Keilir Mountain
About Keilir Mountain
Keilir is a cone-shaped mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula, rising alone out of the lava fields between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport. At about 378 meters it is not high, but its near-perfect pyramid shape makes it one of the easiest landmarks to pick out from Reykjavík on a clear day.
The mountain is made of hyaloclastite, a glassy volcanic rock that formed when an eruption broke out beneath the Ice Age glacier. Geologists think Keilir is probably the plug of a large crater, which helps explain its unusually tidy outline.
The Keilir mountain hike starts from the parking area at Oddafell on the Höskuldarvellir plain, reached from Route 41 by following the signs for Keilir. The gravel road in is rough, and a 4x4 is the safer choice. From the lot, a trail crosses about 3 kilometers of moss-covered lava to the foot of the cone before climbing steeply on loose gravel to the top.
Plan two to three hours for the round trip, longer if you linger on the summit, where the view takes in the whole peninsula and the recent lava fields around Fagradalsfjall. Good shoes matter more than fitness here, since the upper slope is slippery when dry and worse when wet or icy.
Keilir is about 40 minutes by car from central Reykjavík, which makes it an easy half-day hike or a stop on the way to or from the airport. Summer and early fall give the best conditions, and since the peninsula is volcanically active, check the hazard map for any closures before you set out.
Good to know
How tall is Keilir mountain?
Keilir stands about 378 meters above sea level. The climb from the base is short, but the upper slope is steep and covered in loose gravel.
How long is the Keilir hike?
The Keilir hike takes about two to three hours round trip. It begins with roughly 3 kilometers of flat walking across lava from the Höskuldarvellir parking area, followed by a steep climb to the summit.
How do you get to Keilir?
Drive Route 41 from Reykjavík toward Keflavík Airport and follow the signs for Keilir onto the gravel road to Höskuldarvellir. Park at Oddafell and follow the trail to the mountain.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Keilir?
A 4x4 is recommended for the rough gravel road to Höskuldarvellir. Whatever you drive, take it slowly.
Is Keilir a volcano?
Keilir formed in a volcanic eruption under the Ice Age glacier and is made of hyaloclastite. It is thought to be the plug of an old crater and is not an active volcano itself.
Is the Keilir hike difficult?
The Keilir hike is moderate. The approach across the lava is easy, but the final climb is steep and loose underfoot, so sturdy boots are a must.
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