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Herðubreið

1682 m
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VolcanoNorth Iceland

Herðubreið

North Iceland1682 m

About

Herðubreið is a tuya in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland. It is situated in the Highlands of Iceland at the east side of the Ódáðahraun desert and close to Askja volcano.

The landscape around volcanic areas looks stark. Black rock, steam vents, the smell of sulfur. Another planet.

It is situated in the Highlands of Iceland at the east side of the Ódáðahraun desert and close to Askja volcano. The desert is a large lava field originating from eruptions of Trölladyngja and other shield volcanoes in the area. Herðubreið was formed beneath the ice sheet that covered Iceland during the last glacial period.

The terrain can be sharp and uneven. Good hiking boots aren't optional, they're essential.

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Plan your visit to Herðubreið

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

Map of Herðubreið

Map

65.1787°N, 16.3450°W · North Iceland

Plan your visit

Elevation
1,682 m above sea level
Off the main road
34.7 km from Route 1
Nearest town
Vogar við Mývatn — 56.1 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
290 km in a straight line
What else is close
45 mapped places within 20 km

Tours that include Herðubreið

Askja & Herðubreið Super Jeep Tourfrom 59.900 ISK · 12 hAskja Caldera & Herðubreiðarlindir - Super jeep day tourfrom 59.900 ISK · 12 hEarth Exclusive - Earth lagoon Myvatnfrom 52.000 ISK · 4 hEarth Essential - Earth Lagoon Mývatnfrom 7.900 ISK · 1 h 30 minEarth Signature - Earth Lagoon Mývatnfrom 9.900 ISK · 1 h 30 minAskja Classicfrom 34.900 ISK · 12 hLake Myvatn and Dettifoss Waterfall (from Lake Myvatn)from 39.900 ISK · 6 hLofthellir Ice-Cave Exploration - Super Jeep Tourfrom 49.900 ISK · 4 h 30 minLake Mývatn 1.Hour Snowmobile Safarifrom 29.900 ISK · 1 h 30 min
All 1,648 tours
ToursIn season nowNorthern Lights 4x4 Tour from Akureyrifrom 34.799 ISK · 2 h 30 minLake Mývatn & Snowmobile Tour from Akureyrifrom 59.900 ISK · 9 hGoðafoss and the Forest Lagoonfrom 26.400 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 toursBy activity and region

Herðubreið weather and conditions

Last updated

-3°Covercast · feels -13°C13 m/sgusts 199 h 44 mdaylight · 07:59 – 17:43
In season now · Winter in IcelandNorthern Lights 4x4 Tour from Akureyrifrom 34.799 ISK · 2 h 30 min
See the tour
All 1,648 tours

Cars & campers

−12%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 −12%
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 −12%
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 −12%

Photos & videos

Herðubreið — photo by Icemuon, cropped by Seattle Skier · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Photo: Icemuon, cropped by Seattle Skier · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

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

Nearby

km column = your drive

  1. 1Kollóttadyngja10 km
  2. 2Heidarspordar20 km
  3. 3Vikraborgir22 km
  4. 4Askja25 km
  5. 5Fremrinámar31 km
All volcanoes in North Iceland →

Waterfalls

  1. 1Gljúfrasmiður7 km
  2. 2Drekafoss20 km
  3. 3Skínandi28 km
All waterfalls →

Hot springs

  1. 1Víti Askja23 km
  2. 2Víti23 km
  3. 3Laugarvallalaug33 km
All hot springs →

Fuel

  1. 1Möðrudalur35 km · 308.6 kr/L
  2. 2Mývatn54 km · 308.6 kr/L
  3. 3Reykjahlíð58 km · 310.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krambúð58 km
  2. 2Nettó91 km
  3. 3Bónus91 km
All supermarkets →

Tours

  1. (Cruise Ships) Lake Mývatn and Goðafossfrom 25.300 ISK · 6 hours 30 minutes
  2. (RS) Lake Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyrifrom 25.900 ISK · 6 hours
  3. Adventure snowmobile tour Akureyrifrom 166.750 ISK · 5 hours
All tours →

Frequently
asked
questions

Is it safe to visit Herðubreið?
Herðubreið is not currently erupting, and the surrounding area is generally safe to visit on marked trails. Volcanic and geothermal ground can still be unstable or hide gas — stay on the path, and check safetravel.is for any local closures before you drive.
How do I get to Herðubreið?
Herðubreið is in North Iceland. 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 Herðubreið?
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 Herðubreið?
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

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.

All volcanoes14 volcanoes in North Iceland, mapped with photos, distances and live conditions
Iceland nowfrom 19 Sep 06:10
8°C · overcastWind 2 m/sRing Road (R1) openAurora Kp 2.67Daylight 07:02 – 19:39Webcams