capital-region · Iceland
Hafravatn — The Quiet Lake at Reykjavík's Edge
About Hafravatn — The Quiet Lake at Reykjavík's Edge
Hafravatn is a beautiful small lake in the hills south of Reykjavík, surrounded by the Heiðmörk nature reserve. The lake is popular for fishing (trout and Arctic char), kayaking, walking and birdwatching. The surrounding hills offer views over Reykjavík to the sea, and the trails through the birch woods and lava fields of Heiðmörk extend for dozens of kilometres. Hafravatn is where Reykjavík residents go to escape the city without leaving the city.
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.
Did You Know?
- ✔Part of Heiðmörk nature reserve — 3,000 hectares
- ✔Stocked with Arctic char and trout
- ✔5 km walking circuit around the lake
- ✔8 km from central Reykjavík
- ✔No motor boats allowed
Tours Near Hafravatn — The Quiet Lake at Reykjavík's Edge
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Hafravatn is where Reykjavík residents go to escape the city without leaving the city.
Did You Know?
Iceland is one of the most sparsely forested countries in Europe — only about 2% of the land is covered by trees, compared to a pre-settlement cover of 25–40%. Most of Iceland's forest was cleared by early settlers for firewood and farming.
Reykjavík's Green Lung
Fifty years of tree-planting in the barren lava around Hafravatn has created something that should have been impossible — a genuine forest in one of the most treeless countries on Earth.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
Evening Rise Fishing
On calm summer evenings (21:00–23:00 in June when it stays light), the Arctic char in Hafravatn visibly rise to the surface in the shallows — even non-fishers find this strangely hypnotic to watch.
The Forest That Shouldn't Exist
Standing in the mature birch and spruce woodland around the south shore of Hafravatn and realising you're in Iceland — the most treeless country in Europe — is a genuinely disorienting but lovely experience.
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer mornings for fishing and birdwatching
Duration
2–3 hours
Access
Follow Elliðavatnsvegur road south from Reykjavík, about 8 km from city centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to fish?▾
Yes — day fishing permits are available from Reykjavík municipality (stadsfish.is) for a small fee.
Can I kayak on the lake?▾
Yes — non-motorised boats are allowed. Bring your own or hire locally.
