Iceland’s mountains rise from one of the most geologically active landscapes on Earth. Volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, geothermal areas, and deeply carved fjords combine to create mountains that look dramatically different from those of continental Europe.
Rather than forming one continuous mountain chain, Iceland’s peaks are scattered among volcanic systems, ice caps, coastal peninsulas, and the remote Central Highlands. Some are active volcanoes hidden beneath glaciers, while others are flat-topped table mountains formed by eruptions beneath Ice Age ice sheets. Colorful rhyolite ridges, dark basalt plateaus, snow-covered summits, and steep fjord walls all contribute to the country’s remarkable mountain scenery.
🏔️ Overview
Iceland is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly moving apart. The island also lies above a volcanic hotspot. Together, these forces have produced an unusually active landscape filled with volcanic mountains, fissures, lava plateaus, calderas, and geothermal fields.
Glaciers have been equally important in shaping the mountains. During repeated Ice Ages, enormous ice sheets covered much of Iceland, carving valleys and fjords while eroding volcanic plateaus into rugged peaks. Today, several of the country’s highest mountains remain partly or completely covered by ice.
Iceland’s highest point is Hvannadalshnúkur, which reaches approximately 2,110 meters (6,923 feet) above sea level. It stands on the rim of the ice-covered Öræfajökull volcano in southeastern Iceland.
Although Iceland’s mountains are not exceptionally high by global standards, they often rise abruptly from low coastal plains or deep valleys. Their steep relief, exposed terrain, glaciers, rapidly changing weather, and volcanic hazards can make them far more challenging than their elevations suggest.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | Iceland |
| Region | North Atlantic and Nordic region |
| Highest Mountain | Hvannadalshnúkur |
| Highest Elevation | 2,110 m (6,923 ft) |
| Highest Ice-Free Mountain | Snæfell, 1,833 m (6,014 ft) |
| Major Mountain Areas | Central Highlands, Vatnajökull region, Tröllaskagi, Eastfjords, Westfjords, Snæfellsnes |
| Dominant Rock | Basalt |
| Other Important Rocks | Rhyolite, tuff, hyaloclastite, and volcanic ash |
| Primary Mountain-Building Forces | Volcanism, tectonic rifting, and glacial erosion |
| Main Hiking Season | June through September |
| Notable Mountain Types | Stratovolcanoes, subglacial volcanoes, table mountains, basalt plateaus, and rhyolite ridges |
📍 Where Are Iceland’s Mountains Located?
Mountainous terrain is found throughout Iceland, although the character of the landscape varies considerably by region.
The highest mountains are concentrated around Vatnajökull, the enormous ice cap covering part of southeastern and central Iceland. This region includes Hvannadalshnúkur, Bárðarbunga, Kverkfjöll, and several other high volcanic summits.
The Central Highlands contain broad volcanic plateaus, lava fields, glaciers, geothermal areas, and isolated mountains. Notable highland regions include Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, Askja, Herðubreið, Hofsjökull, and the vast Ódáðahraun lava desert.
Northern Iceland is home to the rugged Tröllaskagi Peninsula, where steep valleys, cirques, and sharp ridges create some of the country’s most alpine terrain. Kerling, one of Iceland’s ten highest mountains, rises in this region.
The Eastfjords and Westfjords contain older basalt mountains that have been deeply cut by glaciers and coastal erosion. These regions are characterized by steep-sided fjords, layered cliffs, narrow valleys, and flat or gently sloping summits.
Western Iceland includes the volcanic mountains of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, dominated by glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull. The southwest contains the comparatively low volcanic ridges and cones of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
📏 The Ten Highest Mountains in Iceland
Mountain elevations in Iceland can vary slightly among maps and surveys, particularly where summits are covered by permanent snow or glacial ice. The following table uses commonly cited elevations.
| Rank | Mountain | Elevation | Region or Mountain Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hvannadalshnúkur | 2,110 m (6,923 ft) | Öræfajökull and Vatnajökull |
| 2 | Bárðarbunga | 2,000 m (6,562 ft) | Vatnajökull |
| 3 | Kverkfjöll | 1,920 m (6,299 ft) | Northeastern Vatnajökull |
| 4 | Snæfell | 1,833 m (6,014 ft) | East Iceland Highlands |
| 5 | Hofsjökull | 1,765 m (5,791 ft) | Central Highlands |
| 6 | Herðubreið | 1,682 m (5,518 ft) | Ódáðahraun and northern Highlands |
| 7 | Eiríksjökull | 1,675 m (5,495 ft) | Western Highlands |
| 8 | Eyjafjallajökull | 1,666 m (5,466 ft) | Southern Iceland |
| 9 | Tungnafellsjökull | 1,540 m (5,052 ft) | Northwestern edge of Vatnajökull |
| 10 | Kerling | 1,536 m (5,039 ft) | Tröllaskagi and Eyjafjarðarsveit |
Hvannadalshnúkur
Hvannadalshnúkur is Iceland’s highest summit. It rises from the northwestern rim of the Öræfajökull caldera, an ice-covered stratovolcano near the southern edge of Vatnajökull.
Reaching the summit generally requires a long glacier climb involving crevasse hazards, variable snow conditions, and rapidly changing weather. Climbers normally travel roped together and carry glacier-rescue equipment. For visitors without extensive glacier experience, joining a qualified local guide is strongly recommended.
Bárðarbunga
Bárðarbunga is a large subglacial central volcano beneath northwestern Vatnajökull. Its ice-filled caldera is surrounded by one of Iceland’s largest volcanic systems.
The Bárðarbunga volcanic system was responsible for the 2014–2015 Holuhraun eruption north of Vatnajökull. Although the eruption occurred beyond the glacier, it was connected to magma movement within the Bárðarbunga system.
Kverkfjöll
Kverkfjöll is a mountainous volcanic complex on the northeastern side of Vatnajökull. The area contains glaciers, geothermal features, steep ridges, and ice caves created by geothermal heat.
Its remote location and combination of ice, volcanic terrain, and unstable geothermal features make it a destination for experienced expeditions rather than casual hiking.
Snæfell
Snæfell is an isolated volcano northeast of Vatnajökull. At 1,833 meters, it is generally considered Iceland’s highest mountain outside the country’s glacier-covered summit regions.
The mountain can sometimes be climbed in favorable summer conditions from the vicinity of Snæfell mountain hut. Reindeer are also frequently seen in the surrounding East Iceland Highlands.
Hofsjökull
Hofsjökull is both a large ice cap and a central volcano in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands. Its summit area is broad and ice-covered rather than forming a sharply defined rocky peak.
The glacier is surrounded by remote highland terrain and lies near the Kerlingarfjöll mountain group and the Þjórsárver wetlands.
Herðubreið
Herðubreið is one of Iceland’s finest examples of a tuya, or table mountain. It formed when volcanic eruptions occurred beneath a thick Ice Age glacier. The enclosing ice restricted the eruption, producing steep sides and a relatively level summit.
Its symmetrical shape has earned it the nickname Queen of Icelandic Mountains. Despite its inviting appearance, the upper slopes are steep, loose, and more difficult than they appear from below.
Eiríksjökull
Eiríksjökull is a large, flat-topped mountain capped by a small ice field in western Iceland. It rises prominently above the surrounding highlands near Langjökull.
The mountain’s steep cliffs and glaciated summit make reaching its highest point a serious mountaineering objective.
Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is an ice-covered volcano in southern Iceland. It became internationally famous during its 2010 eruption, when volcanic ash disrupted air travel across much of Europe.
The mountain’s summit is covered by a small ice cap. Its steep southern slopes descend toward Iceland’s coastal lowlands near Skógar and the Ring Road.
Tungnafellsjökull
Tungnafellsjökull is a glacier-covered volcanic massif immediately northwest of Vatnajökull. Although overshadowed by its much larger neighbor, it is a distinct central volcano with multiple caldera structures.
Its remote location in the Highlands limits access to the summer season and requires careful route planning.
Kerling
Kerling is the highest mountain in the Eyjafjarðarsveit district of northern Iceland and one of the highest peaks on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Its lower structure is mainly basalt, while rhyolite occurs near the summit.
Kerling should not be confused with Kerlingarfjöll, the colorful geothermal mountain group in the Central Highlands.
🪨 How Iceland’s Mountains Formed
Iceland’s mountains are primarily the result of interactions among volcanism, tectonic movement, and glacial erosion.
Volcanic Activity
Most Icelandic mountains are composed largely of volcanic material. Successive eruptions have built shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, lava plateaus, crater rows, and broad volcanic systems.
Some eruptions occur beneath glaciers. When hot magma meets ice and meltwater, it may fragment into volcanic glass and ash. The resulting material can accumulate into steep-sided mountains composed of tuff or hyaloclastite.
Tectonic Rifting
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge crosses Iceland from southwest to northeast. Along this plate boundary, the crust is gradually pulled apart. Magma rises through the weakened crust, creating new volcanic landforms.
This rifting is especially visible in the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Þingvellir region, and Iceland’s active volcanic zones.
Subglacial Eruptions
Several distinctive Icelandic mountains formed beneath Ice Age glaciers. Table mountains such as Herðubreið developed when eruptions were confined by thick ice.
The mountain’s steep sides mark the approximate limits of the surrounding glacier during its formation. Once the eruption grew above the ice surface, lava could spread more freely and create a flatter summit.
Glacial Erosion
Glaciers have repeatedly reshaped Iceland’s volcanic landscape. They widened valleys, deepened fjords, excavated cirques, sharpened ridges, and removed large portions of older volcanoes.
The dramatic mountains of the Westfjords, Eastfjords, and Tröllaskagi owe much of their present appearance to glacial erosion rather than recent volcanic construction.
Rhyolite and Geothermal Alteration
Not all Icelandic mountains are dark basalt. Areas such as Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll contain rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock that can appear red, yellow, pink, brown, or pale green.
Geothermal heat and mineral alteration add even more color, producing steaming valleys and multicolored slopes unlike those found in most other European mountain regions.
🗺️ Major Mountain Regions
Vatnajökull and Öræfajökull
The Vatnajökull region contains Iceland’s greatest concentration of high mountains. Much of the terrain consists of active or potentially active volcanoes beneath a thick cover of glacial ice.
Öræfajökull rises near the southern margin of the ice cap. Its summit rim includes Hvannadalshnúkur, while outlet glaciers descend toward the coastal plains below.
The Central Highlands
Iceland’s interior is a remote region of mountains, deserts, glaciers, geothermal areas, and unbridged rivers. Permanent settlements are almost entirely absent.
Important highland mountain areas include:
- Landmannalaugar and the Fjallabak region
- Kerlingarfjöll
- Hofsjökull
- Askja and the Dyngjufjöll Mountains
- Herðubreið and Ódáðahraun
- Kverkfjöll
- Tungnafellsjökull
Access is highly seasonal. Roads may remain closed by snow, flooding, or soft ground well into summer.
Tröllaskagi
Tröllaskagi, or the Troll Peninsula, lies between Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður in northern Iceland. The peninsula contains steep valleys and some of Iceland’s most rugged non-volcanic-looking mountain terrain.
Its abundant winter snowfall and sharp relief have also made it an important area for ski touring and backcountry skiing.
The Eastfjords
The Eastfjords are bordered by layered basalt mountains carved into a series of deep coastal valleys and fjords. These are among Iceland’s oldest landscapes.
The mountains often display horizontal bands representing separate ancient lava flows. Glaciers and rivers have cut through these layers, leaving steep cliffs and narrow passes.
The Westfjords
The Westfjords are dominated by elevated basalt plateaus separated by steep fjords. Many summits are relatively flat, while their sides fall sharply toward the ocean.
Although elevations are lower than in central Iceland, the terrain is remote and rugged. The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve contains some of the region’s wildest mountains and sea cliffs.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is sometimes described as “Iceland in miniature” because it contains volcanoes, lava fields, coastal cliffs, glaciers, and mountains within a relatively small area.
Snæfellsjökull, a 1,446-meter glacier-capped volcano, dominates the western end of the peninsula. Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, rises near Grundarfjörður farther east.
🌋 Famous Mountains in Iceland
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is only about 463 meters tall, but its unusual shape and coastal setting have made it one of Iceland’s most recognizable landmarks.
The mountain rises beside Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its steep slopes are composed of alternating volcanic layers shaped by glacial erosion.
Kirkjufell is much more dangerous to climb than its modest elevation suggests. Its summit routes are extremely steep and exposed, and fatal accidents have occurred.
Hekla
Hekla is one of Iceland’s best-known active volcanoes. It reaches approximately 1,488 meters and forms a long volcanic ridge rather than a symmetrical cone.
The mountain has erupted many times during Iceland’s recorded history. In medieval Europe, it acquired the ominous reputation of being an entrance to the underworld.
Snæfellsjökull
Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-capped stratovolcano at the western end of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is protected within Snæfellsjökull National Park, which extends from the coastline to the mountain’s summit.
The volcano became internationally famous through Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Mount Esja
Esja rises across Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík and is one of the capital region’s most popular hiking destinations.
Esja is technically a broad volcanic mountain complex rather than a single peak. Numerous marked routes climb its lower and middle slopes, although the upper sections may involve steep ground, snow, ice, and exposure.
Landmannalaugar Mountains
The mountains around Landmannalaugar are celebrated for their extraordinary colors. Rhyolite, obsidian, lava, geothermal alteration, and lingering snow create slopes streaked with red, gold, green, gray, and black.
Popular peaks and ridges in the area include Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnúkur.
🌿 Flora and Fauna
Iceland’s mountain vegetation is adapted to cold temperatures, strong winds, thin soils, volcanic surfaces, and a short growing season.
Mosses are especially important and may form extensive coverings over older lava fields and sheltered slopes. Sedges, grasses, lichens, dwarf willow, crowberry, bilberry, mountain avens, and other low-growing plants occur where soil and moisture are available.
Vegetation becomes sparse in the interior Highlands. However, wetlands and sheltered geothermal areas can support unexpectedly rich plant communities. Warm streams in places such as Kerlingarfjöll create small patches of specialized vegetation amid otherwise barren terrain.
The Arctic fox is Iceland’s only native land mammal. It can be found in mountain and coastal wilderness areas, particularly in the Westfjords.
Reindeer were introduced to Iceland and now live mainly in the eastern part of the country. They may be seen in the highlands near Snæfell and Vatnajökull.
Common mountain and highland birds include:
- Rock ptarmigan
- Golden plover
- Snow bunting
- Pink-footed goose
- Whooper swan
- Gyrfalcon
- Merlin
- Various ducks and wading birds
🥾 Hiking and Climbing
Iceland offers everything from short volcanic walks to multiday highland treks and technical glacier climbs.
Laugavegur Trail
The Laugavegur Trail crosses the southern Highlands between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. It passes rhyolite mountains, lava fields, geothermal valleys, black-sand deserts, and glacial rivers.
It is Iceland’s best-known multiday hiking route and is usually attempted during the summer, when huts and trails are accessible.
Fimmvörðuháls
Fimmvörðuháls crosses the high pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps. The trail connects Skógar with Þórsmörk and passes close to volcanic craters formed during the 2010 eruption.
Weather on the pass can deteriorate rapidly, even when conditions are mild at either trailhead.
Mount Esja
Esja provides some of the most accessible mountain hiking near Reykjavík. Lower routes are suitable for many recreational hikers, but conditions become more serious higher on the mountain.
Snow, fog, ice, and strong wind can occur outside the main summer season.
Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll contains marked trails through colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal valleys. Hveradalir is known for steaming ground, hot springs, mineral-stained slopes, and patches of summer snow.
Visitors must remain on designated routes around geothermal features because the surface can be thin and dangerously hot.
Snæfell
Snæfell can be climbed during favorable summer weather. Although it is less technical than Iceland’s glacier-covered summits, snowfields, poor visibility, loose volcanic terrain, and isolation still require preparation.
Hvannadalshnúkur
The ascent of Hvannadalshnúkur is a glacier mountaineering trip rather than an ordinary hike. It typically involves a long day on snow and ice, significant elevation gain, roped glacier travel, and crevasse-rescue skills.
Only climbers with appropriate experience and equipment should attempt the mountain independently.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Elevation alone is a poor measure of difficulty in Iceland. A mountain under 1,000 meters may still involve severe wind, dense fog, loose rock, steep exposure, river crossings, snowfields, or a long approach through remote terrain.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
For most mountain hiking, the best period is from June through September. July and August generally offer the greatest access to highland roads, huts, and trails.
Conditions vary considerably from year to year. Deep snow or saturated ground can delay the opening of highland roads, while early autumn storms may close routes unexpectedly.
Spring is the main season for some guided snow and glacier ascents, including Hvannadalshnúkur. Winter mountain travel is suitable only for people prepared for short daylight hours, avalanche terrain, severe wind, icy roads, and rapidly changing weather.
Before entering the mountains, visitors should check:
- The Icelandic Meteorological Office forecast
- SafeTravel alerts
- Road conditions and closures
- Volcanic and earthquake warnings
- Local park or ranger information
- Mountain-hut availability
- River levels along highland routes
Many Highland destinations are reached by rough mountain roads. A vehicle appropriate for the specific route may be required, and some routes include unbridged river crossings.
🧭 Mountain Safety
Icelandic weather can change from sunshine to strong wind, heavy rain, snow, or near-zero visibility within a short period. Treeless terrain provides little shelter, and hikers may be exposed for long distances.
Glacier travel introduces additional hazards, including hidden crevasses, unstable snow bridges, moulins, and glacial rivers. Ice caves and geothermal caves can collapse without warning and should only be entered under safe, locally assessed conditions.
Volcanic hazards may include lava flows, toxic gases, ashfall, earthquakes, sudden floods, and closures around active areas. Several major volcanoes are covered by glaciers, creating the possibility of jökulhlaups, or glacial outburst floods.
Hikers should carry suitable waterproof clothing, insulating layers, navigation tools, emergency shelter, food, water, and a charged communication device. Trip plans should be left with a reliable person or submitted through Iceland’s travel-safety services.
💡 Fun Facts
- Iceland’s highest summit is part of an ice-covered volcano.
- Several mountains with names ending in -jökull are volcanoes or mountain massifs covered by glaciers. The Icelandic word jökull means “glacier.”
- Herðubreið formed during a volcanic eruption beneath an Ice Age glacier.
- Snæfell is the country’s highest major mountain outside the glacier-covered summit regions.
- Kirkjufell is far from Iceland’s highest mountain, yet it is probably the country’s most photographed peak.
- The brightly colored mountains of Landmannalaugar are largely composed of rhyolite rather than the dark basalt common across Iceland.
- Many flat-topped mountains in the Westfjords are remnants of ancient stacks of basalt lava flows.
- A low Icelandic summit can be more dangerous than a much higher mountain in a calmer climate.
- Some of Iceland’s largest volcanic systems are concealed beneath glacial ice.
- Geothermal heat supports patches of specialized vegetation in otherwise barren mountain environments.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain in Iceland?
Hvannadalshnúkur is Iceland’s highest mountain, reaching approximately 2,110 meters or 6,923 feet. It stands on the rim of the Öræfajökull volcano in Vatnajökull National Park.
Are all mountains in Iceland volcanoes?
No. Most Icelandic mountains are made from volcanic rocks, but not every mountain is an individual volcano. Some are eroded remnants of ancient lava plateaus, while others are ridges, glacial landforms, or parts of larger volcanic systems.
What is Iceland’s highest mountain outside the glaciers?
Snæfell, at 1,833 meters, is commonly described as Iceland’s highest mountain outside the main glacier-covered summit regions.
What is the most famous mountain in Iceland?
Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most famous and photographed mountains. Other internationally known mountains include Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull, Snæfellsjökull, and Hvannadalshnúkur.
Can beginners hike in the Icelandic mountains?
Yes. Iceland has short and moderate routes suitable for less experienced hikers, particularly around Reykjavík, Landmannalaugar, and established visitor areas. Beginners should still check weather and trail conditions and avoid glaciers, exposed summit routes, and remote highland crossings without appropriate experience.
Is Hvannadalshnúkur difficult to climb?
The route is not primarily a rock-climbing route, but it is a serious glacier ascent. Crevasses, long distances, changing snow, poor visibility, and severe weather make glacier equipment and mountaineering knowledge essential.
When is the best time to hike in Iceland?
July and August generally offer the most reliable access to highland trails. June and September can also be suitable, but snow, storms, and road closures are more likely.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle in the Highlands?
Many Highland routes require a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly those designated as mountain or F-roads. Vehicle requirements and river conditions vary, so travelers should confirm the rules and current conditions for each road.
Are Iceland’s mountains covered with snow throughout the year?
The highest glacier-covered summits retain ice throughout the year. Snow on lower mountains is seasonal and may disappear during summer, although fresh snowfall can occur at high elevations even during the main hiking season.
Is it safe to visit mountains near active volcanoes?
It may be safe when an area is officially open, but conditions can change. Visitors should always follow closures, hazard maps, gas warnings, and instructions issued by Icelandic authorities.
🔗 Related Articles
- Mountains by Country
- Mountain Ranges
- Highest Mountains
- Famous Mountains
- How Are Mountains Formed?
- Types of Mountains
- What Is Mountain Prominence?
- Mountain Elevation vs. Prominence
- How Mountains Affect Weather
- Why Are Mountains Colder?
- The Ten Essentials for Hiking
📚 Sources
- Icelandic Meteorological Office — Öræfajökull (Icelandic Meteorological office)
- Icelandic Meteorological Office — The Bárðarbunga-Holuhraun Eruption (Icelandic Meteorological office)
- Icelandic Meteorological Office — Glacial Outburst Floods (Icelandic Meteorological office)
- Environment Agency of Iceland — National Parks (Umhverfisstofnun)
- Environment Agency of Iceland — Kerlingarfjöll Flora and Fauna (Umhverfisstofnun)
- Environment Agency of Iceland — Þjórsárver Nature and Geology (Umhverfisstofnun)
- Environment Agency of Iceland — Kerlingarfjöll General Information (Umhverfisstofnun)
- Visit Iceland — Hiking in Iceland (Visit Iceland)
- SafeTravel Iceland — Highland Driving (Safetravel)
- Visit Austurland — Snæfell (Visit Austurland)
- Snæfellsjökull National Park (Umhverfisstofnun)
- List of Mountains in Iceland (en.wikipedia.org)
