The Nordenskjöld Lake, with its milky-blue waters, is undoubtedly one of the most stunning sites within the Torres del Paine National Park and of Patagonia. A closer look at this photographer's treasure.

A brief history

Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld discovered this alpine blue lake in Torres del Paine National Park in the early 20th century. The lake was named in his honor.

Nordenskjöld Lake today

Nordenskjöld is a lake located in Chilean Patagonia, in the Magallanes region, in southern Chile. It forms part of the majestic Torres del Paine National Park. This region is particularly popular with hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.

Nordenskjöld is celebrated for its glassy turquoise surface spanning 28 km, where clouds and vegetation are perfectly reflected. Throughout the day, this body of water takes on different colors. This mirror effect is due to the high concentration of rocky minerals in its waters.

The colored waters of Nordenskjöld Lake pour into an impressive waterfall 30 meters deep: the Salto Grande. This magnificent cascade then flows into Lago Pehoé, which is equally picturesque. The lake's shoreline is home to abundant and diverse wildlife, including guanacos.

Exploring Nordenskjöld Lake

Nordenskjöld is one of the lakes dotting Torres del Paine National Park. Visible from the Valley of the French, this lake possesses a beauty unmatched in Patagonia.

The peaceful and glassy waters of Lago Nordenskjöld form one of the park's finest attractions. The northern shore makes up the middle section of the W trek circuit. From here, you can see the famous Cuernos del Paine, the emblematic peaks of the park.

Nordenskjöld Lake, situated near the Cuernos del Paine, features depths of 200 meters. You can take a boat tour or enjoy other water sports. Beyond its colored waters, it's a fabulous location for hiking, horseback riding, or spending nights camping.

The area surrounding the lake reveals exceptional fauna and flora. Among the trees, you'll find Mata Negra, Mata Barrosa, Senecios, Estepa, and more. The wildlife consists of an incredible variety of birds, including the condor, black-necked swan, eagle, flamingo, kingfisher, and diuca finch. Along the shores, guanacos, pumas, and nandus (Patagonian ostriches) can be spotted.

West of Nordenskjöld Lake, a trail leads to the Salto Grande, one of Patagonia's most beautiful waterfalls, which cascades into the turquoise blue lake of Pehoé. From there, you can continue to the Mirador Cuernos, located about 1 hour's walk away. It offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Paine Massif. It's also possible to take a full-day hike to the Mirador Nordenskjöld. This viewpoint looks directly over the lake and the snow-capped peaks surrounding it.

You can reach Nordenskjöld Lake from Puerto Natales by road (by bus, shuttle, or rental car).