About
Torfajökull is a rhyolitic stratovolcano, with a large caldera capped by a glacier of the same name and associated with a complex of subglacial volcanoes.
You can feel the heat in some spots. A reminder that Iceland sits on one of Earth's most active volcanic zones.
Follow marked paths in active geothermal areas. The ground can be unstable or concealing scalding water beneath a thin crust.
Map of Torfajökull
Map
63.8942°N, 19.0103°W · South Coast
Plan your visit
Elevation
- 1,190 m above sea level
Off the main road
- 33.1 km from Route 26
Nearest town
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur — 48.4 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
- 146 km in a straight line
What else is close
- 369 mapped places within 20 km
Tours near Torfajökull
Highlands Hiking: Small Group Landmannalaugar Hike & Hot Springs - Without transferfrom 16.500 ISK · 5 h
Bus transfer from Landmannalaugar to Hella / Reykjavikfrom 12.220 ISK · 4 h
Solheimajokull Glacier Guided Hiking Small Group Tourfrom 12.299 ISK · 3 h
Glacier Hiking Tour - Icelandic Local Guidefrom 38.900 ISK · 10 h
The Zip Line + Glacier Hike Adventurefrom 45.000 ISK · 4 h
Glacier Hike & Horse Riding in South Icelandfrom 25.990 ISK · 6 h
Glacier Hike | Micro group (6 max) | Sólheimajökull | Víkfrom 30.000 ISK · 4 h
Glacier Hike Experience on Sólheimajökull. Meet on locationfrom 16.990 ISK · 3 h 30 min
Caminata Glaciar en Sólheimajökull. Encuentro en el sitio (Solo en Español)from 16.990 ISK · 3 h 30 minTorfajökull weather and conditions
Last updated
-1°Csnow · feels -8°C9 m/sgusts 169 h 52 mdaylight · 08:05 – 17:58
Tonight
Northern lights forecast by region

In season now · Winter in IcelandSolheimajokull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hikefrom 31.381 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 tours
Cars & campers
−12%exclusive discountFree cancellation
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Photos & videos
No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Torfajökull, no lookalikes. Search YouTube
Nearby
km column = your drive
- 1
Bláhnjúkur10 km - 2
Maelifell11 km - 3
Brennisteinsalda12 km
- 4
Stútur13 km - 5Laufafell16 km
Hot springs
All hot springs →
Fuel
- 1
Hrauneyjar36 km · 315.8 kr/L - 2
Kirkjubæjarklaustur49 km · 310.9 kr/L - 3
Vík í Mýrdal53 km · 309.9 kr/L
Tours
Adrenaline Combo: Off-Road Buggy & Mega Zipline Experiencefrom 29.300 ISK · 3 hours
Buggy Adventure in Þórsmörkfrom 89.990 ISK · 5 hours
Bus transfer from Landmannalaugar to Hella / Reykjavikfrom 12.220 ISK · 4 hours
Frequently
asked
questions
Is it safe to visit Torfajökull?
Torfajökull 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 Torfajökull?
Torfajökull is in South Coast. 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 Torfajökull?
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 Torfajökull?
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.
Wikimedia CommonsHero & gallery photography · TommyBee · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
VegagerðinVisitor access & practical facts
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.
Iceland nowfrom 19 Sep 06:10



