Elevation
379m (1,243 ft)
Cone-shaped hyaloclastite peak on Reykjanes.
Keilir: Cone-Shaped Peak on the Reykjanes Peninsula
A cone-shaped hyaloclastite mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula, visible from Reykjavik. Its shape formed during an Ice Age subglacial eruption, and it stands near the recent Fagradalsfjall eruption sites.
Region
Reykjanes Peninsula
379m (1,243 ft) · Near-perfect cone shape
Quick Answer
Keilir is a cone-shaped hyaloclastite mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula, 379 meters tall and visible from Reykjavik on clear days. Its near-perfect cone formed during a subglacial volcanic eruption in the last Ice Age. It stands near the 2021-2023 Fagradalsfjall eruption sites, in one of Iceland's most volcanically active regions. Visit Reykjanes identifies the approach from Oddafell parking via Höskuldarvegur.
Find the approach before estimating the hike
Visit Reykjanes names Höskuldarvegur as the 4x4 approach, Oddafell as the parking location, and a three-kilometre walk from Höskuldarvellir to Keilir. Read that as the approach to the mountain. It does not include every part of a summit climb and return to your car.
The cone formed in eruptions beneath Ice Age glaciers. That explains its distinctive shape without making it a viewpoint for any current eruption. Check the exact access route and SafeTravel notices before setting out; access to another Reykjanes attraction does not settle access here.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. The Reykjanes Peninsula is volcanically active, so always check eruption alerts and SafeTravel advisories before hiking in this area.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Best for
Day hike near Reykjavik
Popular trail with volcanic landscape views.
Access
Moderate hike
Oddafell parking via Höskuldarvegur; verify access.
What to Expect at Keilir
- Summit elevation of 379m (1,243 ft) with a prominence of approximately 290m above the surrounding lava fields
- A direction map on a concrete table helps identify the view from the summit
- A near-perfect cone shape formed during an Ice Age subglacial eruption, one of Iceland's most recognizable silhouettes
- Views of Reykjavik, the Atlantic Ocean, Fagradalsfjall, and the Reykjanes lava fields from the summit
- Hyaloclastite terrain formed during eruptions under Ice Age glaciers
- The approach across the surrounding ground comes before the steep climb; the regional guide’s 3 km approach distance is not the total outing
Nearby Attractions
- Fagradalsfjall eruption sites (2021-2023)
- Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
- Reykjanes Geopark and lighthouse
- Krýsuvík geothermal area and Seltún hot springs
- Kleifarvatn lake in a volcanic crater
How to Get to Keilir
- Visit Reykjanes directs visitors to Höskuldarvegur, with parking at Oddafell and a trail toward Keilir
- Use the regional guide’s location details to identify the approach; do not navigate to the mountain summit pin by car
- The regional guide describes Höskuldarvegur as a 4x4 approach; confirm road conditions and your rental terms
- Well-marked trail to the summit with cairns; the final 100m is steep and rocky with some scrambling
- Leave a separate margin for returning the car and airport check-in; a nearby-looking mountain is not a timed airport excursion
- No facilities at the trailhead; bring water, snacks, and windproof layers
Best Time to Hike Keilir
- May–June: Longer daylight; check ground conditions instead of assuming the trail is snow-free
- July–August: Peak summer conditions with warmest temperatures (10-15°C) and near-continuous daylight
- September–October: Shorter daylight; confirm conditions before committing to the approach and summit
- November–April: Obtain a winter-specific assessment; calm weather alone does not establish a suitable route
- Always check SafeTravel.is for volcanic activity alerts; the Reykjanes Peninsula has been erupting repeatedly since 2021
- Wind is consistently strong on the exposed peninsula; bring windproof layers regardless of season
Planning help
Keilir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Keilir?
Keilir stands at 379 meters (1,243 feet). Despite its modest height, its near-perfect cone shape makes it one of Iceland's most recognizable mountains.
How long does it take to hike Keilir?
Visit Reykjanes describes a 3 km walk to Keilir from Höskuldarvellir, with parking at Oddafell approached on Höskuldarvegur by 4x4. That distance is the approach to the mountain, not a complete summit round trip. Allow separately for the steep climb and return.
How was Keilir formed?
Keilir is a hyaloclastite mountain that formed in a subglacial volcanic eruption during the last Ice Age. Its cone shape built up as lava erupted beneath glacial ice.
Is Keilir near the recent volcanic eruptions?
Yes, Keilir is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the 2021-2023 Fagradalsfjall eruption sites. The area remains volcanically active. Always check SafeTravel alerts and eruption status before hiking.
When is the best time to hike Keilir?
Choose a day with suitable visibility and wind, and confirm road and trail access. Summer gives more daylight but does not guarantee snow-free ground or open access. Winter conditions require a separate assessment of equipment and experience.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.