Plizio Visual Lab
Vatnsfell Power Station
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
The Vatnsfell Hydropower Plant is situated at the southern end of Lake Þórisvatn, Iceland's largest lake, and was completed in 2001. The station operates as a peaking power plant, designed to balance short-term fluctuations in the Icelandic national power grid. It harnesses the water flowing from Lake Þórisvatn toward the Sigalda power station, utilizing a hydraulic head of 67 meters. With a capacity of 90 megawatts generated by two Francis turbines, Vatnsfell provides a significant boost to the overall energy efficiency of the Tungnaá river system. Its construction was part of a strategic initiative to optimize existing hydropower cascades without the need for building new large dams in untouched wilderness areas. The facility is almost entirely automated and monitored remotely, showcasing the advanced standards of Icelandic energy technology. During the winter months, its highland location often makes accessibility difficult, yet it is precisely then that the plant plays a vital role in ensuring energy security. The building's design is understated, blending seamlessly into the rugged, lava-strewn environment.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Landmannalaugar (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | -3 | -1 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 1 | -3 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 236 | 219 | 208 | 170 | 123 | 122 | 147 | 159 | 224 | 220 | 210 | 236 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Vatnsfell Power Station optimizes water usage in the highlands using the Thorisvatn reservoir, primarily serving to cover peak energy demand. It is an important part of Iceland's power grid.
Visiting
The facility is usually not open to the public, but the dam and reservoir can be seen from highland road F26. The infrastructure can be viewed from a distance.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the rise at the western end of the reservoir, offering a good view of the dam wall and surrounding highlands. Road F26 on the south side also provides views.
Local products
In the remote highland region, there are few local products. Bringing supplies is advisable. Occasionally, berries and wild herbs are foraged in season.
Active season
The station operates year-round, but peak load coverage is most important in winter. Construction work on the reservoir is concentrated in the summer months.
Nearby
Combine the visit with nearby Landmannalaugar, a popular hiking area with colorful rhyolite mountains. The highland reservoir around the station is also scenic.
Geography
Facts
- The Vatnsfell power plant was commissioned in the year 2001.
- The total installed capacity of the station is 90 megawatts.
- It utilizes a hydraulic head of 67 meters from Lake Þórisvatn.
- The plant is equipped with two vertical Francis turbines.
- Vatnsfell functions primarily as a peaking power plant for the grid.
- The facility is operated entirely via remote control from Reykjavík.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Vatnsfell's location?
It is located at the outlet of Þórisvatn, Iceland's largest lake, in a barren lava landscape.
Is green energy produced here?
Yes, it is an emission-free hydropower plant contributing to Iceland's sustainable energy balance.
Is swimming allowed in the reservoirs?
No, swimming is strictly prohibited for safety reasons and due to cold water temperatures.
What infrastructure is present?
Besides the plant, there are mainly technical access roads and power lines.
Is the road suitable for passenger cars?
Only in summer and preferably with 4WD, as gravel roads can be tricky.
Vatnsfell Power Station: where is it located?
Vatnsfell Power Station is located in Iceland.
Vatnsfell Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vatnsfell Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatnsfell Hydropower Plant is situated at the southern end of Lake Þórisvatn, Iceland's largest lake, and was completed in 2001.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Sigalda Power Station
The Sigalda Power Station is located in the Icelandic highlands on the Tungnaá river.
Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant
Hrauneyjafoss is one of the most powerful hydropower plants in Iceland.
Sultartangi Hydropower Plant
The Sultartangi Hydropower Plant is part of the cascade system on the Þjórsá river.
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is a valley in the Icelandic Highlands known for its colorful rhyolite mountains.
Steinsholt
Steinsholt is an archaeological site where the remains of a medieval assembly place and a farm from the Settlement Period were discovered.
Torfajökull Massif
A large volcanic area in the southern highlands, famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and intense geothermal activity.
Eldgjá
Eldgjá is the largest volcanic canyon in the world.
Stöng
Stöng was a Viking Age farm buried under ash in 1104 by an eruption of the volcano Hekla.