Skorradalsvatn

The Skorradalsvatn is a lake in the west of Iceland. It is located in the municipality of Skorradalur.

Geography and History

It is located in a narrow valley between the Hvalfjörður and the Reykholtsdalur. Its length is almost 16 km, it is up to 1 km wide and has a total area of 14.7 km ². The maximum depth is 48 m.

The mountains in the north of the lake reach a height of up to 450 m ( Skorradalsháls ). South of the lake there are higher mountains, such as the Skarðsheiði ( 1053m ). The shores of the lake were planted so that it could be mistaken here sometimes located in an alpine area.

In past times, the way to Þingvellir led past the Skorradalsvatn. This old path, which is still sometimes used for trekking, crossing the mountains to Kaldidalur in the southeast. There also opens the small river Fitjaá into the lake.

Reachable the Skorradalsvatn is today mainly on gravel roads. Places can be found on its banks not, but many weekend houses.

In the lake, you can fish for trout. The fauna of the Skorradalsvatn was, however, affected by partially damming, there was a fish kill.

Saga

An old legend tells of a snake that had caught a peasant girl. She was but he escaped and has grown into a giant worm that now is to live in the lake (see sea monster ).