Vindbelgjarfjall Mountain
About Vindbelgjarfjall Mountain
Vindbelgjarfjall, also called Vindbelgur, is a steep, cone-shaped mountain on the northwest shore of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. It rises to about 530 meters, and the short hike to the top gives one of the best views over the lake.
The mountain is a palagonite mound, built when a volcano erupted under the Ice Age glacier and the lava shattered against the ice. Its dark, loose slopes stand out against the green farmland around Vagnbrekka. Vindbelgjarfjall lies inside the protected area of Mývatn and Laxá.
The Vindbelgjarfjall hike starts at a small parking area off Route 1, just west of the Vagnbrekka farm. An old track leads to the foot of the mountain in about 25 minutes, and from there a marked path climbs steeply to the summit. Most people need one to two hours, and the route is rated medium in difficulty.
From the top you look across Lake Mývatn, its islands and the pseudocraters along the southern shore, with wetlands spreading out below. Parts of the path are steep, loose and slippery, so wear proper hiking boots, and watch for falling rocks below the cliffs. The area is busy with nesting birds in early summer, so stay on the marked trail.
The trail is open all year, but it isn't lit and there are no toilets or other services at the trailhead. June to September is the best time to visit Vindbelgjarfjall, when the path is clear of snow. The parking area is about 15 minutes by car from Reykjahlíð and roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from Akureyri.
Good to know
How long is the Vindbelgjarfjall hike?
The hike takes one to two hours for most people. An old track reaches the foot of the mountain in about 25 minutes, then a steep marked path climbs to the summit.
Where does the Vindbelgjarfjall trail start?
The trail starts at a small parking area off Route 1, just west of the Vagnbrekka farm on the northwest side of Lake Mývatn. It is about 15 minutes by car from Reykjahlíð.
How high is Vindbelgjarfjall?
Vindbelgjarfjall rises to about 530 meters above sea level, roughly 250 meters above the surface of Lake Mývatn. The climb is short but steep.
Is the Vindbelgjarfjall hike difficult?
It is rated medium in difficulty. The upper path is steep with loose, slippery sections and some rockfall risk, so good boots are important.
Can you hike Vindbelgjarfjall in winter?
The trail is listed as open all year, but snow and ice make the steep upper section hazardous and there is no lighting. Summer and early fall are the safest time to go.
Trip planning — free, no commitment
Put Vindbelgjarfjall Mountain on your route
Tell us your dates, pace and can’t-miss list — a local planner builds the route, stays and tours around it, and stays a text away while you travel.