Hafravatn — The Quiet Lake at Reykjavík's Edge

Background

History & Background

The Heiðmörk reserve was established in the 1950s under the direction of Reykjavík's city council, which began an ambitious tree-planting programme to green the barren lava landscape around the capital. Over 70 years, the planting has transformed the area from bare lava to genuine woodland. The lakes were stocked with fish as part of a broader programme to create recreational facilities for the expanding city.

Hafravatn is a relatively shallow lake (maximum depth c. 5m) fed by springs in the surrounding lava. The water is unusually clear — a consequence of the natural volcanic rock filtration — and on a calm day the bottom is visible even at depth. The lake is part of the Heiðmörk outdoor recreation area, a 3,000-hectare reserve that also includes the neighbouring Elliðavatn lake, extensive forest plantations and lava fields. Trails from the lake connect to the broader network of the Bláfjöll mountains to the south. Summer activities include fishing (permit required, available from Reykjavík municipality), kayaking (no motor boats), birdwatching, and a circuit walk around the lake (approximately 5 km). In winter, the area is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions allow.