Esjufjöll: A Subglacial Volcano in Southeast Vatnajökull
Esjufjöll lies beneath southeastern Vatnajökull, north of Öræfajökull. The Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program identifies Snæhetta as its central volcano and lists a largely ice-covered caldera of about 40 km².
What is known about its eruption history
The Smithsonian catalogue marks the reported September 1927 event as uncertain, with no confirmed Holocene eruption. A glacial outburst flood with a sulfur smell and a possible ashfall on Breiðamerkurjökull underpin the historical account; they do not establish a confirmed eruption date.
That distinction matters when comparing volcano lists. An uncertain historical entry is neither evidence of an imminent eruption nor proof that the system is extinct. For current observations, use the Icelandic Meteorological Office, keeping dated reports separate from today’s conditions.
Keep the mountain names separate
Snæhetta in the Esjufjöll description should not be replaced by Snæfell. A walking route or road description for Snæfell does not establish an approach to this subglacial system.
The source here is a volcano catalogue, not a visitor route. No trailhead or guided ascent has been verified for this page. For a visit to the surrounding region, choose a named park destination with its own access information rather than navigating toward the volcano’s scientific coordinates.
Planning help
Volcano questions
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Where is Esjufjöll?
Beneath southeastern Vatnajökull, north of Öræfajökull.
Was there a confirmed eruption in 1927?
The Smithsonian lists the September 1927 event as uncertain, rather than a confirmed eruption.
Does a Snæfell hiking route lead here?
No such approach has been verified here. The Smithsonian names Snæhetta in its description of Esjufjöll; Snæfell route information should not be applied to this system.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.