Svínavatn can be understood through its lake, two church locations and the agricultural tradition surrounding Auðkúlurétt. These subjects have different points of reference: Svínavatnskirkja stands on the southeastern shore, Auðkúla is a farm and church site by the lake, and Auðkúlurétt is at the far end of the lake. When planning a trip, you can distinguish between the landscape, church history and rural customs rather than treating them as a single itinerary.

The lake and waterways

Svínavatn covers about 12 km², lies around 130 m above sea level and reaches a depth of 30 m below the water’s surface at its deepest point. Area, elevation and depth describe different measurements: area indicates the lake’s extent, elevation refers to sea level, and depth to the point below the water’s surface. The figures therefore have different reference points: sea level and the water’s surface. Sletta and Svinadalsa feed the lake, while the Upper-Laxa is its outlet. The distinction between inflow and outflow gives the waterway names a clear function: two named rivers feed Svínavatn, while the Upper-Laxa flows out of it as its outlet. Anyone interested in lakes and rivers will find a specific hydrological perspective here, alongside the lake’s measurements.

Church sites and their history

Svínavatnskirkja is a wooden church on the lake’s southeastern shore. It is first mentioned around 1318 in the Auðunarmáldagi. Its altarpiece is an oil painting by H. V. Westergaard from 1902. An early written mention and a later-dated work of art thus represent different periods in the church’s history. Visits to Svínavatnskirkja are possible by prior arrangement; take this appointment requirement into account when planning. Auðkúla is a farm and church site by Svínavatn. The current church building of Auðkúlukirkja was erected in 1894. It is important to distinguish what the dates refer to: around 1318 is the first mention of Svínavatnskirkja, whereas 1894 is the date of the current building of Auðkúlukirkja.

Auðkúlurétt and the livestock roundups

Auðkúlurétt is located on Stóradalsnes at the far end of Svínavatn. Auðkúluheiði is the grazing land from which the animals are gathered for the roundups. The place names answer different questions: Stóradalsnes identifies the location of Auðkúlurétt, while Auðkúluheiði names the grazing area. In 2024, several sheep and horse roundup events took place at Auðkúlurétt. This rural tradition brings together a precise location, the grazing area and roundups held on specific dates.

Getting there and fishing

For road orientation: Svínavatn is about 9 km from the road; the turnoff to Route 724 is a useful landmark. Check the specific route using up-to-date navigation. Fishing can also be a reason for a trip in its own right: brown trout are the most commonly caught fish in Svínavatn, and Arctic char are also found there. Before fishing, check the applicable fishing regulations and access conditions. For planning, the approximate road orientation and fishing are thus two distinct practical considerations.

Discover more destinations: Hólar, Hvammstangi, Vidhidalstunga, Skagaströnd, Blönduós, Varmahlíð, Lækjamót, Laugarbakki

For the broader travel overview: Northwest Iceland.