Úlfljótsvatn brings together a large lake, fishing opportunities and a scout centre with a history spanning decades. When planning your trip, it is also important to consider local conditions: anglers must register, the Scout Museum is open for a limited season, and the area is accessible only by road. This lets you plan your trip around the activities that interest you.
Lake, Location and Fishing
Úlfljótsvatn forms the upper reaches of the Sog. The lake lies south of Þingvallavatn, between the Írafoss and Steingrímsstöð power stations, and is fed by the outflow from Þingvallavatn. It covers about 4 square kilometres and is more than 20 metres deep at its deepest point. These geographical features give the lake a distinctive place in the area's landscape.
Lake char are the main catch, along with some brown trout. Fly fishing, spinners and worms are permitted. Before fishing, you must register at the service building at Úlfljótsvatn campsite. Check the fishing rules in force before your arrival and allow time to register as a separate step.
Activities at the Scout and Adventure Centre
The Úlfljótsvatn Scout and Adventure Centre was founded in 1941 and has been home to Icelandic scouts for over 80 years. It welcomes scout groups, school groups, campers and companies throughout the year; check seasonal arrangements before your trip. During scout camps, Úlfljótsvatn campsite can accommodate up to 5,000 guests.
Activities combine time on the water with other options at the centre. Group kayaking uses single and tandem kayaks as well as canoes. The Úlfljótsvatnsfjall hike beside the centre reaches an elevation of 234 metres. Other options include a 16-hole disc golf course and the chance to climb Iceland’s highest climbing tower. Check activity schedules and availability; conditions on the hike may change.
Scouting History and Culture
The Scout Museum covers the history of scouting in Iceland from 1911 to the present day, as well as international scouting. It is open every Saturday from early May to the end of September. If the museum is part of your itinerary, check the specific opening days before your visit.
Another local connection to history can be found at Úlfljótsvatnskirkja, which has a silver chalice and paten probably dating from the 18th or early 19th century. Nearby, Ljósafoss power station offers the free interactive exhibition “Powering the Future” about renewable and sustainable energy. It is about a 20-minute walk from Úlfljótsvatn; check opening arrangements in advance.
Surroundings and Getting There
Nearby attractions include the volcanic crater lake Kerið, about a 15-minute drive from Úlfljótsvatn, and Þingvellir National Park, a short distance away. Úlfljótsvatn itself is accessible only by road; there is no public transport there. Check current travel options before setting off.
When looking for hotels in Úlfljótsvatn, it helps to decide on the main focus of your trip first: museum visitors should consider the Saturday opening days during the season, anglers should allow time to register, and those planning activities at the centre should check schedules or availability.
The Wider Sudurland Region
The wider Sudurland destination offers other landscape and hiking experiences. Fjallabak Nature Reserve was protected in 1979. Þórsmörk is a nature reserve between glaciers, rivers and rugged mountains. Landmannalaugar is known for its colourful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs; the trail network ranges from short circular walks to multi-day treks, and the Laugavegur begins there.
Discover more destinations: Vestmannaeyjar, Hruni, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Stóri Núpur, Grimsnes, Hella, Hvolsvöllur, Stokkseyri.
Go to the main travel overview: Sudurland.
