14 Oct Discovering the Tarn (Mountain Lake) in Flúðir, Iceland

Our first day in Iceland was full of adventures: snorkeling in the Silfra fissure between tectonic plates, exploring Geysir Hot Springs, and getting sprayed by the majestic Gullfoss. However, we also had one unplanned adventure. When we arrived at our lodging for the night, Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast, we asked the owner if they had any recommendations in the area. They immediately told us about the nearby tarn in Flúðir (a tarn is a lake formed on top of a mountain from a glacier). We then hopped in the car, drove to the parking area, and started the hike. We ended up with a BEAUTIFUL view of the lake on top of the mountain in Iceland with complete privacy.

Wondering what other attractions we visited during our Iceland trip? Then check out my (very detailed) nine-day road trip itinerary for Iceland.

Contents:

1) Location of the Tarn

2) Nearby Lodging

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Trailhead Directions

6) Length and Difficulty of Hike

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions 

1) Location of the Tarn

• Region: Golden Circle
• Location
• Parking: Skeiða-og Hrunamannavegur 64.118726, -20.317397

The tarn (aka mountain lake) in Flúðir, Iceland has no name. Additionally, it was only recently added to google maps under the location name of “Flúðir Tarn”. Therefore, it is truly a hidden gem, known only by the locals. We received directions from the Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast owner, who highly recommended the hike since it is their favorite activity in the area. They also had a book in the bed and breakfast describing a variety of nearby sites and activities. 

For reference, the town of Flúðir is within the Golden Circle. It is just an hour and a half drive east from the city of Reykjavík, making it the perfect attraction to visit whether you are in Iceland for a weekend or an entire week.

Iceland has many other hidden gems within its borders. Consider adding a few to your itinerary, you will not regret it. 

Parking

There is a small dirt lot on the side of the road right by the start of the trailhead. However, there are no signs to distinguish this small parking area. Therefore, refer to the coordinates I provided above.

We actually passed the lot the first time we drove along the road, as we were not sure if that was the correct location to stop. However, it dawned on us that we needed to turn around after driving a few more minutes and not seeing anything else. 

View of the tarn once you reach the top of the mountain

2) Nearby Lodging

• Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast = $64 for a private double room 

We stayed at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast. It is only 10 to 15 minutes away from the tarn, also known as a mountain lake, in Flúðir, Iceland. I would give Skyggnir a five-star rating, a 10 out of 10. Shortly after we booked the room and before we even touched foot in Iceland, they sent us a message. The message included information on check in and check out times, towels, linens, and complimentary breakfast options. 

If you want some additional recommendations, then check out the best hotels in the Golden Circle. Hint – Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast is included on the list. On the other hand, book a stay at one or more of the most romantic hotels in Iceland to make your trip a bit more intimate.

Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast – Upon Arrival

When we arrived, we parked right behind the building in the small lot. The owner made a little note saying to ring the doorbell, and they would then be over in five to 10 minutes. The note held true as the owner pulled up shortly thereafter. They let us in and then showed us our room as well as the shared bathrooms and kitchen. We took some time to ask for recommendations in the area, and that is how we discovered the tarn existed.

Bonus: there were horses right along the fence when we arrived, and apparently my boyfriend is a horse whisperer because they walked right up to him. 

Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast Layout

Skyggnir has six rooms, two shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a shared lounge area, and a porch / garden. Each room receives their own key, yet all other spaces are shared. For breakfast, the kitchen was stocked with bread, jam, cereal, granola, yogurt, milk, and more. Our room as well as the shared spaces were clean, comfortable, and everything we could have asked for on our first night in Iceland. We paid $64 for a private double room with shared bathrooms. Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast is the best option for those traveling on a budget! Check out their facebook page for more info.

Other Nearby Lodging

Other nearby lodging options include: 

• Guesthouse Fludir – Grund
• Garður Stay Inn by the Secret Lagoon
• Booking.com: Fludir area

Enjoying the views at the Tarn in Flúðir

3) The Best Time to Visit

• Any time!

We hiked up to the top of the mountain in the early evening in summer. The temperature outside was perfect, as it was in the low to mid 50 degrees Fahrenheit (~10 degrees Celsius). That being said, we were not able to visit during sunset simply due to the fact the sun did not set until the early hours of the morning. 

However, feel free to hike in the dark if you are prepared with a headlamp or flashlight and have experience hiking with little visibility. I would imagine the sunrise or sunset would be quite beautiful at the lake at the top of the mountain in Flúðir, Iceland. 

If you plan to visit in the winter, please be prepared to hike in snowy or icy conditions. As mentioned previously, this is a hidden gem and thus you will likely be alone on the trail if an incident were to occur. 

Taking in some last-minute views before the sun sets

4) Quick Facts

1. A tarn is a lake on the top of a mountain formed by the melting of a glacier.

2. The tarn, or mountain lake, in Flúðir, Iceland has no name. It is thus truly a hidden gem. 

3. The hike up to the top of the mountain takes an average of one hour round trip. 

4. While the hike is fairly short, it is also somewhat steep. I do not know the specific elevation gain, but I would guess it is a few hundred feet. 

View of the Flúðir Tarn

5) Trailhead Directions

• Directions below start from Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast
• A small orange marker defines the beginning of the trail

The tarn is a hidden gem, so it can thus be a bit more difficult to find than other popular tourist destinations. However, do not let that deter you. It is well worth a visit. 

Additional hiking trails in Iceland include Svartifoss Waterfall in eastern Iceland and Fimmvorduhals Pass behind Skógafoss Waterfall in southern Iceland.

Directions to the Parking Lot

We received directions starting from Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast, and thus that is what I will provide here. Skyggnir has its own small gravel road and parking lot. To begin, drive down Skyggnir road and then turn left onto Hrunavegur (344). Drive on Hrunavegur (344) for five to 10 minutes before turning left onto the main road, Skeiða-og Hrunamannavegur (30). Then watch for a small, dirt parking area on the right side of the road about a minute or two after the farm. While no signs distinguish the parking area, it is obvious others parked there before. Here are the coordinates for the parking lot: Skeiða-og Hrunamannavegur 64.118726, -20.317397.

Directions to the Trailhead

From the lot, walk along the trail on the right side of the road for about 20 to 30 feet. The orange marker is the sign to begin hiking! There is somewhat of a defined trail due to people hiking in the area previously. Hike up the mountain, and you are sure to make it to the lake at the top. 

Hiking up to the tarn

6) Length and Difficulty of Hike

• Hiking time: 1 hour round trip
• Difficulty: between easy and moderate

The hike took us about one hour round trip, and we found it to be between an easy and moderate hike. While I do not know the exact elevation gain, I would say it is a couple hundred feet.

Length of Hike

We hiked for approximately 30 minutes each way to the lake on top of the mountain in Flúðir, Iceland. We then walked around a portion of the lake before turning around. Fair warning, the lake is fairly large. You will thus need to plan for a longer hiking time if you want to walk the entire perimeter.  

Hiking a bit around the perimeter of the tarn

Difficulty of Hike

In terms of difficulty, the hike is fairly steep yet short. The path is mainly a dirt trail with rocky portions here and there. Take a short break at any point if you are feeling tired or out of breath. There is no rush to get to the top, especially since it is a short hike. Additionally, remember to drink water. Even if it is not hot in Iceland, drinking water while hiking is important. 

Iceland is a hiker’s paradise; there are hikes to a lake on the top of a mountain, waterfalls, black sand beaches, etc. My recommendation? Do as many hikes as your schedule allows.

Not sure which is the better view…

7) Recommended Items to Bring

Looking to reduce the stress of packing? Check out my Iceland summer road trip packing list and international travel essentials.

1. Water bottle: Please please please be sure to bring water with you while hiking. I do not mean bring water and leave it in your car. Nope. Carry your water with you as you hike up the mountain. Even though Iceland has cooler temperatures, you still need to drink water to stay hydrated. For example, I brought my Yeti water bottle on this hike.

Hiking Apparel

2. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you make your way up the mountain. The trail is a mix of loose dirt and rocks, so the traction provided by hiking shoes will come in handy. 

3. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity on this hike simply due to the fact it is fairly short. However, bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

4. Crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

Trying to capture this moment in my mind forever

8) Nearby Attractions 

The hike for this Iceland mountain lake is located just beyond the west edge of the Golden Circle. There are thus A LOT of nearby attractions. 

Here are some places to check out in the Golden Circle:

• Thingvellir National Park: includes Silfra Snorkeling, Öxarárfoss, and Almannagjá 
• Geysir Geothermal Area: includes Strokkur, one of the most famous geysers in Iceland that erupts every couple of minutes 
• Gullfoss: a waterfall with a lookout as well as a staircase leading down to the falls 
• Fontana Geothermal Baths: geothermal pools and saunas by the edge of lake Laugarvatn
• Kerid Crater: a small lake within a volcanic crater 

Here are some places to check out in the town of Flúðir:

• Secret Lagoon: a geothermal pool, also known as Gamla Laugin
• Hrunalaug Hot Spring: a small, natural hot spring
• Skálholt Cathedral: a cathedral that offers a restaurant, rooms, and church services

Strokkur erupting at Geysir Hot Springs

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Planning your own Iceland itinerary? Look at ours as an example: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.

Let’s dive into my favorite activities in Iceland: Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland.