Hallkelsstaðahlíð við Hlíðarvatn

Hallkelsstaðahlíð sits directly on the shore of Lake Hlíðarvatn, a calm base for fishing, riding and walking in West Iceland. The lake holds Arctic char and brown trout, and permits are sold on site; horse rentals and guided rides can be booked by arrangement. Facilities are simple — flush toilets and cold water. It's well placed, roughly 50 kilometres from Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur and Búðardalur, and just over 100 from Reykjavík. Nearby are the Eldborg crater, the Gerðuberg basalt cliffs, and Geirhnjúkur, an 898-metre climb-free hike with wide views. It's also a stop on the Þriggjavatnaleið walking route. There's history here too: a floating hotel, Hotel Víkingur, operated on the lake in 1964–65, and people still drop by to remember it. Open 15 June to 1 November.

Wild camping rules have tightened. Use designated campsites to stay on the right side of the law.