Herðubreið
About Herðubreið
Herðubreið is the flat-topped mountain that rises alone out of the Ódáðahraun lava desert in Iceland's northeast Highlands, and its outline is easy to pick out from far across the plain. At 1,682 m, it is a tuya, a volcano that erupted beneath the Ice Age glacier, which explains the steep sides and the level summit.
Most travelers see Herðubreið from the F88 on the way to Askja, and the best stop is Herðubreiðarlindir, a spring-fed oasis about 4 km east of the mountain. Grass and wildflowers line clear streams here, in the middle of black sand and lava. The Akureyri Touring Association runs the Þorsteinsskáli hut, which has a campsite nearby and summer wardens, and the hut is closed in winter.
The F88 leaves the Ring Road west of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum bridge, and Herðubreiðarlindir is about 60 km down this rough mountain road. It is open only in summer and is meant for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, with river crossings along the way. If you would rather not drive it, guided 4x4 day trips to Askja from Mývatn and Akureyri stop at Herðubreið and the oasis.
Climbing Herðubreið is a serious undertaking. Vatnajökull National Park rates the route difficult and lists about 12 hours round trip from Herðubreiðarlindir, including the drive to the trailhead west of the mountain and about three hours up. It warns of a great risk of falling and rockfall, so wear a helmet, start early and talk to the rangers before you go.
Good to know
Where is Herðubreið?
Herðubreið stands in the Ódáðahraun lava desert in the northeast Highlands, south of the Ring Road between Mývatn and Egilsstaðir. The mountain road F88 to Askja passes close by.
How tall is Herðubreið?
Herðubreið is 1,682 m high. It rises steeply on all sides from the surrounding plateau to a flat summit.
Is Herðubreið a volcano?
Yes. Herðubreið is a tuya, a volcano that erupted under the Ice Age ice sheet, which gave it its steep sides and flat top.
Can you climb Herðubreið?
Yes, but only experienced hikers should try. The park rates the route difficult, warns of rockfall, recommends helmets and lists about 12 hours round trip from Herðubreiðarlindir.
How do you get to Herðubreið?
Take F88 south from the Ring Road west of Jökulsá á Fjöllum to Herðubreiðarlindir, about 60 km of 4x4 track open only in summer. Askja day tours from Mývatn also stop there.
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