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Rauðavatn

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LakeReykjavík Area

Rauðavatn

Reykjavík Area

About

Lake Rauðavatn is a lake on the eastern side of Reykjavík, north of Elliðavatn. The Route 1 ring road passes the lake to the west, separating it from the suburb of Árbær.

A unique Icelandic experience. Worth your time.

Check local conditions before visiting. Iceland's weather changes fast.

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Plan your visit to Rauðavatn

Build an itinerary — full days, multi-stop routes, drive times, alternatives.

Map of Rauðavatn

Map

64.1080°N, 21.7716°W · Reykjavík Area

Plan your visit

Getting there
Road 413 (Rauðavatn - Jaðarsel)
Off the main road
0.9 km from Route 1
Nearest town
Kópavogsbær — 6.2 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
9 km in a straight line
What else is close
1,094 mapped places within 20 km

Tours near Rauðavatn

Volcanic Landscape – Riding Tourfrom 21.510 ISK · 2 h 10 minViking Horses Sleipnir Evening Tourfrom 29.900 ISK · 1 h 45 minReykjanes Peninsulafrom 77.686 ISK · 4 hThe Golden Circle, (optional) Blue Lagoon & Kerið Volcanic Crater | Small Group Day Tourfrom 17.900 ISK · 11 hChromo Sapiens: Soup & Installationfrom 4.900 ISK · 1 hChromo Sapiens: Group visit with guided tour | + Icelandic dinner (optional)from 1.950 ISK · 1 hChromo Sapiens: Group visit | + Icelandic dinner (optional)from 1.913 ISK · 1 hChromo Sapiens: Prosecco & Installationfrom 3.700 ISK · 1 hThe Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater | Small Group Day Tourfrom 14.900 ISK · 8 h
All 1,648 tours
ToursIn season nowBlue Ice - Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavíkfrom 32.990 ISK · 13 h 30 minGolden Circle and Laugarás Lagoon Lerki Admissionfrom 23.039 ISK · 9 h 30 minSpirit of the Aurora (28 person max vehicle)from 14.990 ISK · 5 hAll 1,648 toursBy activity and region

Rauðavatn weather and conditions

Last updated

7°Covercast · feels 3°C4 m/sgusts 99 h 51 mdaylight · 08:17 – 18:08
In season now · Winter in IcelandBlue Ice - Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavíkfrom 32.990 ISK · 13 h 30 min
See the tour
All 1,648 tours

Cars & campers

−12%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
SUV

Dacia Duster 4x4

Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
From
5,355 kr6,300 kr/day
Reserve −12%
VW Caravelle
9-seater

VW Caravelle

Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.

TransmissionAutomatic
FuelDiesel
Seats9
Drive2WD
From
12,750 kr15,000 kr/day
Reserve −12%
Key Camper Wild Duo
Camper

Key Camper Wild Duo

Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol
Sleeps2
Drive4WD
From
5,304 kr6,240 kr/day
Reserve −12%

Photos & videos

Rauðavatn — photo by Axel Kristinsson from Reykjavík, Iceland · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0Photo: Axel Kristinsson from Reykjavík, Iceland · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Rauðavatn, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Nearby

km column = your drive

  1. 1Elliðavatn3 km
  2. 2Reynisvatn3 km
  3. 3Langavatn4 km
  4. 4Vífilsstaðavatn6 km
  5. 5Hafravatn6 km
All lakes in Reykjavík Area →

Waterfalls

  1. 1Breiðholtsfoss1 km
  2. 2Selásfoss1 km
  3. 3Litli-Foss2 km
All waterfalls →

Hot springs

  1. 1Víti1 km
  2. 2Natural hot pot near Breiðholt2 km
  3. 3Geothermal hot spring near Grafarholt og Úlfarsárdalur3 km
All hot springs →

Fuel

  1. 1Norðlingaholt< 1 km · 310.8 kr/L
  2. 2Hraunbær2 km · 308.6 kr/L
  3. 3Kirkjustétt2 km · 279.8 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Bónus< 1 km
  2. 2Krónan1 km
  3. 3Iceland3 km
All supermarkets →

Tours

  1. A Gourmet golden circle - a taste of Iceland combined with amazing nature attractions!from 159.000 ISK · 8 hours
  2. A Magical Day in Iceland - a private custom made tour - Up to 9 passengersfrom 195.000 ISK · 8 hours
  3. Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík and Hellafrom 26.900 ISK · 13 hours
All tours →

Frequently
asked
questions

How do I get to Rauðavatn?
Rauðavatn is in Reykjavík Area. Check live road conditions on this page before you drive — highland lakes often need a 4×4 and some access roads only open in summer.
Can I fish at Rauðavatn?
Angling in Iceland requires a permit bought per water body from the landowner or local angling association, and gear used abroad must be disinfected first. Check the local rules for Rauðavatn before you cast.
Can I swim in Rauðavatn?
Icelandic lakes are cold year-round and swimming rules vary by lake — some are protected or have unstable shorelines. Check local signage at Rauðavatn before entering the water.
When is the best time to visit Rauðavatn?
Roadside lakes are visitable year-round, though winter access depends on conditions. Highland lakes and reservoirs are typically reachable only in summer once the F-roads open. Check live road conditions before you drive.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.

All lakes14 lakes in Reykjavík Area, mapped with photos, distances and live conditions
Iceland nowfrom 19 Sep 06:10
8°C · overcastWind 2 m/sRing Road (R1) openAurora Kp 2.67Daylight 07:02 – 19:39Webcams