Admission to Grænavatn Lake is free
Visitors to Grænavatn Lake are not required to make any payment for entry. Despite the limited capacity of the parking area, it generally accommodates the number of visitors adequately without reaching full capacity. Restrooms and sanitary facilities are not provided at this natural attraction.
Located just a short distance south of the Geothermal area Seltún at Krísuvík, Grænavatn (Greenlake) is a fascinating natural wonder waiting to be explored. This small lake, nestled within a volcanic crater, stands out for its striking green hue, a result of the high sulfur content present in its waters. Measuring only a few hundred meters in diameter, Grænavatn provides an enchanting setting for a leisurely stroll, with a well-defined trail that encircles the lake in just about 20 minutes. Despite its modest size, the lake boasts a surprising depth of 45 meters, offering a glimpse into the geological forces that shaped its formation. Standing at the edge of the crater, visitors can witness the color gradient along the shoreline, a visual testament to the lake's depth variations.
Geologists regard Grænavatn as a remarkable geological anomaly in Iceland, highlighting its significance as a natural phenomenon worth studying and admiring. The juxtaposition of vibrant green waters against the rugged volcanic landscape creates a captivating scene that showcases the dynamic forces at play beneath the Earth's surface. As visitors explore this unique site, they can immerse themselves in the wonders of Icelandic geology and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate processes that have shaped the country's diverse landscapes.
A failed venture at Grænavatn that almost destroyed the lake
Many visitors wonder what the deal is with the two silage towers and the decaying cowhouse right by the lake. This is one of those unfortunate projects initiated when understanding nature was limited, and respect for natural wonders easily gave way to economic ventures. Although this was not such a long time ago, in the fifties, the whole project almost ruined the lake as some of its surroundings were altered in the process. Needless to say, the whole venture failed, and the people and the Hafnarfjörður municipality behind it have not yet had the decency to remove this horrible building and heal the area around the lake.
Grænavatn and folklore
Due to its unusual nature and color, the lake has been a source of folklore stories throughout the centuries. Only as recently as the middle of the 16th century, an odd creature was spotted coming from the lake. The lake is almost on the main road Krísuvíkurvegur (42) and can be seen as you pass by it only a few hundred meters from Seltún, the geothermal area.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.
The name of the lake is Grænavatn or Green lake. Someone at Google Maps with no knowlidge of Iceland has renamed the lake Gígvatnsvatn (help me good) which is not even Icelandic but a bla bla name. Sorry about that. But the name of the lake i Grænavant.
