Elevation
1,682m (5,518 ft)
Flat-topped tuya formed under glacial ice.
Herdubreid (Herðubreið): Queen of Icelandic Mountains
A flat-topped tuya formed in a subglacial eruption, called the "Queen of Icelandic Mountains" for its symmetrical shape. It rises from the remote Ódáðahraun lava desert.
Region
Northeast Highlands
1,682m (5,518 ft) · Queen of Icelandic Mountains
Quick Answer
Herðubreið is a distinctive flat-topped tuya (table mountain) formed during a subglacial volcanic eruption during the last Ice Age. Standing at 1,682 meters, it has been called the "Queen of Icelandic Mountains" for its symmetrical shape. It stands in the remote Ódáðahraun lava desert in the northeast highlands, surrounded by black lava fields; the green Herðubreiðarlindir oasis sits at its base.
Three hours up does not mean a three-hour outing
The national park’s Hb5 description gives about twelve hours from Herðubreiðarlindir to the mountain and back, while its roughly three-hour figure describes the ascent from the mountain’s foot to the summit. Choose your starting point first, then account for the approach, climb and descent. The short distance in a trail summary should not override the longer itinerary described in the text.
The park grades the route difficult, warns of falling and rockfall, and advises helmets. Seeing the mountain from Herðubreiðarlindir is a different goal from climbing it. If a summit attempt does not fit your experience or the conditions, keep the visit at the oasis rather than treating the ascent as an automatic extension.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Herðubreið’s Hb5 route is difficult, with a risk of falling and rockfall. Check road, river and mountain conditions separately.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Best for
Highland adventure
Remote wilderness, tuya geology, and the Herðubreiðarlindir oasis.
Access
4x4 required
Check the actual highland road opening and river conditions.
What to Expect at Herðubreið
- Summit elevation of 1,682m (5,518 ft) with a prominence of approximately 1,060m above the surrounding Ódáðahraun desert
- First ascent on June 22, 1908, by a team of German geologists led by Hans Reck
- Distinctive tuya (table mountain) formed by a volcanic eruption beneath glacial ice during the last Ice Age
- The lush Herðubreiðarlindir oasis at the mountain's base fed by glacial springs, a sharp contrast to the black lava desert
- Campsite facilities at Herðubreiðarlindir with basic amenities for overnight stays (wardens present mid-summer)
- Historical connection to the 18th-century outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur who reportedly survived a winter in a cave here
Nearby Attractions
- Askja caldera and Víti crater lake
- Ódáðahraun lava desert (Iceland's largest)
- Drekagil canyon and highland campsite
- Holuhraun lava field from the 2014-2015 eruption
- Kverkfjöll ice caves and hot springs at the glacier edge
How to Get to Herðubreið
- Located in the northeast highlands; primary access via Route F88 from Mývatn (approx. 100 km) or Route F910 from Askja
- A modified 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is mandatory; standard rental cars are prohibited on F-roads
- Ask the ranger about the exact road and river crossings for your approach; do not improvise a ford from a map
- Highland roads F88 and F910 typically open late June to early September; check road.is daily before departure
- Arrange fuel, food and communications before entering the highlands; confirm the facilities at your actual overnight stop
- Trailhead parking at Herðubreiðarlindir is well-marked; the oasis campsite is the base for summit attempts
Best Time to Visit Herðubreið
- Summer: Check that the approach road is open; an open road does not establish safe summit conditions
- Early August: Still good conditions; oasis wildflowers in full bloom; campsite wardens present
- Late June: F88 may just be opening (check road.is daily); lingering snow on summit approach
- August onward: The park specifically advises an early start as evenings become darker; budget for the entire return
- Winter is outside this summer hiking description; specialist winter travel requires separate planning
- Summit attempts are best on calm, clear mornings in July when scree slopes are driest
Planning help
Herðubreið FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Herðubreið?
Herðubreið stands at 1,682 meters (5,518 feet), one of Iceland's tallest mountains. Its distinctive flat-topped shape is the result of a subglacial volcanic eruption during the last Ice Age.
Why is Herðubreið called the Queen of Mountains?
Herðubreið has been called the 'Queen of Icelandic Mountains' since at least the 19th century due to its symmetrical, flat-topped shape. No other Icelandic peak has quite the same profile.
Can you climb Herðubreið?
The national park grades the Hb5 ascent difficult and warns of falling and rockfall, advising helmets. Its estimate is about 12 hours from Herðubreiðarlindir and back; the three-hour figure on the same page covers only the ascent from the mountain’s foot to the summit. Ask the ranger about current conditions and whether the route matches your experience.
How do I get to Herðubreið?
Herðubreið is located in the remote highland desert of Ódáðahraun in Northeast Iceland. Access requires a 4x4 vehicle via highland roads (F-roads), which are typically only open from late June to early September.
What is Herðubreiðarlindir?
Herðubreiðarlindir is a lush green oasis at the base of Herðubreið, fed by glacial springs. It has camping facilities and stands out sharply against the surrounding black lava desert. The outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur reportedly spent a winter here in the 18th century.
When is the best time to visit Herðubreið?
The best time to visit is July to mid-August when highland roads are open and conditions are most favorable. The area is inaccessible during winter and much of spring and autumn due to snow and road closures.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.