Hike facts
- Setting
- A lake east of Úlfarsfell in Mosfellsbær
- Loop
- 5.69 km with about 114 m of ascent
- Official grade
- Level 1 (easy); allow 1–2 hours
- Surface
- Marked at intervals; includes wet ground, rocks and asphalt
A quiet lake east of Úlfarsfell
Hafravatn lies east of Úlfarsfell in Mosfellsbær, close to Reykjavík but outside the city.
Low hills, wetlands and summer houses surround the water. The calm landscape is the main attraction, with open views across the lake on clear days.
Hafravatn works best as a walk rather than a quick photo stop. There is no formal viewpoint or visitor center, and the shoreline loop is the clearest reason to come.
Lake and local setting
- officialHafravatn outdoor area
Lake identity, outdoor use and recreation context.
- governmentMosfellsbær walking routes
Municipal walking-route context.
A 5.69-kilometer loop
The official route record measures the circuit at 5.69 kilometers with about 114 meters of ascent and grades it Level 1, or easy.
Allow one to two hours. You can start at the scout area on the west side or at Hafravatnsrétt on the east side, and you can walk the loop in either direction. The trail stays close to the lake, crosses the outflow near Úlfarsá and includes some roadside walking.
Official loop records
- officialHafravatn route record
Exact distance, ascent, grade, start points, surfaces and obstacles.
- officialIcelandic Tourist Board route
Loop description, marking and road-safety context.
Easy grade, mixed surfaces
Although the route is officially graded easy, the path is not smooth or clearly visible throughout.
Parts of the trail can be faint and less than one meter wide. The surface changes between wet ground, rocks and asphalt, with a small bridge, wet crossings and steps. Near Vatnsvík, you can return beside the road or take a rougher line over rocks along the shore.
The trail has no lighting, and short sections run beside traffic. Wear shoes suited to wet and uneven ground. In winter, check the available daylight and surface conditions before setting out.
No services on the loop
There are no toilets, food services or staffed facilities recorded for the loop, so arrive ready to complete the walk independently.
Choose Hafravatn when you want the lake walk itself. For a steeper outing with a city panorama, Úlfarsfell is a nearby alternative. For a wider choice of trails through forests, lava fields and lakes, visit Heiðmörk.
Check the current weather and official route record before leaving, especially after rain, during icy periods or when daylight is limited.
By ThorPublished Updated