Angling

Angling in Þingvellir National Park is permitted from 20 April to 15 September each year.
The fishing area is along the northern shore of lake Þingvallavatn, extending from Leirutá at Lambhagi to Langitangi south of Arnarfell.

Lake Þingvallavatn contains four morphs of arctic char as well as a brown trout population. Brown trout over 60 cm may contain high levels of mercury and are not recommended for consumption, particularly for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.

All imported, previously used fishing equipment intended for freshwater use (e.g. rods, reels, hooks, lures, flies, waders and nets) must be disinfected.

Disinfection should be completed before entering the country, and a certificate must be presented.

Disinfection services are also available at the service centre at Leirar for a fee of ISK 5,000.

Further information is available on the website of Matvælastofnun (Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority).

A valid permit must be obtained before angling.

A day permit for one rod costs ISK 2,500 and is sold at the service centre at Leirar and on the national park website. Holders of Veiðikortið also have access to the area, and are asked to display the card clearly in the front window of their car.

Children may fish free of charge when accompanied by an adult, provided that at least one valid fishing permit has been purchased.

The angling permit does not apply to Kárastaðir.

Book Angling Permit

Angling is only permitted from the shore or from small islets near the shoreline. The use of boats or any floating devices is prohibited. Fishing gear other than rods (e.g. nets) is prohibited.

All catches must be recorded in an electronic catch log on the website of Hafrannsóknarstofnun (Marine & Freshwater Research Institute), regardless of whether the fish is kept or released.

Anglers must check whether fish are tagged and follow instructions further below on this page.

Electronic Catch Log

Angling is prohibited in Ólafsdráttur from 1 July to 1 September due to arctic char spawning.
The restricted area extends from Gjáarendahólmar in Hallvik to Einbúi in Arnarfell.

Any angling within this area during the closure period could be reported to police authorities.

Fishing in the river Öxará and the area south of its estuary is prohibited, including the western part of Lambhagi.

Vatnskot is one of the most popular angling locations in the national park. A campsite is operated there during summer (tents only).

Facilities at Vatnskot include a wooden pier for anglers, restrooms, waste sorting bins, picnic benches and outdoor sinks for fish cleaning. There is also a small information building with practical information about fishing in Þingvallavatn.

Other main fishing locations include:

• Lambhagi

• Tóftir

• Vörðuvík

• Öfugsnáði

• Nes (Nautatangar)

• Vatnsvik

• Hallvik

• Fornasel

• Arnarfell

Rangers and other park staff monitor the area during the day and evening. Staff are authorized to request proof of a valid fishing permit and to inspect fishing gear and methods.

Staff may remove individuals from the area for violations of rules. Violations may be reported to police authorities.

Some brown trout in Þingvallavatn are tagged for research purposes. These fish must be released.

Anglers are asked to record the following information:

1. Tag number

2. Length (cm)

3. Sex (if identifiable)

4. Location of capture

5. Date

6. Name and contact details (phone and/or email)

Information should be delivered to Jóhannes Sturlaugsson (Laxfiskar ehf.) at johannes@laxfiskar.is. Information may also be provided to park rangers.

Þingvellir National Park is a protected sanctuary of the Icelandic people. Everyone is welcome to visit and stay in Þingvellir, provided that national park rules and good conduct are respected.

• All flora and fauna in the national park are protected. Do not disturb cultural or natural heritage sites.
• Protect vegetation and do not light fires.
• Keep the area clean and do not leave litter behind.
• Do not drive or park vehicles off-road.
• Dogs must always be kept on a leash and owners must clean up after them.
• Many fissures and cracks are hidden in the area. Always proceed with caution and supervise children carefully.
• Camping is only permitted in designated campsites. Respect quiet hours and keep noise to a minimum between 23:00 and 08:00.
• Fishing permits are sold at the service centre. Launching boats from the national park shoreline is prohibited.
• Contact park rangers or the service centre for assistance or information.
• Þingvellir National Park is a peaceful sanctuary. Intoxication causes disturbance and disrupts the peace; intoxicated persons may be asked to leave the area.