Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Best of Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Friðland að Fjallabaki's Crown Jewels

This highland reserve encompasses 47,000 hectares of Iceland's southern interior, shaped by the massive Torfajökull volcanic system. The landscape is characterized by colorful rhyolite mountains, sprawling obsidian lava fields, and intense geothermal activity. Key features include the natural hot springs of Landmannalaugar, the cobalt-hued Bláhnúkur peak, and the red-walled Ljótipollur crater lake. Accessible only by 4x4 vehicles during the summer, the area serves as the primary gateway to the 55-kilometer Laugavegur hiking trail.

Friðland að Fjallabaki's Crown Jewels — Map

Reen Eversdijk / CC BY 2.0

A

Laugavegur Hiking Trail

The 34 mile long hike starts in Skogar village and ends at Thórsmörk.

Julien Weber / CC-BY-SA

B

Landmannalaugar

Highland base camp featuring natural geothermal hot springs and the Laugahraun lava field, serving as the northern trailhead for the Laugavegur hike.

TommyBee / Public domain

C

Torfajökull

Torfajökull is a rhyolitic stratovolcano, with a large caldera capped by a glacier of the same name and associated with a complex of…

D

Lake

An explosion crater lake formed in 1477, known for its deep red volcanic walls and turquoise water.

E

Rauðufossar

A waterfall fed by the Rauðufossafjöll mountains, notable for its bright orange and red riverbed caused by iron-rich rocks.

F

Stútur

A small, moss-covered volcanic crater located near the road, offering a quick climb for views of the surrounding lava fields.

Rémih / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Established in 1979, this 470-square-kilometer reserve protects a landscape of rhyolite mountains, geothermal vents, and the Torfajökull caldera.

H

Ice cave at Hrafntinnusker

Geothermal ice caves located near the Hrafntinnusker campsite, formed by hot steam melting the underside of permanent snowpacks.

I

Landmannahellir

A natural lava cave historically used as a shelter for farmers and sheep during the annual autumn highland roundup.

J

Storihver

A major geothermal area on the Laugavegur trail featuring boiling mud pots, steam vents, and vibrant green moss.

K

Blahnukur

A prominent viewpoint at the top of a rhyolite peak, providing panoramic views of five glaciers and the colorful Landmannalaugar mountains.

L

Bláhnúkur

A 940-meter rhyolite peak named 'Blue Peak' for its distinct blue-grey color, formed by volcanic ash and lava flows.

M

Kringla

Basic mountain hut located at the Landmannahellir highland station, providing rustic accommodation for hikers.

N

Höfði

One of several mountain huts at Landmannahellir, serving as a base for exploring the western Fjallabak region.

O

Gil

Mountain hut at the Landmannahellir campsite, used by travelers and horse-trekking tours in the highlands.

P

Sáta

Small accommodation hut in the remote Landmannahellir area, typically open during the summer months.

Q

Fit

Rustic mountain shelter located near Landmannahellir, offering basic amenities for highland explorers.

R

Dyngja

Mountain hut at the Landmannahellir station, providing essential lodging in the remote volcanic interior.

S

Hlíð

Highland hut situated in the Landmannahellir area, part of a cluster of shelters for summer hikers.

T

Fell

Basic accommodation hut at the Landmannahellir base, used primarily by hikers and those on organized highland tours.

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