Mountains of Iceland
Sourced heights, route difficulty and safety notes for Iceland's best-known mountains, from Esja above Reykjavík to the glacier summit of Hvannadalshnúkur, with links to the full guide for each peak.
Iceland’s highest mountain is Hvannadalshnúkur (also spelled Hvannadalshnjúkur), the 2,110 m summit of the glacier-covered Öræfajökull volcano, according to the Icelandic Met Office. Icelandic Met Office (source checked 2026-11-03) The tallest mountain in Iceland apart from the glaciers is Snæfell in East Iceland, at 1,833 m according to Vatnajökull National Park. Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03)
Key takeaways
- Hvannadalshnúkur, the summit of the Öræfajökull volcano, is Iceland’s highest peak at 2,110 m, and Vatnajökull National Park says its hiking trail begins at Háalda, by the mountain Sandfell in Öræfi. Icelandic Met Office (source checked 2026-11-03) Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell (source checked 2026-11-03)
- Snæfell in East Iceland is Iceland’s tallest mountain apart from the glaciers at 1,833 m, and Vatnajökull National Park lists its S1 summit trail as 6.2 km one way and 4–7 hours. Vatnajökull National Park, Snæfell (source checked 2026-11-03) Vatnajökull National Park, trail S1 (source checked 2026-11-03)
- Esja, the mountain range above Reykjavík, rises to 914 m, and Visit Reykjavík says its marked trails range from easy foothill walks to more demanding climbs. Visit Reykjavík (source checked 2026-11-03)
- Kirkjufell rises 463 m beside Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Visit West Iceland says climbing Kirkjufell is strictly prohibited in winter. Visit West Iceland (source checked 2026-11-03) Visit West Iceland, winter climbing (source checked 2026-09-10)
- Safetravel says never to go on a glacier without experience or the proper equipment and highly recommends a certified glacier guide, advice that applies to the glacier summits of Öræfajökull and Snæfellsjökull. Safetravel (source checked 2026-11-03)
| Fact | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Highest peak | Hvannadalshnúkur (Hvannadalshnjúkur), 2,110 m | Summit of the Öræfajökull volcano under the Vatnajökull glacier (Icelandic Met Office). The trail begins at Háalda, by Sandfell in Öræfi (Vatnajökull National Park). |
| Highest peak outside the glaciers | Snæfell, 1,833 m | East Iceland; Vatnajökull National Park. Not the same mountain as Snæfellsjökull in West Iceland. |
| Snæfell summit trail (S1) | 6.2 km one way, 4–7 hours, rated challenging | Vatnajökull National Park. |
| Öræfajökull last eruption | 1727 | Icelandic Met Office. |
| Snæfellsjökull | 1,446 m, an active volcano under a glacier | Snæfellsnes Peninsula, in Snæfellsjökull National Park (Visit West Iceland). |
| Esja | 914 m | Volcanic mountain range above Reykjavík with marked trails up to the summit Þverfellshorn (Visit Reykjavík). |
| Kirkjufell | 463 m | Beside Grundarfjörður on Snæfellsnes; climbing is strictly prohibited in winter (Visit West Iceland). |
| Herðubreið hike | About 12 hours from Herðubreiðarlindir and back | Rated Difficult, with rockfall risk; helmets advised (Vatnajökull National Park). No official summit height was found for this guide. |
| Keilir | Reykjanes Peninsula | Visit Reykjanes: 4x4 cars can drive on Höskuldarvegur, with parking at Oddafell. |
| Langjökull | Iceland's second-largest glacier, according to the operator Into the Glacier | Heights vary across the ice cap, so no single summit height is given here. |
| Where the heights come from | A different publisher for each mountain | No single official survey table was found; each figure is from the body named beside it. |
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
What is the highest mountain in Iceland?
Hvannadalshnúkur is the highest mountain in Iceland. The Icelandic Met Office gives the top of the Öræfajökull volcano, which forms Hvannadalshnúkur and is almost completely covered by the Vatnajökull glacier, as 2,110 m above sea level. Icelandic Met Office (source checked 2026-11-03) Vatnajökull National Park says the hiking trail to the peak begins at Háalda, by the mountain Sandfell in Öræfi. Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03)
The upper part of the Hvannadalshnúkur climb is on the glacier, so Safetravel’s glacier advice applies. The Icelandic Met Office says Öræfajökull has erupted only twice in the last 1100 years, most recently in 1727. Icelandic Met Office (source checked 2026-11-03) The Hvannadalshnúkur climbing guide covers the guided ascent, and the Öræfajökull volcano page covers its eruption history and monitoring.
The heights in this comparison come from several publishers, each named in the last column, not from one survey.
| Mountain | Region | Height | What the route involves | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hvannadalshnúkur (Öræfajökull) | Öræfi, Vatnajökull National Park | 2,110 m | Glacier ascent; the trail begins at Háalda, by Sandfell | Icelandic Met Office (source checked 2026-11-03) |
| Snæfell | East Iceland highlands | 1,833 m | Trail S1: 6.2 km one way, 4–7 hours, rated challenging | Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03) |
| Snæfellsjökull | Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland | 1,446 m | Glacier; not without experience or the proper equipment (Safetravel) | Visit West Iceland (source checked 2026-11-03) |
| Esja | Above Reykjavík | 914 m | Marked trails, from easy foothill walks to more demanding climbs | Visit Reykjavík (source checked 2026-11-03) |
| Kirkjufell | Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes Peninsula | 463 m | Steep, slippery slopes; climbing strictly prohibited in winter | Visit West Iceland (source checked 2026-11-03) |
| Herðubreið | Askja and Herðubreiðarlindir, highlands | No official figure found | About 12 hours from Herðubreiðarlindir and back; rated Difficult | Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03) |
| Keilir | Reykjanes Peninsula | Not stated in this guide | 4x4 track Höskuldarvegur to parking at Oddafell, then on foot | Visit Reykjanes (source checked 2026-09-10) |
Which is the tallest mountain in Iceland outside the glaciers?
Snæfell in East Iceland is the tallest mountain in Iceland apart from the glaciers, at 1,833 m above sea level according to Vatnajökull National Park. Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03) Snæfell is a different mountain from Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west. The park says that when Snæfell last erupted, and whether it is still active or dormant, is a matter of dispute. Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03)
Vatnajökull National Park lists the S1 summit trail on Snæfell as 6.2 km one way, taking 4–7 hours, and rates it challenging. Vatnajökull National Park, trail S1 (source checked 2026-11-03) Snæfell is a full-day climb in the highlands: check the park’s current route guidance before you set out and expect colder, windier weather on the summit than at the trailhead.
Which mountains can you hike near Reykjavík?
Esja and Keilir are the two mountains in this guide nearest Reykjavík. Visit Reykjavík describes Esja as a volcanic mountain range rising to 914 m, with multiple well-marked trails ranging from easy walks in the foothills to more demanding climbs, and a trail that continues to the summit Þverfellshorn. Visit Reykjavík (source checked 2026-11-03) Keilir is a cone-shaped peak on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Visit Reykjanes says 4x4 cars can drive on Höskuldarvegur and there is parking at Oddafell, so check your vehicle and the track before relying on that approach to Keilir. Visit Reykjanes (source checked 2026-09-10) The Keilir guide separates the walk to the mountain from the climb. For Esja trailheads and route choices, read the Esja hiking guide, and for other walks across the country, the Iceland hiking guide.
Can you climb Kirkjufell and Snæfellsjökull?
Kirkjufell and Snæfellsjökull, the two Snæfellsnes Peninsula mountains in this guide, both need preparation. Visit West Iceland gives Kirkjufell as 463 m beside Grundarfjörður, says its slopes demand skill, proper equipment and preferably a local guide, and states: “Climbing is strictly prohibited in winter.” Visit West Iceland, Kirkjufell (source checked 2026-11-03) Visit West Iceland, winter (source checked 2026-09-10) Snæfellsjökull is 1,446 m and, according to Visit West Iceland, an active volcano under a glacier. Visit West Iceland (source checked 2026-11-03)
Visit West Iceland calls Kirkjufell one of Iceland’s most photographed and recognizable mountains, notes its appearance in Game of Thrones as the Arrowhead Mountain, and suggests enjoying the mountain from a safe viewpoint; Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall lies at its base. Visit West Iceland, Kirkjufell (source checked 2026-11-03) The Kirkjufell guide covers the drive from Reykjavík and the waterfall viewpoint.
Snæfellsjökull is part of Snæfellsjökull National Park, and Visit West Iceland notes that the glacier plays the role of the Center of the Earth in Jules Verne’s 1864 novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. Visit West Iceland, Snæfellsjökull (source checked 2026-11-03) See the Snæfellsjökull glacier guide and the Snæfellsjökull National Park guide for the summit and the park.
Langjökull, further inland in West Iceland, is a glacier visited on tours rather than a peak to climb. The ice-tunnel operator Into the Glacier describes Langjökull as the second largest glacier in Iceland. Into the Glacier (source checked 2026-09-10) Heights differ across the ice cap, so this guide gives no single summit figure; the Langjökull guide covers the ice tunnel and snowmobile tours.
Is Herðubreið a hard climb?
Herðubreið is a hard climb. Vatnajökull National Park rates the trail Difficult and says the hike takes about 12 hours from Herðubreiðarlindir and back, including around 3 hours from the bottom to the top. Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03) The park’s caution reads: “Great risk of falling and rockfall. Use helmets.” Vatnajökull National Park, trail Hb5 (source checked 2026-09-10)
Vatnajökull National Park lists Herðubreið with the Askja and Herðubreiðarlindir area of the highlands and advises starting early, especially in August, when evenings get darker sooner. Vatnajökull National Park (source checked 2026-11-03) Herðubreiðarlindir is reached on highland roads, so check Vegagerðin (road.is) for the road’s status before you go. This guide gives no summit height for Herðubreið because no official figure was found. Read the Herðubreið mountain guide for the route and the Herðubreið volcano page for its geology.
How do you stay safe on Iceland’s mountains and glaciers?
Safetravel’s advice for an Icelandic mountain hike starts with the weather: check the forecast every day, even twice a day, because sudden changes can be drastic even in summer. Safetravel, hiking (source checked 2026-11-03) Safetravel also asks hikers to leave a travel plan with Safetravel and with someone trustworthy, and to update it if plans change. Safetravel, travel plan (source checked 2026-11-03)
Mountain Safety in Iceland
Icelandic mountains are serious terrain. Weather changes rapidly, mobile coverage is limited, and rescue can take hours. Always check conditions at vedur.is, register your trip at safetravel.is, and never hike alone in remote areas.
Glacier summits, including Hvannadalshnúkur on Öræfajökull and Snæfellsjökull, add crevasse risk. Safetravel says hiring a certified glacier guide with proper knowledge of the area is highly recommended, and puts the basic rule this way:
“You should never go on a glacier without experience or the proper equipment.”
- Pack for changing weather even on a short hike: Safetravel lists a mobile phone, hat, gloves and a rain- and windproof jacket and trousers, plus a GPS, map and compass on day hikes, because poor visibility can hide trail markers. Safetravel, equipment (source checked 2026-11-03)
- Know the emergency numbers: Safetravel gives 112, and 00 354 570 2112 for satellite phones. Safetravel, emergency (source checked 2026-11-03)
- Be ready to turn back if the weather or the route is worse than the forecast suggested, and never hike alone in remote areas.
Which other Icelandic mountains does this guide mention?
Iceland’s mountains beyond the best-known peaks include Hekla and six regional mountains in the Westfjords, North Iceland and East Iceland. The Icelandic Met Office says Hekla has erupted 23 times in historical time, with its last eruption in 2000. Icelandic Met Office, Hekla (source checked 2026-09-10) No official height was verified for Bolafjall, Kaldbakur, Drangey, Spákonufell, Súlur or Dyrfjöll, so none is given; check access with the local tourist office before planning a hike.
Read the Hekla volcano guide for its eruption history and how to follow Icelandic Met Office notices.
- Bolafjall (Westfjords): a mountain above Bolungarvík in the northern Westfjords, with views over Ísafjarðardjúp. Check access and road conditions locally before you go.
- Kaldbakur (Westfjords): a remote mountain between Arnarfjörður and Dýrafjörður. The hike is hard; go only with experience, proper equipment and good weather.
- Drangey (Skagafjörður, Northwest Iceland): an island with sheer cliffs on all sides, reached only by boat. In the Icelandic sagas, Drangey is the last refuge of the outlaw Grettir. Confirm the departure harbour and the climb with the boat operator.
- Spákonufell (Skagaströnd, Northwest Iceland): a mountain above Skagaströnd that, according to local legend, takes its name from a völva (a Norse seeress) who lived there. The trail looks over Húnaflói bay and can be muddy.
- Súlur (Akureyri, North Iceland): the twin-peaked mountain above Akureyri, climbed as a day hike from near town, with views across Eyjafjörður.
- Dyrfjöll (near Borgarfjörður eystri, East Iceland): a mountain range that includes the Stórurð boulder field. The area is remote, so let someone know your plans.
Planning help
Iceland Mountains FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the highest mountain in Iceland?
Hvannadalshnúkur (also spelled Hvannadalshnjúkur), the summit of the glacier-covered Öræfajökull volcano, is Iceland's highest peak at 2,110 m above sea level, according to the Icelandic Met Office. Vatnajökull National Park says the hiking trail to it begins at Háalda, by the mountain Sandfell in Öræfi. The tallest mountain apart from the glaciers is Snæfell in East Iceland, at 1,833 m (Icelandic Met Office and Vatnajökull National Park, checked November 3, 2026).
Do I need a guide to climb Icelandic mountains?
For glacier-covered peaks such as Hvannadalshnúkur on Öræfajökull and Snæfellsjökull, Safetravel says you should never go on a glacier without experience or the proper equipment, and that hiring a certified glacier guide with proper knowledge of the area is highly recommended. Visit West Iceland says Kirkjufell's slopes demand skill, proper equipment and preferably a local guide, and that climbing is strictly prohibited in winter. A lower walk near a mountain and its summit route can have very different demands, so check the route before you decide.
How long is the Herðubreið hike?
Vatnajökull National Park says the hike to Herðubreið takes about 12 hours from Herðubreiðarlindir and back, of which around 3 hours is the climb from the bottom to the top. The park rates the trail Difficult, warns of a great risk of falling and rockfall, and advises helmets. Start early, especially in August, when evenings get darker sooner (Vatnajökull National Park, checked November 3, 2026).
How does weather affect mountain hiking in Iceland?
Safetravel advises checking the weather every day, even twice a day, because sudden weather changes in Iceland can be drastic, even in summer. Check the Icelandic Meteorological Office forecast at vedur.is, leave a travel plan with Safetravel and with someone trustworthy, and be prepared to turn back. Assess the forecast against the exposure of the actual route; no single wind threshold makes every mountain safe.
What equipment do I need for hiking in Iceland?
Safetravel says to take a mobile phone, a hat, gloves and a rain- and windproof jacket and trousers even on short hikes, because the weather can change in moments, and to bring a GPS, map and compass on day and multiday hikes, since poor visibility can hide trail markers. Add sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, food and water. For glacier travel, Safetravel says never to go without experience or the proper equipment, and it highly recommends a certified glacier guide.
Are any of Iceland's mountains active volcanoes?
Several mountains in this guide are volcanoes. The Icelandic Met Office says Öræfajökull, which carries Iceland's highest peak, last erupted in 1727, and Visit West Iceland describes Snæfellsjökull as an active volcano. Vatnajökull National Park says whether Snæfell is still active or dormant is a matter of dispute. Use the Icelandic Met Office and Safetravel for current notices (sources checked November 3, 2026).
Country reference: Iceland statistics.