Keilir

Natural landmarks of Iceland

Height378m

TypeHyaloclastite mountain

RegionSouth West Iceland

DifficultyModerate

Keilir is a distinctive mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Southwest Iceland. Its isolated cone-like form makes it an easily recognised landmark in the volcanic landscape.

The mountain is a hiking destination, but conditions on exposed terrain can change quickly. Visitors should plan according to weather and ground conditions and use established access routes where available.

More details

Rock typeHyaloclastite / palagonite

Formation typeSubglacial volcanic cone

Best seasonSummer

Hiking routeHikeable

Glacier coverNot glacier covered

VolcanismVolcano

Volcanic activityNot an active volcano

Overview

Keilir is one of the most recognizable mountains on the Reykjanes Peninsula because of its near-symmetrical cone.

History

Keilir has long functioned as a visual navigation landmark across Reykjanes and from nearby coastal routes. Cultural context: Keilir contributes to the visual and cultural identity of its region and is part of the long relationship between Icelandic communities and mountain landscapes. Name origin: The name is associated with the mountain's cone-like form.

Geology

The mountain formed in an eruption beneath glacial ice and consists largely of hyaloclastite, known in Icelandic as moberg.

Hiking

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

Safety

Conditions on Keilir 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: Good educational mountain for seeing subglacial geology

Views & surroundings

The summit overlooks much of the Reykjanes Peninsula, Faxafloi and surrounding volcanic terrain. Surroundings: Keilir should be understood as part of its wider Icelandic landscape, including neighbouring valleys, ridges, lowlands and volcanic or glacial features. Nearby highlights: Reykjanes; Hoskuldarvellir; Vatnsleysustrond

Interesting facts

Keilir is a classic example of a small subglacial volcanic cone. Understand Keilir by noticing not just the summit, but also its rock, slopes, neighbouring landforms and position within the wider landscape. Notable features: Its modest height is outweighed by its unusually clean geometric form and isolated setting in lava fields. Summary: A compact cone-shaped mountain on Reykjanes and one of Iceland's best-known examples of subglacial volcanism. Themes: Hyaloclastite; symmetrical cone; geology

Frequently asked questions

How was Keilir formed?: Keilir formed during an eruption beneath glacial ice. Interaction between magma, water and ice produced hyaloclastite and created the mountain's regular cone.
Why is Keilir easy to recognize?: It is relatively isolated and unusually regular in shape, allowing its cone to be seen from large parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
What should visitors know before visiting Keilir?: Conditions around Keilir can change quickly. Check access and weather before travelling, stay on established routes where possible and avoid damaging fragile natural surfaces.