Grábrók Crater

The Grábrók crater walk is one of the easiest volcano hikes in Iceland and a perfect stop on Route 1 between Reykjavík and the north. The measured route is 1 km out and back, takes about 20 minutes and has only around 90 m of ascent to a high point of roughly 173 m. Built steps and boardwalks lead up the side of the cone and around the rim, so it suits almost everyone.

Grábrók is the largest of a short row of craters in Norðurárdalur near Bifröst, formed in an eruption a few thousand years ago. The lava that poured from them, now carpeted in moss and birch scrub, fills the valley floor below. From the rim you can see the shapely peak of Baula, the lake Hreðavatn and the lava field stretching toward the Glanni waterfall.

Highlights

• Walking the rim of a near-perfect cinder cone
• Built steps and boardwalks the whole way
• Views to Baula, Hreðavatn and the surrounding lava field
• An easy leg-stretcher right beside Route 1

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Grábrók is right beside Route 1 in Norðurárdalur, a short distance north of Bifröst and roughly an hour and a half's drive from Reykjavík. There is a signposted car park at the base of the crater. Long-distance buses along Route 1 pass nearby, but a car is by far the easiest way to visit.

Where to stay

Bifröst, just down the road, has a hotel and there are guesthouses and cabins in the surrounding valley and around Borgarnes. Borgarnes, about half an hour south, offers the widest choice of accommodation, restaurants and supermarkets.

Best time to hike

The crater can be visited all year. Summer gives the greenest moss and longest days, while autumn brings colourful birch scrub in the lava field. In winter the steps can be icy or snow-covered, so take care and wear shoes with good grip.

Safety

This is a very low-risk walk, but stay on the steps and boardwalk: the crater slopes are protected and easily damaged, and loose scoria is slippery. The rim is exposed to wind, which can be strong in the valley. Steps may be icy in winter. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is and road.is for weather and driving conditions.