Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/highlands/maelifell Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Maelifell: The Green Cone in the Black Sand Desert A near-perfect green cone rising from a vast black sand desert, northwest of Myrdalsjokull glacier Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Height ~764 m Maelifellssandur glacial plain. Southern Highlands. Age ~10,000 years Season Early Jul - Early Sep Access F210 (large 4WD) Facilities None whatsoever ## Quick Answer Few natural landmarks in Iceland photograph like Maelifell. A near-perfect volcanic cone rises alone from the Maelifellssandur, a vast, flat expanse of black volcanic sand stretching to the horizon in every direction. In summer, the mountain is covered in green Racomitrium moss, and the contrast is the whole picture: bright green geometry against black emptiness. The mountain formed roughly 10,000 years ago during a subglacial eruption beneath the ice sheet that covered Iceland at the end of the last glacial period. When the ice retreated, it left behind this symmetrical cone, a hyaloclastite ridge composed of volcanic glass and palagonite. The shape is so uniform it looks almost artificial. Maelifell has become one of the most reproduced images in Iceland travel photography. But it remains genuinely remote and difficult to access, which keeps visitor numbers low. There are no facilities, no marked trails, no cell coverage, and no easy way to reach it. That remoteness is also what protects it. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Maelifell must not be climbed: protect the fragile moss. F210 is one of the most demanding F-roads. No facilities of any kind exist at this location. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Road conditions (road.is)]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() ## What to See and Do ### View and Photograph the Mountain The mountain is best seen from a distance: the full cone shape against the black sand is most striking from several hundred meters away. Golden hour light warms the moss to an almost neon green, while overcast skies deepen the contrast between the mountain and its surroundings. ### Explore the Maelifellssandur Desert The surrounding glacial plain is a landscape in its own right: a vast, flat volcanic desert. On clear days, you can see Myrdalsjokull glacier to the south and other highland peaks on the horizon. ### Do Not Climb Maelifell The moss covering the mountain is extraordinarily fragile, which is vulnerable to trampling. A single footstep on the slopes would cause visible damage lasting decades. Respect the landscape by observing from ground level. There are no maintained trails on the mountain itself. ## How to Get There ### Self-drive via F210 Experienced highland drivers only F210 (Fjallabaksleid Sydri) is one of the more demanding F-roads in Iceland. Multiple river crossings, soft sand sections, and no services whatsoever. A large 4WD with high ground clearance is essential. Typically one of the last F-roads to open, often not until early to mid-July. ### Guided Super Jeep Tour $300-500 per person (recommended) Several operators offer super jeep excursions that include Maelifell as part of a highlands circuit, sometimes combined with Landmannalaugar. This removes the driving challenge and ensures you reach the mountain safely. ### No Bus Service Too remote for scheduled routes Maelifell is too remote and off the main highland bus routes. You need either your own large 4WD or a guided tour to reach it. ## Best Time to Visit Mid-July to late August. F210 needs to be open (check road.is), and the moss is at its greenest in high summer. Weather matters enormously. Overcast conditions can make the landscape feel bleak. Clear skies or broken cloud with directional light produce the best images. Golden hour (late evening in Icelandic summer) warms the moss to its most vivid green and creates long shadows across the black sand. ## What You Should Know ### One of the Most Remote Highland Destinations No facilities of any kind: no toilets, water, shelter, fuel, or cell coverage. You must be completely self-sufficient. Carry extra fuel, food, water, warm emergency clothing, and a satellite communicator. ### Never Drive Off the Road The Maelifellssandur sand is fragile and tire tracks persist for years. Off-road driving is illegal everywhere in Iceland with fines up to 400,000 ISK per passenger. ### The Moss Is What Makes It Vulnerable Every footprint on the mountain itself leaves a mark that takes decades to heal. The vivid green Racomitrium moss that makes Maelifell famous grows roughly 1 cm per year. View it from the base only. ### Combine with Other F210 Destinations The drive is long enough that it makes sense to combine with Landmannalaugar, Sigoldugljufur, or Ljotipollur rather than making a standalone trip. ## Nearby Destinations [### Landmannalaugar]() Accessible via connected highland roads: colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and the Laugavegur trailhead. ### Myrdalsjokull Glacier Visible to the south: Iceland's fourth-largest glacier, with the Katla volcano beneath its ice cap. [### Lakagigar (Laki Craters)]() East, accessible via separate F-roads: 130+ volcanic craters from the catastrophic 1783 eruption. ### Sigoldugljufur North, via F208 connection: the Valley of Tears, a canyon with 50+ small waterfalls. ## Confirm the whole approach to Mælifell [SafeTravel’s Highland guidance]() separates road opening, vehicle suitability and changing river conditions. Apply all three to the exact approach proposed for Mælifell. Permission for one Highland road does not establish permission for every road used to reach it. Before booking a car or a tour, confirm where the route begins, which crossings it includes, and what happens if the river conditions prevent reaching the mountain. Check [Umferðin]() before departure. A promised photograph should not determine whether you attempt a crossing. Planning help ## Maelifell FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **Can I climb Maelifell?** No. The moss covering the mountain is extraordinarily fragile, which is vulnerable to trampling. Climbing the slopes would cause visible damage lasting decades. There are no maintained trails on the mountain itself. View and photograph it from ground level only. **How do I get to Maelifell?** Self-drive via F210 (Fjallabaksleid Sydri) with a large 4WD, or take a guided super jeep tour ($300-500 per person). F210 is one of the more demanding F-roads with multiple river crossings and soft sand sections. There is no bus service to Maelifell. **When is the road to Maelifell open?** Check the status of every section of your chosen approach on Umferðin before departure. There is no guaranteed July opening or September closing date. Road access, river levels and rental permission are separate checks. **Are there any facilities at Maelifell?** None whatsoever. Do not rely on finding toilets, water, shelter or fuel at the mountain. Mobile reception must not be your only emergency plan. You must be completely self-sufficient. Carry extra fuel, food, water, warm emergency clothing, and a satellite communicator. **What vehicle do I need for F210?** A four-wheel-drive badge alone does not establish suitability. Confirm the exact F210 approach and vehicle with the rental company or an experienced local operator, including river crossings and current conditions. Turn around if a crossing is unsuitable; do not assume a named vehicle model makes it safe. **When is the best time to photograph Maelifell?** Mid-July to late August when the moss is at its greenest. Weather matters enormously. Golden hour light warms the moss to an almost neon green, and clear skies or broken cloud with directional light produce the best images. Overcast conditions can make the landscape feel bleak. **Can I combine Maelifell with other destinations?** Only if the actual roads, river crossings and travel time fit the day. Landmannalaugar or Sigöldugljúfur may look close on a map but do not turn Mælifell into a simple stop between them. Ask the operator to confirm the whole route and a fallback if conditions change. [Back to Highlands]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().