Svínavatn – Lake and Church History

At Svínavatn, a large body of water meets a rich history of churches and grazing. The lake covers about 12 km² and shapes the character of the destination. When planning your trip, you can focus on different interests: the waterscape, historic churches, or the livestock drives associated with Auðkúlurétt.

The Lake and Its Waterscape

Svínavatn lies about 130 m above sea level. Its deepest point is 30 m below the water’s surface. The Sletta and Svinadalsa feed the lake; the Upper-Laxa is its outlet. The names indicate different roles: the Sletta and Svinadalsa carry water into the lake, while it flows out again via the Upper-Laxa. The waterscape can therefore be described not only by the size of the lake, but also by its tributaries and outlet.

Churches at Svínavatn

Svínavatnskirkja is a wooden church on the lake’s southeastern shore. It is first mentioned around 1318 in the Auðunarmáldagi. The altarpiece also tells its own, much more recent story: it is an oil painting by H. V. Westergaard from 1902. If you are interested in the church, visits are possible by prior arrangement.

Auðkúla is a farm and church site at Svínavatn. The present church building of Auðkúlukirkja was built in 1894. Together with the earlier mention of Svínavatnskirkja, this gives you a specific reason to take note of the different historical dates and churches when visiting. These two churches are among the area’s cultural highlights, alongside the landscape shaped by the lake.

Auðkúlurétt and Rural Traditions

Auðkúlurétt stands on Stóradalsnes at the end of Svínavatn. Livestock are gathered there from Auðkúluheiði, the grazing land from which they come. In 2024, several sheep and horse drives took place at Auðkúlurétt. These events are in the past and offer a glimpse into the local tradition without implying a future event calendar. Visitors interested in pastoral farming, as well as the lake and churches, will find a distinct focus here.

Weighing Up Your Interests for the Trip

Brown trout are the most commonly caught fish in Svínavatn; Arctic char are also found there. For anglers, this distinction is a specific aspect of the waterscape. Other visitors may be more interested in the altarpiece, the early mention of Svínavatnskirkja, or the history of Auðkúlukirkja. When choosing a holiday rental in Svínavatn, your personal interests can help shape your trip planning: the lake and its fish species, the churches, or the connection with the livestock drives each offer a different way to explore the destination.

Getting Your Bearings

Svínavatn is about 9 km from the road, at the turnoff to Route 724. You can use this distance to help plan your journey.

Discover More Places

More destinations: Vidhidalstunga, Miklibær, Laugarbakki, Húnavatn, Hólar, Hvammstangi, Hofsós, Skagaströnd.

To the regional travel overview: Norðurland Vestra.