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Rauðavatn

Reykjavík Area, Iceland
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Rauðavatn

Reykjavík Area, Iceland

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.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
Check live· From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good·Visit now·30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
ClosuresChecking…
Wind—
Visibility—
open map
Prices
Cost to visit
Free
No fees
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
Forecast
Today
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Northern lights
Tonight
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Moon—
Aurora forecast for tonight
ReykjavíkSouth CoastWestNorthEastWestfjordsReykjanesHighlands
Sun & light
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Cars & campers

−15%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 −15%
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 −15%
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 −15%

Tours near Rauðavatn

Free cancellationSmall groups
Glacier & Golden Circle
Adventure

Glacier & Golden Circle

Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.

Duration10 hours
PickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobile
VehicleSuper Jeep
From
49.990 kr
View tour →

Daily conditions for your trip

Roads, weather, and aurora for your exact travel dates — one short email each morning, nothing else. Unsubscribe any time.

Photos & videos

Rauðavatn — photo by Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons

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

Reviews

Nearby

Waterfalls

#1.Breiðholtsfoss
1.3 km·~2 min drive

A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…

#2.Selásfoss
1.3 km·~2 min drive

A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…

#3.Litli-Foss
1.7 km·~2 min drive

A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…

#4.Selfoss
2.5 km·~3 min drive

A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…

Selfoss
4 waterfalls near Reykjavík Area

Hot Springs

#1.Víti
1.2 km·~1 min drive

Public_bath hot spring

#2.Geothermal hot spring near Árbær
1.3 km·~2 min drive

Hot pot in nature. Off the tourist path. Check conditions before going.

#3.Natural hot pot near Breiðholt
2.3 km·~3 min drive

Natural hot pot. Coordinates only - verify before visiting.

#4.Geothermal hot spring near Grafarholt og Úlfarsárdalur
3.2 km·~4 min drive

Natural pool. Real Iceland experience. Bring your own towel.

4 hot springs near Reykjavík Area

Campsites

#1.Camper Resort Reykjavík
4.7 km·~6 min drive

Greater Reykjavík area campsite. Urban convenience with easier booking than central city…

#2.Tjaldsvæði í Laugardal
6.5 km·~8 min drive

Greater Reykjavík area campsite. Urban convenience with easier booking than central city…

#3.Reykjavík
6.6 km·~8 min drive

The campsite in Reykjavik is situated in a great location next to the swimming pool in…

#4.Hafnarfjörður
10 km·~12 min drive

The camp site in Hafnarfjordur is in a large area called Vidistaðatun close to the center…

4 campsites near Reykjavík Area

Supermarkets

#1.Bónus
800 m

Bónus supermarket — supplies

#2.Krónan
1.2 km·~1 min drive

Krónan supermarket — supplies

#3.Iceland
2.5 km·~3 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

#4.Mini Market
2.7 km·~3 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

4 supermarkets near Reykjavík Area

Gas stations

#1.Norðlingaholt
600 m

Olís · 310.8 kr/L petrol

#2.Hraunbær
1.7 km·~2 min drive

Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol

#3.Kirkjustétt
2.2 km·~3 min drive

Atlantsolía · 279.8 kr/L petrol

#4.Vesturlandsvegur
2.4 km·~3 min drive

Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol

4 gas stations near Reykjavík Area

Tours

#1.Glacier & Golden Circle
10 hours·Pickup Reykjavík

Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.

from 32,990 krView tour →
1 tours near Reykjavík Area

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

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