Fremrinámur: a Remote Shield Volcano in the Northeast Highlands

A remote shield volcano in the northeast highlands, part of the Northern Volcanic Zone and one of Iceland's least-visited volcanic systems, with geothermal features in remote wilderness.

Updated September 10, 2026Published by Iceland.orgWriting & review

Region

Northeast Highlands

Very remote. 4x4 only in summer.

Fremrinámur sits in one of Iceland's most remote and least-traveled areas, the northeast highlands. It is part of the Northern Volcanic Zone, the volcanic belt that runs through north Iceland. Few visitors make the journey; those who do find geothermal features and volcanic landscapes with no tourism infrastructure at all.

Fremrinámur at a glance
Fact	Detail	Notes
Type	Shield volcano	Broad, gently sloping basaltic volcano.
Volcanic zone	Northern Volcanic Zone	Part of Iceland's main volcanic belt.
Access	Very remote 4x4	No facilities. Summer only.

Sources and page update

Updated: 2026-09-10

This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. This is an extremely remote area. Carry emergency supplies and GPS, and inform others of your plans.

For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.

Official sources to check

What can you expect at Fremrinámur?

Volcanic system containing shield volcanoes and fissure vents
Part of the Northern Volcanic Zone: one of several volcanic systems between Krafla and Askja
No eruptions in recorded history, but Holocene lava flows indicate geologically recent activity
Geothermal hot springs, steam vents, and altered ground with colorful mineral deposits (reds, yellows, whites)
Remote wilderness with no tourist infrastructure and few other visitors
No marked trails: GPS navigation, detailed topographic maps, and backcountry experience essential
Visitors can observe the transition from vegetated lowland to barren volcanic highland terrain

Related Areas

Askja caldera (highland destination)
Herðubreið tuya
Krafla caldera (north Iceland)
Mývatn lake and pseudo-craters
Jökulsárgljúfur canyon (Vatnajökull NP)
Dettifoss waterfall (Europe's most powerful)

How do you get to Fremrinámur?

Extremely remote: access via rough highland tracks from Route 1 east of Myvatn or from F-roads in the highlands
Identify the exact route and its vehicle requirements before travelling
Navigation requires GPS and topographic maps; no road signs or markers in this area
Nearest services are in Myvatn area (~80+ km away); carry all fuel, food, water, and emergency supplies
Not recommended without highland driving experience and ideally travel in convoy with multiple vehicles
Confirm whether a specialist operator offers your intended route

When is the best time to visit Fremrinámur?

July to mid-August only: the narrow window when highland tracks may be passable
Snow and ice persist late into summer in this high-altitude northeast highland area
Check road.is for highland road status; tracks may not open at all in poor snow years
24-hour summer daylight provides maximum flexibility for navigation and exploration
Weather can change rapidly in the highlands; bring layers and rain gear and be prepared for cold
Winter: completely inaccessible; snow cover from September/October through June

One system, several volcanic features

The Smithsonian profile describes a system containing the Ketildyngja shield and the Sveinar fissure swarm, which extends toward the north coast. Its latest confirmed eruption is listed at approximately 1200 BCE, associated with Búrfellshraun; an 1823 report is explicitly discredited.

That makes the volcanic-system name more useful than treating Fremrinámur as a single cone. The catalogue does not establish a visitor route. Identify the exact feature and a permitted approach before planning a journey.

Planning help

Fremrinámur FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

What is Fremrinámur?

Fremrinámur is a volcanic system that includes the Ketildyngja shield volcano and the Sveinar fissure swarm.

Can you visit Fremrinámur?

Fremrinámur is in a very remote part of the northeast highlands, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles on rough highland tracks during summer. It is rarely visited by tourists and has no facilities or marked trails.

When did Fremrinámur last erupt?

Smithsonian lists the latest confirmed eruption at approximately 1200 BCE. Its catalogue marks an 1823 eruption report as discredited.

Are there geothermal features at Fremrinámur?

Yes, the Fremrinámur area has geothermal features including hot springs, steam vents, and altered ground. These indicate ongoing volcanic heat beneath the surface, typical of Iceland's active volcanic zones.

What is the Northern Volcanic Zone?

The Northern Volcanic Zone is one of Iceland's main volcanic belts, running from the Vatnajökull area northward to the Tjörnes Fracture Zone near Húsavík. It includes major volcanic systems like Krafla, Askja, and Fremrinámur.

All volcanoes

For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.