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Bárðarbunga

Highlands, IcelandActiveStratovolcano2010 m
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Bárðarbunga

Highlands, IcelandActiveStratovolcano2010 m

About

Bárðarbunga, is an active and productive stratovolcano located under Vatnajökull in Vatnajökull National Park which is Iceland's most extensive glacier.

You can feel the heat in some spots. A reminder that Iceland sits on one of Earth's most active volcanic zones.

The second highest mountain in Iceland, 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) above sea level, Bárðarbunga is also part of the Bárðarbunga-Veiðivötn volcanic system that is approximately 190 kilometres (120 mi) long and 25 kilometres (16 mi) wide..

Follow marked paths in active geothermal areas. The ground can be unstable or concealing scalding water beneath a thin crust.

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Plan your visit to Bárðarbunga

Build an itinerary — full days, multi-stop routes, drive times, alternatives.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
Check live· From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good·Visit now·30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
ClosuresChecking…
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Visibility—
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Prices
Cost to visit
Free
No fees
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
Forecast
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Aurora forecast for tonight
HighlandsReykjavíkSouth CoastWestNorthEastWestfjordsReykjanes
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Cars & campers

−15%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
SUV

Dacia Duster 4x4

Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
From
5,355 kr6,300 kr/day
Reserve −15%
VW Caravelle
9-seater

VW Caravelle

Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.

TransmissionAutomatic
FuelDiesel
Seats9
Drive2WD
From
12,750 kr15,000 kr/day
Reserve −15%
Key Camper Wild Duo
Camper

Key Camper Wild Duo

Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol
Sleeps2
Drive4WD
From
5,304 kr6,240 kr/day
Reserve −15%

Tours near Bárðarbunga

Free cancellationSmall groups
Glacier & Golden Circle
Adventure

Glacier & Golden Circle

Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.

Duration10 hours
PickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobile
VehicleSuper Jeep
From
49.990 kr
View tour →

Daily conditions for your trip

Roads, weather, and aurora for your exact travel dates — one short email each morning, nothing else. Unsubscribe any time.

Photos & videos

Bárðarbunga — photo by Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Bárðarbunga, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Reviews

Nearby

Waterfalls

#1.Skínandi
59 km·~71 min drive

A waterfall in the Highlands. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.

#2.Drekafoss
62 km·~75 min drive

A waterfall in North Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.

#3.Hvítárfoss
64 km·~77 min drive

A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.

#4.Núpsárfoss
64 km·~77 min drive

A waterfall in South Coast. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.

4 waterfalls near Highlands

Hot Springs

#1.Guðlaug
53 km·~64 min drive

New seaside hot pot on Langisandur beach in Akranes. Ocean views.

#2.Laugafell
57 km·~69 min drive

Hot spring in Highlands. Natural geothermal bathing spot.

#3.Víti
59 km·~71 min drive

Water hot spring

#4.Víti Askja
59 km·~71 min drive

Volcanic crater lake at Askja. Highland destination, not always safe for bathing - check…

4 hot springs near Highlands

Campsites

#1.Nýidalur
28 km·~34 min drive

Highland campsite accessible in summer only. F-road driving required. Basic facilities…

#2.Kverkfjöll / Sigurðarskáli
44 km·~53 min drive

Highland campsite accessible in summer only. F-road driving required. Basic facilities…

#3.Laugafell
57 km·~69 min drive

Highland campsite accessible in summer only. F-road driving required. Basic facilities…

#4.Drekaskáli
63 km·~75 min drive

North Iceland camping option. Less crowded than the south, with dramatic landscapes and…

4 campsites near Highlands

Supermarkets

#1.Gvendarkjör
98 km·~117 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

#2.Krambúð
115 km·~138 min drive

Krambúð supermarket — supplies

#3.Bónus
118 km·~141 min drive

Bónus supermarket — supplies

#4.Fisk Kompaní
118 km·~141 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

4 supermarkets near Highlands

Gas stations

#1.Freysnes
78 km·~94 min drive

Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol

#2.Fagurhólsmýri
95 km·~114 min drive

N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol

#3.Kirkjubæjarklaustur
97 km·~117 min drive

ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol

#4.Hrauneyjar
98 km·~117 min drive

Olís · 315.8 kr/L petrol

4 gas stations near Highlands

Tours

#1.Glacier & Golden Circle
10 hours·Pickup Reykjavík

Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.

from 32,990 krView tour →
1 tours near Highlands

Frequently
asked
questions

Is it safe to visit Bárðarbunga?
Bárðarbunga is listed as an active volcano. Whether you can approach it depends entirely on current conditions — during an eruption, authorities set an exclusion zone and you must never cross a closure line. Check safetravel.is and the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) before you go, and follow all official instructions on site.
How do I get to Bárðarbunga?
Bárðarbunga is in Highlands. Check live road conditions on this page before you drive — highland access often needs a 4×4 and some routes only open in summer.
Can I hike Bárðarbunga?
It depends on the volcano and current activity. Some Icelandic cones have short marked trails to the rim; others sit under glaciers or in closed areas and cannot be climbed without a guide. Never approach an active eruption unless the official viewing area is open — conditions change fast.
What should I know about volcanic gas near Bárðarbunga?
Volcanic and geothermal areas can release sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, which are toxic in high concentrations and collect in low-lying spots. Stay on marked paths, leave immediately if you smell strong sulphur or feel unwell, and check the Met Office gas forecasts during any eruption.

Data & sources

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