Ljótipollur Lake: The Crimson Crater of Iceland’s Highlands
A vivid volcanic jewel in the Highlands—short hike, big geology
You descend from the lowland dust into a different climate — wind sharpening into a knife, a soil palette that reads like a painter’s fever dream: rust, ochre, and the faint mauves of rhyolite. A crater waits ahead, its rim jagged and raw, and at its heart a mirror the color of an old sapphire. This is Ljótipollur Lake: a volcanic explosion crater tucked into the austere canvas of Iceland’s Highlands. Up close, the lake’s name sounds wrong. Ljótipollur literally means “ugly puddle,” but the crater refuses to be ugly. Its steep walls bloom orange with oxidized iron and volcanic ash, spilling down to that improbable blue-green basin.
Trail Wisdom
Wear grippy boots
The trail to the crater rim is loose volcanic scree; ankle-supporting boots and a firm tread will keep you steady.
Go early or late
Visit at dawn or dusk for smaller crowds and the richest colors on the crater walls.
Bring wind protection
Highland gusts can be severe; a windproof shell and hat save the photo session.
Respect fragile ground
Stay on durable surfaces — moss and lichen recover slowly from foot traffic.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Gjáin — a mossy green canyon with small waterfalls
- •Frostastaðavatn — a shallow lake ringed by colorful mountains
Wildlife
Arctic fox, Ptarmigan
Conservation Note
The Highlands’ fragile mosses and soils recover slowly — stick to established trails, avoid trampling vegetation, and pack out all waste.
The Highlands were historically summer grazing land and seasonal routes rather than permanent settlements; many routes follow old sheep trails.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wild transition landscapes, Fewer visitors, Photography of meltwater channels
Challenges: F-roads still closed in early spring, Snow patches and muddy access, Unpredictable weather
Spring is a shoulder season: dramatic melts reshape the land but many roads remain impassable until late May–June.
summer
Best for: Accessible roads and tours, Full trail access, Longest daylight for photography
Challenges: More visitors at peak times, Strong highland sun and wind, Limited shade
Summer (June–August) is the most reliable time to visit Ljótipollur — roads are open and guided tours run daily.
fall
Best for: Crisp air and richer colors, Quieter trails, Aurora potential at night
Challenges: Shorter daylight hours, Early snow can close roads, Chilly temperatures
Early fall can be superb for color and solitude, but watch for first snows that can shutter highland access.
winter
Best for: Wild isolation for experienced adventurers, Snowscapes and stark contrasts, Northern lights on clear nights
Challenges: Roads closed, access limited, Requires specialized transport and skills, Extreme cold and limited daylight
Winter visits are for experts with proper vehicles or guided expeditions — most tours pause until summer.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Support and grip on loose volcanic scree and wet sections.
Windproof, waterproof shellEssential
Protects against sudden Highland weather changes.
Layered clothing systemEssential
Temperature and wind vary rapidly; layers allow quick adjustment.
Camera with polarizer
A polarizer deepens the lake’s blues and reduces glare on bright days.
Common Questions
How far is the hike to Ljótipollur’s rim?
From the nearest parking it’s roughly 1–2 km round-trip with modest elevation gain on loose gravel; plan 45–90 minutes depending on how much you explore.
Can I visit Ljótipollur in winter?
Access in winter is difficult — F-roads are generally closed and travel requires specialist vehicles and guides; most visitors come in summer months.
Do I need a guide or a Super Jeep to get there?
You can reach Ljótipollur independently only with a high-clearance 4x4 and good navigation skills; many travelers opt for Super Jeep or private guided tours from Reykjavík or Hella for safety and convenience.
Are there facilities at the site?
No — there are no toilets or services at the crater; bring water, snacks, and carry out all waste.
Is the trail safe for children?
Older children who are steady on uneven ground can manage short hikes here, but keep them close on steep rims and windy days.
What other sites are commonly visited with Ljótipollur?
Landmannalaugar, Frostastaðavatn, Gjáin canyon, and Háifoss are frequent companions on Highland tour itineraries.
What to Pack
sturdy hiking boots (stability on scree), windproof shell (sudden weather), water and snacks (no facilities), camera with polarizer (intense color contrast)
Did You Know
Ljótipollur is a volcanic explosion crater (maar) formed when magma encountered groundwater, excavating the steep-walled basin that now holds the lake.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book a Super Jeep or private tour from Reykjavík or Hella for easiest access; 2) Visit early or late to avoid crowds and capture best light; 3) Bring layers and wind protection; 4) Carry out all trash and stay on durable ground.
Local Flavor
Highland guides often share folklore and practical stories about sheep routes and the old summer farms; nearby towns like Hella and Selfoss offer simple country restaurants serving lamb and skyr to refuel after a day in the hills.
Logistics Snapshot
Access: high-clearance 4x4 or guided tour; Season: mid-June–September; Time needed: 1–3 hours; Facilities: none; Closest towns: Hella, Selfoss; Mobile signal: patchy.
Sustainability Note
Stick to durable surfaces, avoid stepping on moss, travel with operators who follow 'leave no trace' principles, and minimize group sizes to reduce trail erosion.