Region
South Iceland
105 km from Reykjavik
Hvolsvollur: LAVA Center and Saga Country
Home of the LAVA Center, gateway to Eyjafjallajokull, and the setting for Njal's Saga.
Population
~950
South Iceland • LAVA Center
Hvolsvollur has become a regular stop on the South Coast thanks to the LAVA Center, an interactive exhibition on Iceland's volcanic forces. The town sits below Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano whose 2010 eruption made headlines worldwide, and in the middle of the landscape described in Njal's Saga.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
The LAVA Center's real-time seismic displays show Iceland's volcanic activity as it happens.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~950
South Coast service town
Known for
LAVA Center
Volcanoes and saga history
Top Attractions in Hvolsvollur
LAVA Center
Award-winning volcanic exhibition
Eyjafjallajokull
Famous volcano with glacier cap
Saga Centre
Njal's Saga history and exhibits
Thorsmork Valley
Highland hiking area
Fimmvorduhals Trail
Glacier-to-glacier hike
Swimming Pool
Geothermal pool and hot tubs
How to Get to Hvolsvollur
From Reykjavik: 1.5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), passing Selfoss and Hella.
To Thorsmork: 4x4 or super jeep required for river crossings. Organized tours available from town.
South Coast tours: Hvolsvollur is a standard stop on most South Coast day trips from Reykjavik.
Best Time to Visit Hvolsvollur
Year-round: The LAVA Center is open daily throughout the year and works in any weather.
Summer: Best for Thorsmork and Fimmvorduhals hiking (June-September). Highland roads open.
Planning help
Hvolsvollur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.