What is Fremrinámur?

Fremrinámur is a shield volcano and part of the Northern Volcanic Zone in Iceland's northeast highlands. It consists of a broad, gently sloping shield of basaltic lava flows with associated geothermal features.

Can you visit Fremrinámur?

Fremrinámur is in a very remote part of the northeast highlands, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles on rough highland tracks during summer. It is rarely visited by tourists and has no facilities or marked trails.

When did Fremrinámur last erupt?

Fremrinámur's most recent eruption activity dates to the Holocene period. The area shows evidence of relatively recent lava flows in geological terms, though no eruptions have occurred in recorded history.

Are there geothermal features at Fremrinámur?

Yes, the Fremrinámur area has geothermal features including hot springs, steam vents, and altered ground. These indicate ongoing volcanic heat beneath the surface, typical of Iceland's active volcanic zones.

What is the Northern Volcanic Zone?

The Northern Volcanic Zone is one of Iceland's main volcanic belts, running from the Vatnajökull area northward to the Tjörnes Fracture Zone near Húsavík. It includes major volcanic systems like Krafla, Askja, and Fremrinámur.

Fremrinámur: a Remote Shield Volcano in the Northeast Highlands

A remote shield volcano in the northeast highlands, part of the Northern Volcanic Zone and one of Iceland's least-visited volcanic systems, with geothermal features in remote wilderness.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

Northeast Highlands

Very remote. 4x4 only in summer.

Fremrinámur sits in one of Iceland's most remote and least-traveled areas, the northeast highlands. It is part of the Northern Volcanic Zone, the volcanic belt that runs through north Iceland. Few visitors make the journey; those who do find geothermal features and volcanic landscapes with no tourism infrastructure at all.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. This is an extremely remote area. Carry emergency supplies and GPS, and inform others of your plans.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Type

Shield volcano

Broad, gently sloping basaltic volcano.

Volcanic zone

Northern Volcanic Zone

Part of Iceland's main volcanic belt.

Access

Very remote 4x4

No facilities. Summer only.

What to Expect

Shield volcano classification: broad, gently sloping profile built from fluid basaltic lava flows over millennia
Part of the Northern Volcanic Zone: one of several volcanic systems between Krafla and Askja
No eruptions in recorded history, but Holocene lava flows indicate geologically recent activity
Geothermal hot springs, steam vents, and altered ground with colorful mineral deposits (reds, yellows, whites)
Remote wilderness with no tourist infrastructure and few other visitors
No marked trails: GPS navigation, detailed topographic maps, and backcountry experience essential
Visitors can observe the transition from vegetated lowland to barren volcanic highland terrain

Related Areas

Askja caldera (highland destination)
Herðubreið tuya
Krafla caldera (north Iceland)
Mývatn lake and pseudo-craters
Jökulsárgljúfur canyon (Vatnajökull NP)
Dettifoss waterfall (Europe's most powerful)

How to Get There

Extremely remote: access via rough highland tracks from Route 1 east of Myvatn or from F-roads in the highlands
Modified 4WD with high clearance absolutely required; no maintained F-road leads directly to Fremrinamur
Navigation requires GPS and topographic maps; no road signs or markers in this area
Nearest services are in Myvatn area (~80+ km away); carry all fuel, food, water, and emergency supplies
Not recommended without highland driving experience and ideally travel in convoy with multiple vehicles
No guided tours specifically to Fremrinamur; some multi-day highland expeditions may pass through the area

Best Time to Visit

July to mid-August only: the narrow window when highland tracks may be passable
Snow and ice persist late into summer in this high-altitude northeast highland area
Check road.is for highland road status; tracks may not open at all in poor snow years
24-hour summer daylight provides maximum flexibility for navigation and exploration
Weather can change rapidly in the highlands; bring layers and rain gear and be prepared for cold
Winter: completely inaccessible; snow cover from September/October through June

Planning help

Fremrinámur FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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