Búrfellsgjá Lava Channel
About Búrfellsgjá Lava Channel
Búrfellsgjá is a lava channel in Garðabær, on the southern edge of the Heiðmörk reserve, about 25 minutes' drive from downtown Reykjavík. It runs for more than 3.5 km from the Búrfell crater, a small spatter and cinder cone that erupted roughly 7,000 to 8,000 years ago.
During the eruption, molten lava poured out of Búrfell and flowed west through this channel, leaving steep rock walls on either side once the flow drained away. Walking the floor of the channel feels like following a dry riverbed of lava, with moss on the walls and the crater rising ahead.
The Búrfellsgjá hike starts at a parking area on Heiðmerkurvegur, southeast of Vífilsstaðahlíð, where a sign shows the route. The walk through the channel is easy and fine for families, and climbing up to Búrfell's rim makes a round trip of about 5.6 km with around 100 m of ascent. Allow one to two hours, and take care on the loose gravel of the crater slope.
Along the way you pass Gjáarrétt, a stone sheepfold built inside the channel in 1839 and protected as an archaeological site since 1964. Farther on, timber steps lead down at the Hjalli fault, and Vatnsgjá is a crack where shepherds once drew water. Búrfell, Búrfellsgjá and the nearby Selgjá were protected together as a natural monument in 2020.
The trail is open all year and free, but it has no lighting or services, so bring water and plan around daylight in winter. It's also popular with mountain bikers, so keep an ear out on the narrower stretches.
Good to know
How long is the Búrfellsgjá hike?
The walk through the channel and up to Búrfell's crater rim is about 5.6 km round trip with around 100 m of ascent. Most people take one to two hours.
Where do you park for Búrfellsgjá?
Park at the Búrfellsgjá lot on Heiðmerkurvegur, southeast of Vífilsstaðahlíð in Garðabær. A sign at the trailhead shows the route.
How old is Búrfellsgjá?
The channel formed when Búrfell erupted, roughly 7,000 to 8,000 years ago. Lava flowed west from the crater through the channel.
Is the Búrfellsgjá hike easy?
Yes. The walk through the channel is easy and suits families, and only the short climb on Búrfell's loose gravel slope needs a little care.
What is Gjáarrétt?
Gjáarrétt is a stone sheepfold built inside Búrfellsgjá in 1839. It has been protected as an archaeological site since 1964.
How do you get to Búrfellsgjá from Reykjavík?
Drive south toward Garðabær and follow Heiðmerkurvegur to the trailhead parking. The drive takes about 25 minutes from downtown Reykjavík.
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