Hverfjall

About Hverfjall

Hverfjall, also called Hverfell, is a large tephra crater on the east side of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. It formed about 2,500 years ago in an explosive eruption, most likely when rising magma met water, probably from the lake. From above the crater is roughly 1,000 metres across, and its base spreads to about 2,000 metres. The rim rises 80 to 170 metres above the surrounding land, with the highest point at 452 metres above sea level, and a small cone stands 37 metres high in the crater floor. It has been protected as a natural monument since 2011.

The main reason to come is the walk up and around the rim. From the northwest car park, a path of about 600 metres climbs diagonally up the slope to the rim in 10 to 25 minutes. Walking the full circuit of the rim is an easy route of about 3.2 km and takes around an hour, with views over Mývatn, the lava fields and the surrounding volcanic landscape. A steeper trail of about 600 metres descends the south side towards Dimmuborgir and takes 30 to 45 minutes, so the two sites can be linked on foot.

The slopes are mostly 20 to 25 degrees, so wear proper walking shoes and stay on the marked paths. The access road leaves the Ring Road south of Vogar. It is rough but passable for ordinary cars in summer and often impassable in winter, when snow and ice also make the climb harder, though hiking is usually possible all year. The official protected-area information lists no entrance fee; some guides mention a parking charge, so check at the car park. Summer, when the road is open to ordinary cars, is the easiest time to visit.