Ljótipollur is a volcano crater and lake nestled in the southern highlands of Iceland. Despite its unflattering name — which literally translates to "Ugly Puddle" — it is an incredibly beautiful spot. It's located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and can be reached by taking the 3-4 hour hike (7.5 miles / 12 km) from Landmannalaugar (a hiker's paradise filled with colorful rhyolite mountains and hot springs). There is also a road that goes right by it as you turn off F208 at 64°01'59.2"N 19°02'26.2"W that offers a great view over the crater lake.

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: An epic crater lake in the highlands of Iceland.

• Best season: Summer / early fall (the highlands are usually inaccessible from October until May but it does vary)

• Best time of day: Any.

• Nice to know: You can hike there from Landmannalaugar but if you're driving around the highlands, there's a road that goes right by it offering great views.