Arnarvatnsheiði Highland Lakes
Remote highland plateau with dozens of interconnected lakes, birdlife, and stark volcanic beauty — 4WD access.
About
About Arnarvatnsheiði Highland Lakes
Remote highland plateau with dozens of interconnected lakes, birdlife, and stark volcanic beauty — 4WD access.
Remote highland plateau with dozens of lakes — fishing, wilderness solitude, 4WD adventure in Central Highlands.
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Photo Gallery
Background
History & Background
This site in the Highlands is part of Iceland's rich tapestry of natural and cultural attractions. Iceland's history as a tourist destination stretches back to the 18th century, when European naturalists and adventurers first traveled to the island to study its unique geology and culture. Tourism grew steadily through the 19th and 20th centuries, accelerating dramatically in the 2010s. Today, Iceland welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, drawn by the same extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage that have fascinated travelers for centuries.
Arnarvatnsheiði is located in the Central Highlands of Iceland. Features: - High plateau (~500m elevation) - Dozens of interconnected lakes - Volcanic highland landscape - Excellent trout fishing - Remote wilderness - Birdlife (Arctic terns, divers) Access: - 4WD required - F-roads: Kaldidalur (F550), F578 - Summer only (mid-Jun to Sep) - River crossings possible Activities: - Fishing (permits required) - Hiking - 4WD touring - Bird watching - Camping (wild camping allowed) Nearby: Húsafell, Kaldidalur route
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Arnarvatnsheiði is one of Iceland's most remote and peaceful regions. The highland plateau sits at ~500 metres elevation in Central Iceland, features dozens of lakes connected by braided streams, surrounded by volcanic desert. Trout fishing is excellent (permits required). Few tourists visit — it's territory for Icelandic 4WD enthusiasts, fishermen, and hikers seeking true wilderness. The landscape is stark: black sand, blue lakes, endless sky. Mountain tracks require 4WD. Summer only access (mid-June to September). Midnight sun reflects on lakes. Arctic birds nest. Pure, silent Iceland.
💡 Did You Know?
Arnarvatnsheiði means 'Eagle Lake Heath' — though eagles don't nest here, the name persists from old beliefs.
Local Legend
The Outlaw's Refuge
Iceland's vast, uninhabited highlands have been associated with outlaws since the saga age. The most famous highland outlaw was Fjalla-Eyvindur (Mountain Eyvindur), who lived as a fugitive in the highlands for over 20 years in the 18th century with his wife Halla. They survived the extreme conditions by living in caves, hunting, and occasionally raiding lowland farms. Their story has become legendary, representing the human capacity to endure against impossible odds. Ruins attributed to their shelters can still be found in the highlands, and their tale has inspired countless Icelandic books, poems, and songs about freedom, love, and survival in the wild heart of Iceland.
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Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Best Time of Day
Visit this attraction during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the most beautiful light.
Iceland's low-angle sunlight creates long shadows and warm colors that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
✦ Local Knowledge
Ask locals for their favorite nearby spots — Icelanders are friendly and love sharing recommendations.
The best experiences often come from local tips about lesser-known viewpoints, cafés, or hidden natural features.
✦ Weather Changes
Don't leave if the weather is bad — wait 15 minutes and it often changes dramatically.
Iceland's rapidly changing weather can transform a gray scene into a spectacular display of light and clouds in minutes.
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Location
📍 Location
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