Age: 2,800 years
Height: 660 ft (200 m)
Width: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Hverfjall, also known as Hverfell, is a striking tephra cone or tuff ring volcano located in northern Iceland, renowned for its symmetrical, bowl-shaped crater and dramatic black ash appearance. This geological marvel stands as one of the largest and best-preserved explosion craters in the world, offering a glimpse into Iceland's volatile volcanic past. Situated near the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn, it forms part of the Krafla fissure swarm, a region teeming with geothermal activity and diverse landscapes.
Hverfjall is positioned at coordinates approximately 65°36′00″N 16°53′00″W, rising prominently from the volcanic plains east of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. The crater itself measures about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in diameter, with a depth of around 140 meters (459 feet) and steep walls that contribute to its imposing profile. Its elevation reaches 420 meters (1,380 feet) at the highest point on the rim, while the structure stands roughly 396 meters above the surrounding terrain, creating a towering black ash cone that dominates the horizon. The slopes are covered in dark volcanic tephra, giving the site an otherworldly, lunar-like aesthetic, though a landslide during its formation disrupted the perfect circularity on the southern side.
Hverfjall formed through a phreatomagmatic eruption—a type of explosive volcanic event triggered by the interaction between magma and water—approximately 2,500 to 2,800 years ago. This eruption occurred in the southern segment of the Krafla fissure swarm, ejecting vast amounts of tephra (volcanic ash and fragments) that blanketed the Mývatn region. The explosive nature of the event, likely fueled by groundwater or lake water mixing with rising magma, built up the tuff ring structure rapidly. During the eruption, a significant landslide scarred the southern crater wall, adding to its asymmetrical features. Post-formation, during Iceland's Age of Settlement (around the 9th-10th centuries CE), lava flows from nearby Svörtuborgir nearly encircled Hverfjall, while additional eruptions occurred on the slopes above Hlíðardalur valley. The site's geology exemplifies Iceland's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates diverge, fostering frequent volcanic activity across its 30 active systems.
The crater's interior is a vast, bowl-shaped depression with steep, eroded walls that reveal layers of compacted ash and tuff. From the rim, which rises up to 200 meters (656 feet) high in places, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas encompassing Lake Mývatn's serene waters, the bizarre lava pillars of Dimmuborgir (formed from a collapsed lava tube about 2,000 years ago), and the expansive Krafla lava fields. Nearby, the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters—created by steam explosions when lava met marshy ground around 2,300 years ago—serve as a wetland haven for birdwatching. The Krafla area itself features the Víti crater (300 meters wide, formed in 1724) along with hot springs and mud pools, highlighting the region's ongoing geothermal energy. Lake Mývatn, a key attraction, offers unique geological formations, boating opportunities, and rich biodiversity, while the Mývatn Nature Baths provide relaxing geothermal soaking with views of Hverfjall. The entire Mývatn district, including Hverfjall, evidences human presence dating back 9,000 years and has even served as a filming location for scenes in the HBO series "Game of Thrones."
By Car (Recommended)
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to
explore the surrounding Mývatn area. A 4x4 vehicle is advised due to
potential gravel roads and variable weather conditions—check road.is for
real-time updates before heading out.
From Reykjavík (about 470
km, 5-6 hours drive): Head north on the Ring Road (Route 1) toward North
Iceland. Continue past Akureyri, then turn onto Route 848 toward Lake
Mývatn. Follow signs for Hverfjall; it's roughly 6 km east of
Reykjahlíð. From Route 848, take the signed gravel road (Route 8816) for
about 2 km to the parking area.
From Akureyri (about 90 km, 1-1.5
hours drive): Take Route 848 east directly toward Lake Mývatn, then
follow the same signs and gravel road to Hverfjall as above.
There
are two free parking lots at the base: one on the north side (main
access) and one on the south. No entrance fee, but arrive early in peak
summer months to avoid crowds.
By Public Transport
Options are
limited in this rural area, with no direct buses to the crater itself.
You'll need to combine bus travel with walking, a taxi, or a local ride.
Take Strætó bus line 56, which runs between Akureyri and Egilsstaðir
with stops in the Mývatn area (e.g., at Reykjahlíð). From there, it's
about 6 km to the crater—walkable in 1-2 hours along the road, but not
ideal in bad weather. Alternatively, arrange a taxi from Reykjahlíð
(expect 5,000-10,000 ISK one-way) or hitch a ride, which is common in
Iceland.
Schedules are infrequent outside summer, so check straeto.is
for timetables. Public transport isn't reliable for day trips
here—consider it only if you're staying nearby.
By Organized Tour
If you don't want to drive, join a guided tour from Akureyri or
Reykjavík that includes the Mývatn region. Many operators like Gray Line
or Reykjavik Excursions offer day or multi-day trips covering Hverfjall,
often with transport in comfortable buses or vans. Search for "Lake
Mývatn tours" on sites like Viator or GetYourGuide for options starting
around 15,000 ISK per person.
Once You're There: The Hike
From
the parking lot, follow one of the two marked trails up to the rim
(steep but well-maintained, with loose gravel). It takes 20-40 minutes
to ascend about 100 meters, depending on fitness level—wear sturdy shoes
and bring layers for wind. At the top, you can walk the full 1 km loop
around the crater for panoramic views of Lake Mývatn and nearby volcanic
landscapes. Stick to paths to protect the fragile environment.
Hverfjall is accessible year-round via the Ring Road (Route 1), with a designated parking area off a gravel road near Route 848. Hiking to the rim is the main draw, involving a relatively easy 20-30 minute ascent via two official paths—from the northwest and south—while other routes are strictly prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem. Once at the top, a full rim circuit hike offers stunning 360-degree views, though descending into the crater floor is possible but challenging due to loose gravel, uneven surfaces, and potential fumaroles (steam vents); always stick to marked trails. Information boards at the site educate on local geology, enhancing the experience. Seasonal considerations include summer's mild weather and crowds, autumn's Northern Lights potential, winter's snow challenges, and spring's variable conditions. Accommodations range from hotels like Berjaya Iceland Hotels and Fosshótel Mývatn to guesthouses, hostels, and campsites in the vicinity.