Craters
130+
Over 130 craters aligned along a 29 km fissure, forming one of the longest crater rows in the world
Lakagígar: The Laki Crater Row of 1783
Over 130 craters from one of history's most devastating eruptions, now covered in green moss in the Icelandic highlands
Location
South Highlands
Vatnajökull National Park, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Quick Answer
Lakagígar is a 29 km row of more than 130 moss-covered craters from the 1783-84 Laki eruption. Access is via highland road F206 from Route 1; a 4WD vehicle is.
Lakagígar, the Laki crater row, is one of the most historically significant volcanic sites on Earth. Stretching 25 kilometers across the southern highlands, this chain of more than 130 craters was formed during the catastrophic eruption of 1783-1784, an eight-month event that produced approximately 14 cubic kilometers of basaltic lava, the largest lava flow in recorded human history. The eruption released massive clouds of toxic gases that caused widespread famine in Iceland, killing roughly one-fifth of the population in what became known as the Móðuharðindin (Mist Hardships). The volcanic haze drifted across Europe, disrupting climate patterns for years. Today, the craters and their lava fields lie within Vatnajökull National Park, covered in a thick carpet of green moss.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
4WD required for F-road access. Do not walk on the moss, as it takes decades to recover. Check road conditions and river levels before departure. Leave a travel plan at safetravel.is.
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Eruption
1783-84
An 8-month eruption that devastated Iceland and affected climate patterns across the Northern Hemisphere
Lava Volume
~14 km³
The largest basaltic lava flow produced in recorded human history, covering approximately 565 km²
What to Expect
Moss-Covered Lava Fields
The lava fields are blanketed in green woolly fringe moss, one of Iceland's most photographed scenes.
Laki Mountain Summit
Climb to the top of Laki mountain (818 m) to see the entire crater row stretching to the horizon in both directions.
Crater Row Exploration
Walk among the craters along the fissure, which range from deep bowls to jagged ridges of red and black scoria.
Historical Significance
The 1783-84 eruption killed roughly a fifth of Iceland's population and disrupted weather across Europe. Few volcanic sites carry this much history.
Remote Highland Wilderness
The drive through the highlands to reach Lakagígar crosses rivers and long stretches of uninhabited volcanic terrain.
Tjarnargígur Crater
Tjarnargígur, one of the prettiest craters in the row, contains a small green lake surrounded by steep colorful walls.
Getting There
Lakagígar is located in the southern highlands within Vatnajökull National Park. The primary access route is via F206, which branches off from Route 1 near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The F-road is rough and includes river crossings, requiring a properly equipped 4WD vehicle with good ground clearance. The drive from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to the Laki parking area takes approximately 2-3 hours. The road typically opens in late June or early July depending on conditions. Organized super-jeep day tours depart from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell throughout the summer and are recommended for those without highland driving experience.
Best Time to Visit
Lakagígar is only accessible during the summer months, typically from late June through early September when the highland F-roads are open. July and August provide the most reliable access and the warmest conditions. The moss is at its most vivid green during the height of summer after rainfall. Weather in the highlands can be unpredictable, so prepare for rain, wind, and cold temperatures even in July. Clear days give the best views from Laki mountain and along the crater row. Allow a full day for the visit, accounting for the long drive on F-roads.
Choose the walk after checking the road
The park’s access guide describes four unbridged river crossings along F206/F207; rain can raise them. A four-wheel-drive vehicle alone does not establish that a crossing is passable. Ask the rangers in Kirkjubæjarklaustur before departure.
The L2 visitor trail is a 500-metre interpretation walk through a crater, rated challenging. For an easier short walk, L3 at Tjarnargígur is listed at 500 metres and about 30 minutes; the path to the crater edge is suitable for assisted wheelchair users. These routes serve different needs from the exposed Laki summit climb.
Planning help
Lakagígar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you get to Lakagígar?
Lakagígar is accessed via highland F-roads, primarily F206 from Route 1 near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance is mandatory as the route includes river crossings and rough terrain. The road typically opens in late June or early July. Many visitors opt for organized super-jeep tours from Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell.
How devastating was the Laki eruption?
The 1783-1784 Laki eruption was one of the most catastrophic volcanic events in recorded history. It released enormous quantities of lava, ash, and toxic gases. The resulting famine, known as the Móðuharðindin (Mist Hardships), killed approximately 20-25% of Iceland's population. The volcanic haze spread across Europe, disrupting weather patterns and contributing to crop failures.
How long should I plan for visiting Lakagígar?
Plan for a full day to visit Lakagígar properly. The drive from Kirkjubæjarklaustur takes 2-3 hours each way on rough F-roads. Once at the site, most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring the crater row, climbing Laki mountain for views, and walking among the moss-covered lava fields. Guided tours typically last 10-12 hours.
What is the moss-covered lava at Laki?
The thick carpet of woolly fringe moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum) that covers the Laki lava field is one of Iceland's best-known landscapes. The moss has slowly colonized the rough lava over more than two centuries and forms a soft green blanket over the volcanic rock. It is extremely fragile and takes decades to recover if damaged, so visitors must stay on marked trails.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.