Herðubreiðarlindir Oasis
About Herðubreiðarlindir Oasis
Herðubreiðarlindir is a spring-fed oasis in the Ódáðahraun lava desert of Iceland's northeast Highlands, about 4 km east of the table mountain Herðubreið. Cold, clear springs rise from beneath the lava and join to form the Lindaá river, which flows on into Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Along the banks grows a strip of grass, moss and wildflowers, the only real green for miles in any direction.
The area has been a nature reserve since 1974 and today lies within Vatnajökull National Park, with park rangers based here in summer. The Akureyri Touring Association runs the Þorsteinsskáli mountain hut, and there is a campsite beside it, one of the few places in this part of the park where camping is allowed. The hut is staffed in summer and closed in winter.
A short walk from the campsite brings you to Eyvindarkofi, a small stone shelter tied to the outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur, who is believed to have spent the winter of 1774 to 1775 hiding here. It is a protected archaeological site, so look but leave the stones alone. Marked trails also follow the springs, and on a clear day the view of Herðubreið from the oasis is the best you will get without climbing it.
Herðubreiðarlindir is on the F88 mountain road, about 60 km south of Route 1 and roughly three hours of driving from Lake Mývatn. The F88 is open only in summer, usually from late June, and it has unbridged river crossings at Grafarlandaá and Lindaá, so you need a capable 4x4 and should check the road conditions map before setting out. Most visitors stop here on the way to Askja, either in their own vehicle or on a guided highland tour.
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Good to know
What is Herðubreiðarlindir?
Herðubreiðarlindir is a green, spring-fed oasis in the Ódáðahraun lava desert, about 4 km east of Herðubreið. It is inside Vatnajökull National Park and has a hut, a campsite and summer rangers.
How do you get to Herðubreiðarlindir?
Drive the F88 south from Route 1 for about 60 km. The road opens only in summer and has unbridged river crossings, so you need a capable 4x4 or a guided highland tour.
Can you camp at Herðubreiðarlindir?
Yes. There is a campsite next to the Þorsteinsskáli hut, and it is one of the few places in this part of the national park where camping is allowed.
What is Eyvindarkofi?
Eyvindarkofi is a small stone shelter near the Herðubreiðarlindir campsite linked to the outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur, who is believed to have wintered there in 1774 to 1775. It is a protected archaeological site.
When is the F88 to Herðubreiðarlindir open?
The F88 usually opens in late June and closes in the fall, depending on snow and river levels. Check the road conditions map for the current status before you go.
Is Herðubreiðarlindir on the way to Askja?
Yes. The F88 passes Herðubreiðarlindir on the main route to Askja, so most travelers stop at the oasis on the way in or out.
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