near the lakeGunnuhverGunnuhverSteaming geothermal field further along the peninsulaGrindavíkGrindavíkFishing town on the Reykjanes PeninsulaLeiðarendiLeiðarendiLava cave off the road from HafnarfjörðurBlue LagoonBlue LagoonGeothermal spa on the other side of the peninsula

Where to stay near Kleifarvatn

Most visitors see Kleifarvatn as a stop while touring the Reykjanes Peninsula rather than an overnight base; Reykjavík and Keflavík both make convenient bases nearby.

Kleifarvatn FAQ

Is Kleifarvatn free to visit?

Yes, there is no entrance fee.

Can you swim in Kleifarvatn?

It is not set up as a swimming spot; most visitors come to walk the shore and take in the scenery rather than swim.

How far is Kleifarvatn from Reykjavík?

About 30 km, around 30–40 minutes by car.

Why did Kleifarvatn's water level drop?

Earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2000 changed underground water flow and the lake lost a significant part of its surface area.

How deep is Kleifarvatn?

About 97 metres at its deepest, which makes it one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. It covers about 9.1 km².

What is there to see near Kleifarvatn?

The Seltún geothermal area at Krýsuvík, the crater lakes Grænavatn and Gestastaðavatn, and the small Skátalaug hot spring.

Can you see the Northern Lights at Kleifarvatn?

Yes, on clear, dark nights from autumn to spring. The lake is away from city lights and close to Reykjavík.

See Kleifarvatn with a local

Tours and trips that include Kleifarvatn, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.

Reykjanes Peninsula Private TourPRIVATEReykjanes Peninsula Private TourFrom 179,900 ISK per groupReykjanes GeoParkDAY TOURReykjanes GeoParkFrom 19,300 ISK per personReykjanes Volcano Fields & GrindavíkDAY TOURReykjanes Volcano Fields & GrindavíkFrom 14,990 ISK per personVolcano Tour & Reykjanes SightseeingDAY TOURVolcano Tour & Reykjanes SightseeingFrom 15,990 ISK per personReykjanes Volcano TourDAY TOURReykjanes Volcano TourFrom 15,000 ISK per person
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