Ljótipollur, the pretty little Ugly Pond

Admission to Ljótipollur is free

Access to Ljótipollur is complimentary for all visitors. Although the parking area has limited capacity, it typically suffices to accommodate the number of visitors without becoming full. Unfortunately, restroom and sanitary facilities are not available at this natural site.

Ljótipollur crater maar

Ljótipollur is a stunning maar. Interestingly, in English, a maar is a geological term that translates to “explosion crater” in Icelandic. The name Ljótipollur, however, translates to Ugly Pond in English, a name that belies its true beauty. Despite its name, Ljótipollur is an exceptionally scenic and photogenic crater, featuring red and vegetated slopes and visible lava layers at its brim. Like most maars, it is pretty deep, with water originating from below the ground and no surface streams entering or exiting the lake. Ljótipollur reaches a depth of approximately 14 meters. Craters with small lakes often boast a stunning turquoise blue color, enhancing their allure. These craters are a magnet for photographers. Ljótipollur is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, so don't be surprised to see someone casting a line from the shore.

Map of Highland in Iceland

Ljótipollur is quite accessible:

Ljótipollur lake and crater

Similar to its neighboring maar, Hnausapollur, Ljótipollur is part of the Veiðivötn volcanic fissure system. It is conveniently accessible from the mountain road Fjallabak Nyrðri (F208) and is situated only a few kilometers from Landmannalaugar. The short route to the crater is somewhat challenging and can only be navigated with larger 4X4 vehicles. As with all natural wonders in the Icelandic Highlands, the maar is accessible exclusively during the summer months. If you plan to visit Landmannalaugar, consider taking the marked hiking trail from the camping area to Ljótipollur to enjoy the stunning lava and rhyolite mountains along the way. The crater spans approximately 1.5 kilometers, and its rims are quite elevated. The lake's form and size make it somewhat challenging to capture in a single photograph, so be sure to equip your camera with a 12-to-15-millimeter lens.

The view from Ljótipollur is spectacular:

Ljótipollur

One advantage of driving up the short distance from F208 to the brim of Ljótipollur is the view. Although the elevation from the road is less than 100 meters, the views are excellent, particularly to the east and south. All this makes the place highly photogenic, with many colors in the background—red lava rocks, layers of lava, green vegetation, and a turquoise-blue lake.

If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Location of Ljótipollur in the Highland on the map of Iceland