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Remote highland adventure
Iceland's highest table mountain.
Eiríksjökull: Iceland's Highest Table Mountain
Iceland's highest table mountain at 1,675 meters: an ice-capped tuya in the remote western highlands, associated with an outlaw named Eiríkur in regional tradition.
Region
Western Highlands
Remote highland location. F-road access only in summer.
Quick Answer
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 west of Langjökull. Visit West Iceland links its name to an outlaw named Eiríkur who lived in a cave in Hallmundarhraun. A summit attempt is a separate mountaineering plan, not an ordinary scenic drive.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
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.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
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
Which Eiríkur, and where is the mountain?
Visit West Iceland’s description places the 1,675 m mountain west of Langjökull and south of Hallmundarhraun. It connects the name to an outlaw who lived in a cave in that lava field. This is a regional naming tradition, not evidence that the mountain was named for the Greenland explorer Erik the Red.
Use that location to distinguish Eiríksjökull from Langjökull when planning the area. A map pin identifies the mountain; it does not establish a driveable approach, a marked route or a suitable glacier crossing. If your aim is a glacier activity during a West Iceland road trip, compare the specific Langjökull departures separately from a summit plan here.
Planning help
Eiriksjokull (Eiríksjökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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?
Visit West Iceland places Eiríksjökull west of Langjökull and south of Hallmundarhraun. Identify the mountain first, then confirm the route and conditions for any planned approach.
What does the name Eiríksjökull mean?
Eiríksjökull means Eiríkur’s glacier. Visit West Iceland connects the name to an outlaw who lived in a cave in Hallmundarhraun; it does not identify him as Erik the Red.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.