Botnsvatn Lake, Húsavík

The Botnsvatn walk is a short, easy loop around a small lake in the hills just above Húsavík in North Iceland. The circuit is 5.5 km, takes 1.5–2 hours and involves roughly 110 m of ascent, with a highest point of around 220 m. It is a simple, family-friendly walk on a clear path, popular with locals for an evening stroll and a good way to stretch your legs after a morning on a whale-watching boat.

The lake sits in a sheltered hollow beneath Húsavíkurfjall, surrounded by grassy slopes and patches of planted woodland. Birdlife is good in summer, and from the higher parts of the loop you get glimpses down to the harbour and across Skjálfandi bay to the mountains beyond. Do not expect drama: this is a pleasant, relaxed loop. If you want more effort, combine it with a climb of Húsavíkurfjall, which rises directly above.

Highlights

• A quiet lake just minutes from Húsavík harbour
• Easy, well-trodden path suitable for families
• Summer birdlife around the shore
• Glimpses over Skjálfandi bay

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Húsavík is on the coast of North Iceland, about an hour's drive from Akureyri. The lake lies just south-east of town, close to the road that climbs out of Húsavík, and you can walk there from the centre or drive to the parking area at the west end of the lake. Check a map before you go for the most convenient access point.

Where to stay

Húsavík has hotels, guesthouses, a campsite and plenty of restaurants. It also makes a good base for the Diamond Circle, including Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss and Mývatn, and the GeoSea sea baths on the edge of town.

Best time to hike

May to October is the best period, with July and August the warmest and greenest. Summer evenings are especially nice, with long light over the bay. Outside the season the path can be icy or snow-covered, so take care if you visit then.

Safety

This is a low-risk walk, but weather on the north coast can turn cold and windy quickly, so bring a warm layer and a waterproof. Keep children away from the water's edge and give nesting birds space in early summer. Paths can be muddy after rain. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for weather warnings before longer outings in the area.