Veidivotn, meaning fishing lakes, is a cluster of volcanic lakes in Iceland's central highlands. The area holds around 50 crater lakes and covers about 20 kilometres in length and 5 kilometres in width. Most of the lakes were formed in a large fissure eruption in 1477.
What and where Veidivotn is
Veidivotn is a cluster of volcanic lakes in Iceland's central highlands. The name means fishing lakes. The lakes lie within the Bardarbunga volcanic system, whose central volcano sits beneath the Vatnajokull ice cap.
Fifty lakes in old craters
The Veidivotn area holds around 50 crater lakes. They are set in two rows along old volcanic fissures. The full lake area is about 20 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide.
The 1477 fissure eruption
Most of the lakes were formed in a large fissure eruption in 1477. During that eruption, lava and steam explosions created craters that later filled with water. The 1477 eruption came from a long fissure and spread ash over the eastern part of the country.
Fishing at Veidivotn
Veidivotn is known for trout fishing, including brown trout and arctic char. The area is also home to many species of birds.
Reaching Veidivotn in the highlands
Veidivotn is reached on rough highland roads in summer, off the same Fjallabak corridor that leads to Landmannalaugar. For live road and travel conditions, check road.is and safetravel.is. To compare options for the Highlands, see Highlands tours.
Check access conditions
Before travelling for Veidivotn: Lakes in Iceland's Highlands, consult Iceland road conditions for the latest status on the roads you will use.
