Hverfjall

Natural landmarks of Iceland

TypeTuff ring volcano

RegionNorth Iceland

DifficultyEasy

Hverfjall (also known as Hverfell) is a tephra cone or tuff ring volcano in northern Iceland, to the east of Mývatn.

It erupted in 2500 BP in the southern part of the Krafla fissure swarm. The crater is approximately 1 km in diameter.

Tephra has been carried from Hverfjall all over the Lake Myvatn area. A landslide apparently occurred in the south part of the crater during the eruption, which accounts for the disruption to the round shape of the mountain.[citation needed] During the Age of Settlement, lava flowed from Svortuborgir, at the southern end of Namafjall, around Hverfjall, which was nearly engulfed by the lava. At the same time an eruption occurred in the slopes above the valley of Hlidardalur.

The rim of the crater is only accessible by two paths, from the northwest and south. It is strictly forbidden to use other routes in ascent or descent.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hverfjall

More details

Rock typeTephra / palagonitized basaltic material

Formation typeTuff ring

Best seasonSummer

Hiking routeHikeable

Glacier coverNot glacier covered

VolcanismVolcano

Volcanic activityNot an active volcano

Overview

Hverfjall is a large, dark and nearly circular tuff-ring crater east of Lake Myvatn.

History

The crater has long been one of the dominant natural landmarks of the Myvatn region. Cultural context: Hverfjall contributes to the visual and cultural identity of its region and is part of the long relationship between Icelandic communities and mountain landscapes.

Geology

It formed in an explosive phreatomagmatic eruption when magma interacted with water, producing large volumes of fragmented volcanic material.

Hiking

Hiking possibilities around Hverfjall vary by route, season and access point. Exact distance and duration should be taken from a dedicated route record where available.

Safety

Conditions on Hverfjall can change quickly. Wind, low cloud, rain, snow, ice and loose ground can all increase difficulty. Visitors should check current conditions and choose routes appropriate to their experience. Practical visitor information: A strong option for visitors wanting a clear volcanic landform without a long mountain day

Views & surroundings

The crater rim overlooks Myvatn, Dimmuborgir and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Surroundings: Hverfjall should be understood as part of its wider Icelandic landscape, including neighbouring valleys, ridges, lowlands and volcanic or glacial features. Nearby highlights: Lake Myvatn; Dimmuborgir; Reykjahlid Destination area: Lake Myvatn area

Interesting facts

Hverfjall is one of Iceland's clearest large examples of a tuff ring. Understand Hverfjall by noticing not just the summit, but also its rock, slopes, neighbouring landforms and position within the wider landscape. Notable features: Its simple circular geometry makes the volcanic origin of the landform unusually easy to understand. Summary: A large near-circular tuff-ring crater east of Myvatn and one of Iceland's clearest explosive volcanic landforms. Themes: Crater; volcanology; views; protected landscape

Frequently asked questions

Is Hverfjall a mountain or a crater?: Hverfjall is a large tephra crater or tuff ring formed in an explosive eruption when magma interacted with water.
Why is Hverfjall so circular?: Its near-circular form developed as fragmented volcanic material accumulated around the vent during an explosive eruption, building a continuous crater rim.
What should visitors know before visiting Hverfjall?: Conditions around Hverfjall can change quickly. Check access and weather before travelling, stay on established routes where possible and avoid damaging fragile natural surfaces.