Krafla: Leirhnjúkur Lava Field
Leirhnjúkur
A 6 km loop over steaming lava from the 1975–1984 Krafla Fires at Leirhnjúkur, near Lake Mývatn.
- Distance
- 6 km
- Loop
- Time
- 1.5–2 hours
- Ascent
- 70 m
- Max 590 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
The Leirhnjúkur loop is one of the most striking short hikes in North Iceland, crossing young lava fields in the Krafla volcanic area near Lake Mývatn. The circuit is about 6 km with only about 70 m of ascent and a high point near 590 m, and takes 1.5–2 hours. You walk among steaming vents, multicoloured clay hills and black lava from the Krafla Fires, a series of eruptions between 1975 and 1984, some of which is still warm beneath the surface.
The trail is marked with posts and partly boardwalked, and it is rated easy. Still, this is active geothermal ground: the crust can be thin and the earth below boiling hot, so keep strictly to the marked path. The colours are best after rain, when the yellow sulphur, red clay and black lava stand out. It pairs naturally with a look into the Víti crater nearby and a visit to the Krafla power station area.
Highlights
- Lava from the Krafla Fires eruptions of 1975–1984
- Steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud near Leirhnjúkur
- Brightly coloured sulphur and clay slopes
- Views across the Krafla caldera
The route
Car park to Leirhnjúkur
From the Leirhnjúkur car park a boardwalk and gravel path lead across older lava to the hot area at the foot of Leirhnjúkur, with steaming vents, mud pots and colourful slopes. The ground is flat and easy, and information boards explain the geology. Stay behind ropes and on the boardwalk.
Loop over the young lava
The marked loop then climbs gently onto the newer lava, where the rock is sharp, black and fractured, and steam still rises from cracks. Follow the marker posts closely, as the lava is uneven and confusing to cross. The path circles back past the geothermal area to the car park.
Getting to the trailhead
Leirhnjúkur is about 15 minutes' drive from Reykjahlíð on Lake Mývatn. Take Route 1 east, then turn north onto Route 863 toward Krafla. The road is paved and passes the geothermal power station before ending at the Leirhnjúkur car park, where there are toilets. Check road.is outside summer.
Where to stay
Reykjahlíð, on the north-east shore of Lake Mývatn, has hotels, guesthouses, a campsite, a supermarket and fuel. There are more places to stay around the lake, including at Skútustaðir on the south shore. Mývatn Nature Baths are a short drive away.
Best time to hike
June to September is best. In early summer you may find snow on parts of the lava and the path can be muddy. July and August are busiest. Midges around Mývatn can be bad on calm summer days, so a head net helps. In winter the area is snowy and the path may be hard to follow.
Safety
Geothermal ground is the main hazard: the crust can be thin and the water and mud beneath boiling, so never step off the marked path or behind ropes. The young lava is sharp and uneven; wear sturdy shoes. Volcanic gases can collect in hollows on calm days. Check SafeTravel.is for current conditions and call 112 in an emergency.
Plan & book
Book your Krafla 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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Krafla FAQ
How long is the Leirhnjúkur hike?+
The loop is about 6 km with around 70 m of ascent and takes 1.5–2 hours.
Is the lava at Krafla still hot?+
Parts of the ground at Leirhnjúkur are still warm and steaming from geothermal activity and the 1975–1984 eruptions. There is no flowing lava, but you must stay on the marked path.
Is Leirhnjúkur suitable for children?+
Yes, the walk is easy and short. Keep children close and on the path, as the geothermal ground off the trail can be dangerously hot.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
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