Bláhylur lake

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

The place at a glance

Type: Viewpoint
Popularity: Low
Region: Highlands
Location: 64.05549, -19.03421

About the place

Discover Lake Blahylur, also known as Hnausapollur, near Landmannalaugar in the heart of the Highlands. Blahylur is a maar, a type of volcanic crater formed when groundwater meets hot lava. Typically, a maar fills with water to form a shallow crater lake, as Blahylur did in 871. The scenery is grandiose, with the blue color of the lake contrasting magnificently with the bright green moss of Mount Tjörvafell and the darker shades of the lava.

Tip: take the time to climb Hnausar Hill to the north. The 360-degree view over the Fjallabak reserve is exceptional. To cover the round trip, allow around 45 minutes over a distance of 1.2 kilometers, with an elevation gain of 160 meters. The trail is steep and slippery. Our 4.5 rating takes into account this magnificent panoramic view. Without it, it would be 3.5, just for the view from the parking lot.

Practical information

Access

Accessible only in summer, a 4WD is required. There are three options for reaching the shores of the lake:

Road F208 from the north: the easiest, with no river crossings.
Road F225: more picturesque, but requiring the crossing of several shallow rivers.
Road F208 from the south: crossing several moderately deep rivers.

Click here for more details on driving in the Highlands.