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Torfajökull

Dormant1190 m
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VolcanoSouth Coast

Torfajökull

South CoastDormant1190 m

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

Torfajökull weather and conditions

Last updated

-1°Csnow · feels -8°C9 m/sgusts 169 h 52 mdaylight · 08:05 – 17:58
In season now · Winter in IcelandSolheimajokull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hikefrom 31.381 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

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

Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Hrauneyjar36 km · 315.8 kr/L
  2. 2Kirkjubæjarklaustur49 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Vík í Mýrdal53 km · 309.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Gvendarkjör49 km
  2. 2Krónan53 km
  3. 3Kjörbúðin68 km
All supermarkets →

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.

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