Fagradalsfjall
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About Fagradalsfjall
Fagradalsfjall is a flat-topped mountain of volcanic tuff on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 10 km north-east of Grindavík and roughly 40 minutes' drive from Reykjavík. The name means mountain of the beautiful valley. It became world-famous in March 2021, when lava broke through in the Geldingadalir valley at its foot, the first eruption on the peninsula in about 800 years. That eruption lasted six months and was followed by eruptions in the neighbouring Meradalir valley in August 2022 and at Litli-Hrútur in July and August 2023.
Today visitors hike to see the fresh lava fields these eruptions left behind: black, still-steaming in places, and filling valleys that were grassland a few years ago. Since late 2023 volcanic activity has shifted a few kilometres west to the Sundhnúkur crater row near Grindavík, and some of the trails from the same car parks lead to viewpoints over those newer lava fields.
The hikes start from car parks on Route 427 (Suðurstrandarvegur) east of Grindavík. P1 (Geldingadalir) and P2 (Stóri-Leirdalur) charge ISK 1,000 per car, valid for 24 hours and paid electronically. Path A to the 2021 craters is 6 to 8 km each way, around two to two and a half hours of walking in each direction, with steep sections. Path C up Langihryggur gives a view over the lava after about 4 km, and the paths at Nátthagi are the shortest at around 2 km. Path E to Meradalir is a full day of 18 to 20 km return.
The terrain is gravel, loose lava and steep hills, and the weather changes fast, so wear hiking boots and windproof layers and carry water. Never walk on the lava, which can hide heat and cavities under a solid-looking crust, and check the gas forecast and eruption news on the Icelandic Met Office and Safetravel before you go, because access can be closed at short notice. Summer is the easiest season; in winter, daylight is short and the trails can be icy.
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Good to know
How long is the hike to Fagradalsfjall?
Path A to the 2021 craters is 6 to 8 km each way, about two to two and a half hours per direction; shorter options include Path C (about 4 km one way) and the Nátthagi paths (about 2 km).
Is Fagradalsfjall still erupting?
The eruptions at Fagradalsfjall itself took place in 2021, 2022 and 2023; activity has since moved to the Sundhnúkur crater row near Grindavík, so check the Icelandic Met Office for the current situation.
How much is parking at Fagradalsfjall?
Parking at P1 (Geldingadalir) and P2 (Stóri-Leirdalur) costs ISK 1,000 per car for 24 hours, paid electronically.
Where is Fagradalsfjall?
It is on the Reykjanes peninsula about 10 km north-east of Grindavík, with trailheads on Route 427, roughly 40 minutes' drive from Reykjavík.
Can you walk on the lava at Fagradalsfjall?
No, the lava can still be hot and hollow beneath a solid-looking crust, so stay on marked paths.
Is the Fagradalsfjall hike hard?
It is moderate to challenging, with gravel, uneven lava and steep climbs, so wear hiking boots and bring water and warm layers.
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