Iceland’s geological diversity is something you can talk about, but you can’t really appreciate that until you experience it in person.
Going from sprawling lava rock fields to snow capped volcanoes, some still active, in the span of a few minutes in the car is a shock to the system, in the best possible way. Most of Iceland is uninhabited (about 80 percent), and most of this human-free region can be found in the center of the country, also known as the Central Highlands. Inaccessible during the winter months, unless you have a special vehicle authorized to drive on the F season roads, the trails through these mountains are prohibited.
It is difficult to determine exactly how many mountains there are in Iceland, given the glaciers that still move across the shores. In fact, the mountains you will find here will not reach more than 7,000 feet in height – the country is nestled in a valley of crevices between a handful of tectonic plates, causing tension under the earth’s crust that results in a lot of movement. Later, you will find the ten highest peaks (for now) in the country.
01
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Hvannadalshnúkur
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Hvannadalshnúkur, IcelandGet directions
You’ll find Iceland’s highest peak in Vatnajokull National Park on the Öræfajökull volcanic glacier. Standing over 6,950 feet tall, the Hvannadalshnúkur crown is covered in ice year-round. You will be able to see this peak better if you head towards the Glacier Lagoon from Vik.
You don’t necessarily need a local guide to take you on a hike close to the mountain, but those who reach the top of the top should seriously consider bringing one along while traveling over icy terrain, unfamiliar crevices, and steep inclines.
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Bárðarbunga
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Bárðarbunga, IcelandGet directions
Reaching almost 6,600 feet, Bárðarbunga sits on the largest glacier in Europe – Vatnajokull. Volcanic activity in this area is far from frequent; The most recent eruption occurred in 1864. It is believed to erupt once every 250-600 years, according to Guide to Iceland.
That said, there have been frequent earthquakes in this area and the region is being closely monitored for a possible eruption.
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Hofsjökull
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Hofsjökull, IcelandGet directions
This peak is the third highest in the country and the largest you will find in the central Highlands. The ice sheet peaks at 5,791 feet high and is 24 miles wide, culminating in one of the most beautiful locations in the Highlands area.
In the same area, you will also find a subglacial caldera volcano, and it is active (the largest in the country). With that in mind, the last major eruption from the main peak occurred more than 12,000 years ago.
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Herðubreið
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Herðubreið, IcelandGet directions
Fun fact: In 2002, Herðubreið was voted Iceland’s ‘National Mountain’. It’s 5,518 feet tall in its northernmost reaches, and it might have the most beautiful sights of all the mountains on this list. Herðubreið is located just above a region called Odadahraun, the largest lava field in the country.
It is alone in the countryside, which is why it is probably considered one of the most beautiful peaks in Iceland – with no other mountains offering immediate competition, the completely different height between Herðubreið and Odadahraun is a visual delight.
05
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Eiríksjökull
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Eiríksjökull, IcelandGet directions
Eiríksjökull is a table mountain, named for its flat tops, measuring 5,495 feet high. Located in western Iceland, this mountain offers a challenging technical hike for those looking to get in some exercise.
The mountain is surrounded by something called a glacial shield, which basically means that it is surrounded by glacial ice.
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Eyjafjallajokull
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Eyjafjallajökull, IcelandGet directions
If you heard about a somewhat recent volcanic eruption in Iceland, you heard about Eyjafjallajökull. After its last major eruption on April 14, 2010, which halted flights and prompted the evacuation of 800 people for fear of flooding lava and glaciers, the mountain has been silent. In fact, it is the jewel of many tours heading to the south of Iceland.
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Kerling
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Kerling, IcelandGet directions
Kerling stands 5,045 tall and can be found in the west, in a mostly uninhabited area. But there is more to this attraction than just a tall mountain peak.
Also known as “Old Hag”, Kerling Cliff is an important part of this area. Legend has it that this mountain was once a female troll. The story goes that three trolls wanted to turn the western fjords into an island. Two trolls started digging from the west and one, the female troll, started digging from the east. As dawn approached and the western fjords were not yet an island, the trolls abandoned their work to seek shelter from the sun. The two trolls digging from the west noticed all the islands they created and the lack of islands in the east. Annoyed, those trolls split up and the female troll, realizing she couldn’t find shelter, created an island before being turned to stone by the sun. That lonely island is now known as Grimsey.
08
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crochet
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Hekla, IcelandGet directions
With a nickname like “Gateway to Hell,” surely there is a lot to unpack on this mountain. Hekla is an active volcano, one of the most prolific in the country with spontaneous and powerful eruptions. You will find it north of Eyjafjallajökull, the most famous volcano in the country. Its activity is due to its location in a 25-mile crevasse, which has led to the appearance of many peaks in the region.
Trivia Time: 10 percent of the country’s total land mass exists due to a Hekla eruption.
09
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Trölladyngja
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Trölladyngja, IcelandGet directions
The name might have given it away, but this peak is also known as “Troll Mountain.” It is worth taking the time to explore this region, more specifically known as the Krísuvík Geothermal Area, given that its geothermal activity has produced some beautiful color schemes along the neighboring slopes.
It’s only 902 feet tall, but you’ll get two views of the mountain from your trip: Nearby Grænadyngja, or “Green Mountain,” is slightly higher at 1,289 feet. Both mountains are very hike-worthy, even for those with very little hike under their belts. If views are what you are looking for, try the trip from Trölladyngja to Grænadyngja; You will pass through an impressive valley on your way between peaks.
