Úlfljótsvatn

Lake, river and scouting tradition define Úlfljótsvatn. The area forms the upper reaches of the Sog, south of Þingvallavatn and between the Írafoss and Steingrímsstöð power stations. The Scout and Adventure Centre was founded in 1941 and has been home to Iceland’s scouts for over 80 years. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Úlfljótsvatn can therefore plan their stay around a wide range of interests, from nature by the water to activities at the centre or a look at the history of scouting.

Lake and fishing

Úlfljótsvatn is fed by the outflow from Þingvallavatn. The lake covers about 4 square kilometres and is over 20 metres deep at its deepest point. These figures give a concrete sense of the body of water that defines the area. The main fish caught in the lake are Arctic char, along with some brown trout. Fishing with flies, lures and worms is permitted. If you want to fish, register beforehand at the Úlfljótsvatn campsite service house. This makes registration a direct part of planning your experience.

Activities around the Scout Centre

The Úlfljótsvatn Scout and Adventure Centre welcomes scout groups, school groups, campers and businesses throughout the year. Activities described there include group kayaking on the lake using single and double kayaks, as well as canoes. There is also a climbing tower, described as Iceland’s tallest, which visitors can climb, and a 16-hole disc golf course. These activities offer distinct experiences: on the water, visitors can use different types of kayaks and canoes, while disc golf and climbing provide other forms of exercise.

For a hike, the Úlfljótsvatnsfjall route leads to an elevation of 234 metres, next to the centre. This figure describes the hike’s destination; it does not specify the length of the route. If you choose your accommodation based on the experiences you want, the lake, the hike and the activities at the Scout Centre can each shape your stay in different ways.

Scouting history and church architecture

The Scout Museum in Úlfljótsvatn covers the history of Icelandic scouting from 1911 to the present, as well as international scouting. It is open every Saturday from early May to late September. This seasonal schedule may be important when planning your trip if you want to include a museum visit. Úlfljótsvatnskirkja is a protected wooden church dating from 1863. Its possessions include a silver chalice and a paten, probably from the 18th or early 19th century.

More destinations nearby

About a 20-minute walk from Úlfljótsvatn, the Ljósafoss power station offers the free interactive exhibition “Powering the Future” about renewable and sustainable energy. The volcanic crater lake Kerið is about a 15-minute drive away, and Þingvellir National Park is a short distance away. Alongside the lake and local activities, you can also consider these other destinations when planning your stay. Úlfljótsvatn is accessible only by road; there is no public transport there. Take the road journey into account when choosing your holiday apartment and planning your trip.

More destinations: Ólafsvellir, Ásólfsskáli, Þykkvibær, Hella, Stóri Núpur, Grafarkirkja, Kálfafell and Laugarás.

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