Lake Hylia sits at the southern end of Hyrule Field in Ocarina of Time, and you reach it by riding or running south from the field until the path opens onto the lake. That overland route is the one that always works. The other two ways in, the Zora’s Domain water tunnel and the Serenade of Water warp, open up later and are far quicker once you have them.
The Overland Route from Hyrule Field
From the centre of Hyrule Field, head south past Lon Lon Ranch and keep going. The field narrows into a gorge that leads directly to the lakeshore. Nothing gates this route, so it is available from your first visit to the field as child Link.
On foot it is a long run, and Hyrule Field at night spawns Stalchildren. If you have Epona, this is dramatically faster, and our guide on how to get Epona covers winning her from Ingo.
The Zora’s Domain Tunnel
There is an underwater passage connecting Zora’s Domain to Lake Hylia, and it comes out right by the water’s edge.
To use it you need the Silver Scale, which lets Link dive deep enough to reach the tunnel mouth. You win the Silver Scale from the diving game run by the Zora near King Zora’s throne room: grab all the rupees he throws into the water inside the time limit.
This route matters for more than travel. It is also how you reach one of the game’s empty bottles, so it tends to be worth doing even if you were not planning to visit the lake.
The Serenade of Water Warp
Once adult Link learns the Serenade of Water inside the Ice Cavern, playing it warps you straight to Lake Hylia. This is the fastest option in the game and the one you will use for the rest of your playthrough.
Adult Link arriving at the lake finds it drained, which is a story consequence rather than a routing problem. Restoring the water is tied to the Water Temple.
What Is Actually at the Lake
The lake holds the fishing pond, the Lakeside Laboratory, a Great Fairy fountain on the cliff above, and the entrance to the Water Temple. Several of these need items you will not have on a first visit, so most players end up coming back two or three times.
If you are working through the game in order, our guides on the Forest Temple and getting to Death Mountain cover the areas that usually come first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can child Link reach Lake Hylia? Yes, by running south through Hyrule Field. The overland route has no age requirement.
Do you need the Silver Scale to get to the lake? Only for the Zora’s Domain tunnel. The overland route needs nothing.
Why is the lake empty as adult Link? The water level drops as part of the story and is tied to the Water Temple.
What is the fastest way back? The Serenade of Water, learned in the Ice Cavern as adult Link.