A beautiful day at Kleifarvatn on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lake covers 8 km² and reaches a depth of 97 meters, making it the seventh-deepest lake in Iceland and the twentieth largest.
What makes Kleifarvatn truly unique is its proximity and peaceful atmosphere so close to the capital region, where nearly eight out of every ten citizens of the Republic of Iceland live.
Powerful natural forces lie beneath Kleifarvatn. The lake has shrunk by about 20% since the turn of the century, and strong geological activity continues below the surface. This is not surprising, as the lake lies close to the volcanic systems further west on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Icelandic Times / Land & Saga was not alone in visiting the lake that day. There was considerable traffic around the area, even though the roads were extremely icy. Everyone drove responsibly, and most of the visitors were travelers from near and far.
It was simply an exceptionally beautiful day at Kleifarvatn, located only 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Photos & text : Páll Stefánsson
Kleifarvatn : 04/03/2026 :GFX 100 II, GFX 100RF – 4.0/35mm, 1.7/55mm
