Hverfjall Crater
Hverfjall
A short, steep climb up a giant black tephra crater near Mývatn, with views over the lake, lava fields and steaming hills.
- Distance
- 1 km
- Out & back
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Ascent
- 110 m
- Max 390 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
The Hverfjall hike climbs one of the most striking volcanic craters in Iceland, a huge, symmetrical ring of black tephra just east of Lake Mývatn. The measured route is 1 km out and back, takes about 30 minutes and involves roughly 110 m of ascent to a high point of around 390 m. It is short but steep, on a loose gravel path that zigzags up the outer slope of the crater.
Hverfjall, also known as Hverfell, formed in an explosive eruption around 2,500 years ago and is roughly a kilometre across. From the rim you look into the vast crater bowl and out over Mývatn, the Dimmuborgir lava formations and the steaming hills to the east. Many people extend the walk by circling the rim, which adds distance beyond the measured route.
Highlights
- Looking into a vast, near-perfect tephra crater
- Wide views over Lake Mývatn and the surrounding lava
- A short climb with a big reward
- Easy to combine with Dimmuborgir and the Mývatn sights
The route
Car park to the crater rim
From the car park at the foot of the north side, a clear path zigzags up the black gravel slope. It is steep and loose but short, so take your time. The climb gains about 110 m. Stay on the marked path, as the crater slopes are protected and scarred easily by off-path walking.
Rim viewpoint and return
At the rim, the crater opens in front of you, with a mound of tephra in its centre. Views stretch over Mývatn and the lava fields. If you have time, walk part or all of the rim for changing perspectives. Return down the same path, taking small steps on the loose gravel.
Getting to the trailhead
Hverfjall is just east of Reykjahlíð at Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. A short gravel road leads from the main road near Reykjahlíð to the car park at the foot of the crater. A path also links Hverfjall with Dimmuborgir to the south. Akureyri is roughly an hour's drive away. Check road.is in shoulder seasons, when the access road may be affected by snow.
Where to stay
Reykjahlíð and the shores of Mývatn have hotels, guesthouses and campsites, and many farms around the lake offer rooms. Staying at Mývatn makes it easy to combine Hverfjall with Dimmuborgir, Námaskarð and the nature baths. Akureyri offers a wider choice within driving distance.
Best time to hike
May to October is the best period, when the path is usually free of snow. Summer brings long days but also the midges for which Mývatn is known; a head net helps. In winter the slopes can be icy and windswept, and the access road may be snowbound.
Safety
The main risks are slipping on the loose gravel and strong wind on the exposed rim. Keep away from the inner crater slopes, which are steep and protected. In winter, ice makes the path hazardous. Stay on marked paths. Carry layers, as the rim is often colder than the car park. In an emergency call 112, and see SafeTravel.is for weather and conditions.
Plan & book
Book your Hverfjall Crater hike
CampingÁsbyrgi & Vesturdalur Campsites
National park campsites in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
Vatnajökull National Park
Guided tourDiamond Circle & Canyon Tours
Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Mývatn from Akureyri or Húsavík.
North Iceland operators1 day
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Hverfjall Crater FAQ
How long does it take to hike Hverfjall?+
The climb to the rim and back is about 1 km and takes around 30 minutes, with roughly 110 m of ascent. Walking around the rim adds extra time.
Is Hverfjall hard to climb?+
It is short and rated easy, but the path is steep and loose, so good shoes help.
Can you walk around the rim of Hverfjall?+
Yes, many people circle the rim. It adds distance beyond the measured route and is exposed to wind.
Can you climb Hverfjall in winter?+
It is possible in calm conditions, but the path can be icy and the access road snowbound. The best period is May to October.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
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