Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/mountains 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. --- # Mountains of Iceland From accessible peaks near Reykjavik to remote highland volcanoes, Iceland has mountain hiking at every level: glaciated summits, table-top tuyas, and sea cliffs, each with its own geology. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() ## Quick Answer Iceland's major mountains, from Esja near Reykjavík to Hvannadalshnjúkur at 2,110 m. Elevations, difficulty ratings, seasons, and safety notes for each peak. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Iceland Search & Rescue]() - [Icelandic Met Office]() - [Vatnajökull National Park]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Road.is]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Mountains Featured 12 Highest Peak 1,833 m Snæfell (East) Regions Covered 6 ### Mountain Safety in Iceland Icelandic mountains are serious terrain. Weather changes rapidly, mobile coverage is limited, and rescue can take hours. Always check conditions at [vedur.is](), register your trip at [safetravel.is](), and never hike alone in remote areas. ## Capital Region The Greater Reykjavik Area has mountain hiking within easy reach of the city. ### Esja 914 m (2,999 ft)Mountain Easy to ModerateMay to September Esja is the mountain backdrop to Reykjavik and the most popular hiking destination in Iceland. Multiple trails, from easy to hard, lead to various peaks. The main summit, Þverfellshorn, has panoramic views of the capital, Faxaflói Bay, and surrounding highlands. Panoramic city viewsMultiple trail optionsAccessible from ReykjavikYear-round hiking possible **Safety:** Weather can change rapidly. The upper trails become icy in winter; bring crampons and poles. ## West Iceland Home to glacier-capped volcanoes and one of the world's most photographed mountains. ### Snæfellsjökull 1,446 m (4,744 ft)Glacier-capped stratovolcano ChallengingJune to August This glacier-capped volcano inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' Located at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it's visible from Reykjavik on clear days (120 km away). The glacier has been rapidly retreating due to climate change. Literary historyGlacier hikingVisible from ReykjavikSnæfellsjökull National Park **Safety:** Glacier travel requires proper equipment and an experienced guide. Crevasse danger exists year-round. ### Kirkjufell 463 m (1,519 ft)Mountain Moderate to DifficultJune to August Iceland's most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell ('Church Mountain') rises steeply near Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its arrow-shaped peak and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall appear together in countless photographs. Featured in Game of Thrones as 'Arrowhead Mountain.' Most photographed mountainGame of Thrones filming locationKirkjufellsfoss waterfallNorthern lights backdrop **Safety:** The hiking trail is steep and exposed. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Photography is best from the waterfall viewpoint. ### Langjökull 1,450 m (4,757 ft)Ice cap glacier Varies (tours available)Year-round for ice cave; summer for glacier hiking Iceland's second-largest glacier forms a large ice cap and feeds numerous rivers including Hvítá (which creates Gullfoss waterfall). An artificial ice cave, the world's largest man-made ice tunnel, is open year-round for tours. Man-made ice cave toursSnowmobile toursSource of Hvítá riverAccessible from Golden Circle **Safety:** Never venture onto the glacier without proper equipment and an experienced guide. Crevasse danger is real. ## Westfjords Remote peaks rising from steep fjords, with few visitors and challenging terrain. ### Bolafjall 638 m (2,093 ft)Mountain Easy (drive to summit)June to August Rising above Bolungarvík in the northern Westfjords, Bolafjall has a drivable road to the summit (summer only) and wide views over Ísafjarðardjúp fjord. A former US radar station sits at the top. One of the best places to see the midnight sun. Drivable to summitMidnight sun viewsHistoric radar stationÍsafjarðardjúp panorama **Safety:** Road is steep and unpaved. Only accessible June-August. Check conditions before driving. ### Kaldbakur 998 m (3,274 ft)Mountain DifficultJuly to August The highest peak in the Westfjords, Kaldbakur ('Cold Ridge') dominates the landscape between Arnarfjörður and Dýrafjörður. The hike is hard, but the summit looks across the entire Westfjords peninsula. Few tourists venture here. Highest Westfjords peakRemote wilderness360° fjord viewsChallenging terrain **Safety:** This is serious mountain terrain. Experience, proper equipment, and good weather are essential. No marked trails. ## Northwest Iceland Sea cliffs, isolated stacks, and volcanic formations in the Skagafjörður and Húnaflói regions. ### Drangey 180 m (590 ft)Sea cliff island Moderate (requires boat access)June to August This island rises from Skagafjörður fjord with sheer cliffs on all sides. Famous as the last refuge of the outlaw Grettir from the Icelandic sagas. Home to millions of seabirds including puffins. Confirm the departure harbour with the Drangey operator. Saga historyPuffin colonySea cliff climbingBoat tours from Reykir **Safety:** Access requires a boat tour. Climbing the island involves steep ladders and chains. Not for those afraid of heights. ### Spákonufell 604 m (1,982 ft)Mountain ModerateJune to August Named after a völva (Norse seeress), this mountain above Skagaströnd is steeped in folklore. According to legend, a prophetess lived here in a cave. The hike offers views over Húnaflói bay and is popular with locals seeking the midnight sun. Norse folkloreMidnight sun viewsHúnaflói bay panoramaCave of the prophetess **Safety:** Trail can be muddy and slippery. Bring proper hiking boots and prepare for changing weather. ## Northeast Iceland Volcanic highlands with Iceland's most distinctive mountain and good hiking territory. ### Súlur 1,213 m (3,980 ft)Mountain Moderate to DifficultJune to September The prominent twin-peaked mountain overlooking Akureyri, Súlur is a popular day hike for locals and visitors. The trail starts near town and climbs through birch woodland before reaching alpine terrain. Views extend across Eyjafjörður and to distant glaciers. Akureyri's home mountainBirch forest trailEyjafjörður viewsAlpine flowers **Safety:** The upper section is steep and exposed. Snow lingers into July. Bring layers; it's colder at the top. ### Herðubreið 1,682 m (5,518 ft)Tuya (table mountain) Very DifficultJuly to August Known as the 'Queen of Icelandic Mountains,' Herðubreið is a distinctive flat-topped volcano formed under a glacier during the last ice age. It stands in the remote highland desert of Ódáðahraun. The oasis at its base, Herðubreiðarlindir, is a patch of green in the lava desert. Queen of MountainsUnique tuya formationHerðubreiðarlindir oasisHighland desert landscape **Safety:** This is a serious technical climb requiring experience and equipment. The highland roads require a 4x4 and are only open mid-summer. ## East Iceland Home to Iceland's highest peak outside the glaciers and mountain ranges rising from remote fjords. ### Snæfell 1,833 m (6,014 ft)Stratovolcano Difficult (long day)July to August Not to be confused with Snæfellsjökull in the west, this is Iceland's highest freestanding peak. Rising from the eastern highlands, Snæfell is a stratovolcano that last erupted around 10,000 years ago. Consult the park’s current route guidance before attempting the summit. Highest freestanding peakVatnajökull viewsRemote wildernessReindeer territory **Safety:** This is a long and committing day (8-10 hours). Start early, bring plenty of food and water, and check weather carefully. ### Dyrfjöll 1,136 m (3,727 ft)Mountain range Moderate to DifficultJune to September This mountain range near Borgarfjörður Eystri includes the Stórurð boulder field, a hidden valley of giant boulders and turquoise pools. The distinctive notch in the ridgeline, called Stakkafen ('The Notch'), is visible from the coast. Stórurð boulder fieldHidden turquoise poolsDistinctive notch peakPuffin colony nearby **Safety:** The Stórurð trail involves some scrambling over boulders. The area is remote; let someone know your plans. Planning help ## Iceland Mountains FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the highest mountain in Iceland?** Hvannadalshnjúkur, a peak on the Öræfajökull volcano within Vatnajökull glacier, is Iceland's highest point at 2,110 meters (6,923 ft). The highest freestanding mountain is Snæfell in East Iceland at 1,833 meters. **When is the best time to climb mountains in Iceland?** The main hiking and climbing season is June through September, with July and August offering the best conditions. Many highland areas are only accessible mid-June to early September due to snow. Winter climbing is possible but requires specialized equipment and experience. **Do I need a guide to climb Icelandic mountains?** For glacier peaks like Snæfellsjökull and Öræfajökull, a certified guide is essential due to crevasse danger. A lower walk near a mountain and its summit route can have very different demands. Kirkjufell’s summit should not be treated as a routine independent hike. Technical climbs like Herðubreið require mountaineering experience. **What equipment do I need for hiking in Iceland?** Essential gear includes waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy hiking boots, warm layers (wool/fleece), hat and gloves, sunglasses, map and compass/GPS, food and water, and a fully charged phone. For glacier travel, add crampons, ice axe, harness, and ropes. **How does weather affect mountain hiking in Iceland?** Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Conditions can change from sunshine to blizzard within hours. Always check vedur.is before hiking, tell someone your plans, and be prepared to turn back. Assess the forecast against the exposure of the actual route; no single wind threshold makes every mountain safe. **Are any of Iceland's mountains active volcanoes?** Yes, several are active or recently active. Snæfellsjökull last erupted ~1,800 years ago. Öræfajökull (Iceland's highest) erupted in 1727. The volcanic system under Katla and Eyjafjallajökull remain active. Use the Icelandic Met Office and SafeTravel for current notices. **What do the difficulty ratings mean?** Easy: Well-marked trails, minimal elevation gain, suitable for beginners. Moderate: Steeper terrain, some scrambling, basic fitness required. Difficult: Significant elevation, exposed sections, experience needed. Very Difficult: Technical climbing, mountaineering skills and equipment required. **Can I hike during the midnight sun?** Yes. From late May to mid-July, the sun barely sets, allowing extended hiking hours. Many locals hike through the 'night' during summer. Esja, Bolafjall, and Spákonufell are popular midnight-sun viewpoints. Bring an eye mask for sleeping afterward. Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().