How tall is Eiríksjökull?

Eiríksjökull stands at 1,675 meters, Iceland's highest table mountain (tuya). The summit is covered by an ice cap.

What is a table mountain?

A table mountain (tuya) is a flat-topped volcano formed by eruptions beneath a glacier during the Ice Age. The ice contained the lava, which produced a steep-sided, flat-topped shape. Eiríksjökull is the tallest example in Iceland.

Can you climb Eiríksjökull?

Climbing Eiríksjökull is possible but very challenging. It requires highland vehicle access, glacier equipment, and mountaineering experience. There are no marked trails, and the area is extremely remote.

Where is Eiríksjökull located?

Eiríksjökull sits in the western highlands between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. Access is via highland F-roads (Kaldidalur route), which are only open in summer.

What does the name Eiríksjökull mean?

Eiríksjökull means 'Erik's glacier' in Icelandic. It is named after Erik the Red, the Norse explorer who is said to have lived in the area before his exile to Greenland.

Eiríksjökull: Iceland's Highest Table Mountain

Iceland's highest table mountain at 1,675 meters: an ice-capped tuya in the remote western highlands, named after Erik the Red and rarely visited.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

Western Highlands

Remote highland location. F-road access only in summer.

Eiríksjökull is a flat-topped volcano formed beneath Ice Age glaciers, now capped with its own small ice cap. At 1,675 meters, it rises above the highland plateau between Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Named after Erik the Red, this remote mountain sees very few visitors; the summit climb is for experienced mountaineers only.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Eiríksjökull is extremely remote with no rescue infrastructure nearby. Highland travel requires a 4x4, emergency supplies, and registration at safetravel.is. Climbing the summit demands mountaineering experience and glacier gear.

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Official sources to check

Best for

Remote highland adventure

Iceland's highest table mountain.

Access

Highland F-roads only

Summer only. 4x4 required. No facilities.

Pro tip

Drive the Kaldidalur route

Scenic highland road passes near Eiríksjökull.

What to Expect

A massive flat-topped mountain with ice cap summit
Vast highland plateau with panoramic views
Very few other visitors, if any
Distinctive tuya shape visible from the Kaldidalur route
Surrounding lava fields and ancient volcanic terrain
Views toward Langjökull and Hofsjökull ice caps on clear days

Nearby Attractions

Langjökull glacier and Into the Glacier ice tunnel tour
Kaldidalur highland valley scenic route
Húsafell recreation area and Víðgelmir lava cave
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
Þingvellir National Park (accessible via Kaldidalur)
Ok, the former glacier that lost its ice cap status in 2014

How to Get There

Via Kaldidalur route (F-road 550) between Þingvellir and Húsafell
4x4 vehicle absolutely required
F-roads typically open June–September
No facilities or services in the area
Register travel plans at safetravel.is

Best Time to Visit

July–August when highland roads are fully open
Clear weather essential for safe highland travel
Snow can close roads even in early summer
Long daylight hours make navigation easier
Not recommended for casual visitors

Planning help

Eiriksjokull (Eiríksjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers