Kverkfjöll
About Kverkfjöll
Kverkfjöll is a volcanic mountain range on the northern edge of Vatnajökull, about as far from a paved road as you can get in Iceland. The massif is cut in two by an outlet glacier, and high on its slopes a geothermal area steams in the middle of the ice.
The Kverkfjöll ice cave at the glacier snout is what made the place famous, but it is not a place to go inside. Vatnajökull National Park warns visitors not to enter the unstable cave because ice falls are frequent and toxic gases can build up quickly. Look at the entrance from a safe distance and let the glacier be.
A safer way to see Kverkfjöll up close is the park's interpretive trail, about 800 m and roughly 45 minutes from the parking lot, which crosses glacial terrain and passes retreating ice. Longer hikes onto the glacier and up to the geothermal area need a local guide with glacier gear, so treat them as a separate trip.
Reaching Kverkfjöll in Iceland is a serious highland drive. From the Ring Road at Möðrudalur, F905 and F910 lead to F902, and Frommer's puts the trip to the Sigurðarskáli mountain hut at about 108 km of rough track with river crossings. You need a large 4x4, a full tank and a summer date, and the hut wardens are the best source of current road and ford conditions.
Good to know
Where is Kverkfjöll in Iceland?
Kverkfjöll is on the northern edge of the Vatnajökull ice cap in the eastern Highlands, inside Vatnajökull National Park. The nearest hut is Sigurðarskáli on road F902.
Can you go inside the Kverkfjöll ice cave?
No. Vatnajökull National Park tells visitors not to enter the unstable cave because ice falls are frequent and poisonous gases can build up quickly.
How do you get to Kverkfjöll?
Drive F905 from Möðrudalur, then F910 and F902 to the Sigurðarskáli hut, roughly 108 km of highland track. Only large 4x4 vehicles should attempt it, and only in summer.
Is Kverkfjöll a volcano?
Yes. Kverkfjöll is a volcanic system partly buried under Vatnajökull, with a large geothermal area high on its slopes.
Where do you stay at Kverkfjöll?
Sigurðarskáli, a mountain hut run by the Fljótsdalshérað touring association (Ferðafélag Fljótsdalshéraðs), sits on F902 north of the glacier. It has summer wardens, so book ahead and ask them about road conditions.
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