Elevation
379m (1,243 ft)
Cone-shaped hyaloclastite peak on Reykjanes.
Keilir: Cone-Shaped Peak on the Reykjanes Peninsula
A cone-shaped hyaloclastite mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula, visible from Reykjavik. Its shape formed during an Ice Age subglacial eruption, and it stands near the recent Fagradalsfjall eruption sites.
Region
Reykjanes Peninsula
379m (1,243 ft) · Near-perfect cone shape
Keilir is a cone-shaped hyaloclastite mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula, 379 meters tall and visible from Reykjavik on clear days. Its near-perfect cone formed during a subglacial volcanic eruption in the last Ice Age. It stands near the 2021-2023 Fagradalsfjall eruption sites, in one of Iceland's most volcanically active regions. A popular hiking trail from the Vatnshlíðarvegur parking area leads to the summit.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. The Reykjanes Peninsula is volcanically active, so always check eruption alerts and SafeTravel advisories before hiking in this area.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Best for
Day hike near Reykjavik
Popular trail with volcanic landscape views.
Access
Moderate hike
3-4 hour round trip from Vatnshlíðarvegur parking.
What to Expect at Keilir
- Summit elevation of 379m (1,243 ft) with a prominence of approximately 290m above the surrounding lava fields
- First recorded ascent dates to the early 19th century; the mountain has been a landmark for sailors for centuries
- A near-perfect cone shape formed during an Ice Age subglacial eruption, one of Iceland's most recognizable silhouettes
- Views of Reykjavik, the Atlantic Ocean, Fagradalsfjall, and the Reykjanes lava fields from the summit
- Volcanic terrain with moss-covered lava fields and steaming geothermal vents along the trail approach
- A moderately challenging 3-4 hour round-trip hike with approximately 340m elevation gain, suitable for fit hikers
Nearby Attractions
- Fagradalsfjall eruption sites (2021-2023)
- Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
- Reykjanes Geopark and lighthouse
- Krýsuvík geothermal area and Seltún hot springs
- Kleifarvatn lake in a volcanic crater
How to Get to Keilir
- Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 40 minutes (45 km) from central Reykjavik via Route 41 and Route 425
- Trailhead at the Vatnshlíðarvegur parking area, signposted off Route 425 south of Hafnarfjörður
- Accessible by regular car to the parking area, no 4WD required; paved road to the turnoff
- Well-marked trail to the summit with cairns; the final 100m is steep and rocky with some scrambling
- Only 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport, a viable hike for long layovers
- No facilities at the trailhead; bring water, snacks, and windproof layers
Best Time to Hike Keilir
- May–June: Snow-free trails, long daylight (20+ hours), wildflowers beginning to appear on the lower slopes
- July–August: Peak summer conditions with warmest temperatures (10-15°C) and near-continuous daylight
- September–October: Fewer hikers, autumn light; trails remain passable but daylight shortens rapidly
- November–April: Hikeable on calm, clear days with proper winter gear (crampons/spikes recommended for icy sections)
- Always check SafeTravel.is for volcanic activity alerts; the Reykjanes Peninsula has been erupting repeatedly since 2021
- Wind is consistently strong on the exposed peninsula; bring windproof layers regardless of season
Planning help
Keilir FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.