Hnausapollur, also known as Bláhylur, is a crater lake in the southern highlands of South Iceland. The crater dates from a volcanic eruption in 871, and the water inside it is turquoise. It lies beside F208, the highland road to Landmannalaugar, so most people stop here on the way past. A short climb from the roadside leads to the rim, where the whole lake comes into view. The colours hold on cloudy days as well as clear ones.
Hnausapollur Crater
Local name: Hnausapollur
An eruption in 871 blew out the crater; the lake that fills it is turquoise.
- Entrance
- Free
- Parking
- Free parking, 64 metres from crater edge, on ground surface.
- Difficulty
- Short climb from the roadside to the crater rim; steep and awkward in places.
- Transport
- 4x4 only (F208, summer)
- Hours
- Open 24 hours.
- Address
- F208, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland
What makes it special
Hnausapollur is a crater lake in the southern highlands of Iceland, filled with turquoise water. The crater was formed by a volcanic eruption in 871. The climb to the rim is short but steep and awkward in places, and the lake opens up from the top. The colours hold under cloud, so an overcast day is no reason to drive past. Traffic is light. Cars pull in, people take a photo or two, and move on. Most visitors stop here on the way to or from Landmannalaugar.
Good to know
- The road: the last stretch is F208, about 17 km of rough, rutted gravel. Come in a 4x4.
- Wind: the crater rim is fully exposed. In early September it blows hard, so bring a windproof layer.
- Cloud is fine: the water keeps its turquoise colour under grey skies. A dull forecast is not a reason to skip the stop.
- The climb: short, but steep and awkward in parts. Not everyone finds it easy.
Getting there
Hnausapollur sits beside F208, reached from route 26. The last stretch is roughly 17 km of rough gravel, and it is slow going. A 4x4 is the sensible vehicle for it. Cars pull in at the roadside, and from there it is a short climb to the crater rim. The climb is steep and awkward in places.
Best time to visit
Better: a day with light wind. Cloud does not spoil the stop, because the water keeps its turquoise colour under grey skies.
Avoid: windy days. The crater rim is fully exposed, and in early September the wind blows hard.
Crowds are not the issue here. Cars pull in, people take a photo or two and drive on, so there is no need to time a visit around other visitors.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Hnausapollur Crater on the map
The climb to the rim is steep and awkward in places. The top is fully exposed and the wind here blows hard.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Hnausapollur?
The approach is on F208, about 17 km of rough, rutted gravel. A 4x4 is the sensible vehicle for it.Is it worth stopping on a cloudy day?
Yes. The lake keeps its turquoise colour under overcast skies.How hard is the walk to the viewpoint?
It is a short climb from the roadside to the crater rim, steep and awkward in places. Not everyone finds it easy.Does it get crowded?
No. Cars pull in, people take a photo or two and drive on.What else is it combined with?
The crater lies on F208, the road to and from Landmannalaugar, and most visitors see it on the way past.