Frostastadavatn in Fjallabak Nature Reserve

A broad but exceptionally shallow highland lake

Frostastaðavatn covers approximately 2.5–2.6 square kilometres and lies around 570 metres above sea level. It is the largest of the lakes collectively known as Framvötn, south of Tungnaá. Its surface area gives it a strong presence in the landscape, but the water is shallow across almost the entire basin. The average depth is approximately one metre, and even the deepest point is only slightly more than two metres.

That relationship between breadth and depth influences everything from the lake’s ecology to its appearance. Wind can quickly disturb the complete surface, breaking reflections and creating short, closely spaced waves. Weather and light can make the water appear blue, green, grey or almost metallic, while shallow margins reveal the relationship between water, sediment and the surrounding volcanic ground.

Frostastaðavatn is not a crater lake like nearby Hnausapollur or Ljótipollur. It occupies a basin within a landscape repeatedly altered by lava flows, erosion and changes in drainage. It is best described as a lava-impounded lake rather than assigned to one simple eruption or volcanic vent.

Lava, rhyolite and the shape of Frostastaðavatn

Frostastaðavatn lies within the Torfajökull volcanic region, where pale and coloured rhyolite mountains stand beside darker lava fields. These materials belong to different eruptions and different periods of volcanic activity. The landscape should not be reduced to one event, and the lava around the lake should not all be attributed automatically to the 1477 eruption that formed Laugahraun closer to Landmannalaugar.

Lava has nevertheless played a decisive role in the lake’s form. Flows entering and surrounding the basin altered natural drainage and helped contain the water. From the elevated stop on the hill opposite Stútur, this relationship becomes much clearer than it is from the shore. The lake can be read as a complete shape, with dark lava reaching towards the water and the broader rhyolite landscape rising beyond it.

At water level, the impression is different. The mountains become reflections or horizontal layers rather than a map of geological boundaries. In calm conditions the lake may seem almost still; in wind, it becomes visibly exposed to the highland weather. Neither condition is more authentic. Frostastaðavatn is defined as much by movement and rapid change as by the mirror-like scenes for which highland lakes are often photographed.

Fish and life in a cold highland lake

Frostastaðavatn contains brown trout and Arctic char. Brown trout have been known in the lake for as long as local records and memory reach, while Arctic char were introduced into lakes in the area around 1970. The char multiplied rapidly, and the resulting dense population produced many small fish competing for limited food in an exceptionally shallow lake.

Organised net fishing began in 1981 to reduce the stock and improve conditions for the remaining fish. This history makes Frostastaðavatn more than a scenic lake beside the road. It is an example of how introducing a species can change a highland ecosystem and how continuing management may be needed long after the original decision.

Fishing is permitted under regulated arrangements, and a fishing permit is required. Dates, registration procedures and other conditions can change, so anglers should check the current rules before travelling rather than depend on old prices or opening periods.

Birdlife also uses the lake and its margins. Great northern divers have nested beside Frostastaðavatn, together with other waterbirds found within Fjallabak. Visitors should avoid approaching nesting birds and should give them space, particularly along quieter sections of the shoreline. A roadside lake may appear easily accessible, but it remains part of a protected and vulnerable highland environment.

Reaching Frostastaðavatn

Frostastaðavatn lies a few kilometres north of Landmannalaugar, beside F208 near its junction with F225. This corrects the common but misleading description of the lake as lying south of Landmannalaugar.

The northern approach on F208 normally reaches the lake without river crossings. Arriving by F225 from the west or by F208 from the south is a different highland journey and can involve river crossings. Their depth, current and riverbed can change rapidly. A crossing described as easy on one day, or in an older article, may not be suitable when another visitor arrives.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for reaching Frostastaðavatn. The road is seasonal, but fixed opening months should not be treated as a promise. Snow, thaw, water levels and road damage determine when a highland route opens and whether it remains passable. Visitors should check current road and weather conditions before departure and understand the requirements of the entire chosen route, not only the final kilometres beside the lake.

There are no dependable services at the lake itself. Fuel, food and other preparations should be handled before entering the Highlands.

Stopping beside the lake and walking towards Landmannalaugar

Two small roadside stops provide different views of Frostastaðavatn. Both have space for only a few vehicles, so drivers must leave the road clear and avoid damaging the surrounding ground when the stopping areas are full.

The lower stop gives easy access to the shoreline. It is the better position for close foregrounds, low viewpoints and reflections. The second stop lies higher on the hill opposite Stútur. From there, the lake’s full form and its relationship with the surrounding lava become much easier to understand. This elevated roadside view should not be confused with climbing Stútur itself.

Frostastaðavatn can also form part of a walk connecting the lake, Stútur and Landmannalaugar. Route variations differ in distance and character, so visitors should use current trail information rather than assume that every description refers to the same walk. Weather, surface conditions and available daylight remain more important than a fixed time copied from another hiker’s itinerary.

The shoreline may invite wandering, especially from the lower stop, but visitors should remain aware of wet or fragile ground and nesting birds. Driving away from established roads and parking areas is not permitted.

• • Frostastaðavatn covers approximately 2.5–2.6 square kilometres.
  • It lies around 570–573 metres above sea level.
  • Its average depth is about one metre, and its deepest point is only slightly more than two metres.
  • It is the largest of the Framvötn lakes south of Tungnaá.
  • Frostastaðavatn is a lava-impounded lake, not a volcanic crater lake.
  • Brown trout have long lived in the lake, while Arctic char were introduced to lakes in the area around 1970.
  • Organised net fishing began in 1981 after the char population became excessively dense.
  • A fishing permit is required.
  • The lake lies north of Landmannalaugar beside F208, close to the junction with F225.