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Snæfell

1833 m
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VolcanoEast Iceland

Snæfell

About

Snæfell at 1,833 m (6,014 ft) high, is an ice-capped stratovolcano located in the north-east part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland. While it has been dormant in the Holocene, it is now known to have had repose times of over 100,000 years between eruptions, so it cannot be assumed to be extinct.

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

While it has been dormant in the Holocene, it is now known to have had repose times of over 100,000 years between eruptions, so it cannot be assumed to be extinct..

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

Map of Snæfell

Map

64.7975°N, 15.5616°W · East Iceland

Plan your visit

Elevation
1,833 m above sea level
Off the main road
45.2 km from Route 95
Nearest town
Nesjahverfi — 56.1 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
314 km in a straight line
What else is close
71 mapped places within 20 km

Snæfell weather and conditions

Last updated

-12°Cfog · feels -23°C15 m/sgusts 209 h 54 mdaylight · 07:51 – 17:45
In season now · Winter in IcelandSkaftafell 5-Hours Adventure Glacier Hikefrom 20.775 ISK · 5 hAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

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

Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Hallormsstaður51 km · 308.6 kr/L
  2. 2Nesjar55 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Skjöldólfsstaðir61 km · 308.6 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Kjörbúðin63 km
  2. 2Nettó63 km
  3. 3Krónan68 km
All supermarkets →

Tours

  1. Abandoned Fjords Super Jeep Tourfrom 42.000 ISK · 5 hours
  2. Blue Ice Discoveryfrom 24.900 ISK · 4 hours
  3. Breidamerkurjökull Glacier Hikefrom 15.377 ISK · 3 hours
All tours →

Frequently
asked
questions

Is it safe to visit Snæfell?
Snæfell 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 Snæfell?
Snæfell is in East 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 Snæfell?
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 Snæfell?
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.

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