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Thordarhyrna

Dormant1650 m
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VolcanoHighlands

Thordarhyrna

HighlandsDormant1650 m

About

Thordarhyrna is one of seven subglacial volcanoes beneath the Vatnajokull glacier in Iceland. It is a paired active central volcano with Grímsvötn, and can be classified as part of the Grímsvötn-Laki volcanic system, with common fissure swarms to the south.

Standing on a volcano puts things in perspective. The earth beneath your feet is alive and restless.

Check road conditions before heading to volcanic areas. Some roads close seasonally or after weather events.

Map of Thordarhyrna

Map

64.2714°N, 17.5347°W · Highlands

Plan your visit

Elevation
1,650 m above sea level
Off the main road
44 km from Route 1
Nearest town
Kirkjubæjarklaustur — 61.8 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
214 km in a straight line
What else is close
14 mapped places within 20 km

Thordarhyrna weather and conditions

Last updated

-5°Csnow · feels -14°C13 m/sgusts 1710 h 03 mdaylight · 07:54 – 17:58
In season now · Winter in IcelandBlue Ice - Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavíkfrom 32.990 ISK · 13 h 30 minAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

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

Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Freysnes44 km · 308.6 kr/L
  2. 2Kirkjubæjarklaustur58 km · 308.7 kr/L
  3. 3Fagurhólsmýri61 km · 310.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Gvendarkjör59 km
  2. 2Nettó112 km
  3. 3Krónan119 km
All supermarkets →

Frequently
asked
questions

Is it safe to visit Thordarhyrna?
Thordarhyrna 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 Thordarhyrna?
Thordarhyrna 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 Thordarhyrna?
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 Thordarhyrna?
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.