West Iceland Volcanoes

Snæfellsjökull

The glacier-capped volcano at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' starts here. On clear days, visible from Reykjavík across the bay. Supposed to be one of Earth's energy centers.

Skjaldbreiður

Skjaldbreiður is an Icelandic lava shield formed in a huge and quite protracted eruption series from about roughly 9,500 years ago. The extensive lava fields which were produced by this eruption, flowed southwards, and formed the basin of Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake, and Þingvellir, the "Parliament Plains" where the Icelandic national assembly, the Alþing was founded in 930.

Saxhóll

Part of Iceland's volcanic backbone. The country has over 30 active volcanic systems. This one's contribution to the landscape is all around you.

Stóra Grábrók

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Vatnsborg

Grashóll

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Öldungahóll

One of Iceland's many volcanic systems. Some are famous, some are quiet. They all contribute to the geothermal energy and dramatic landscapes.

Saxhólar

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Reykjanes/Svartsengi volcanic system

One of Iceland's many volcanic systems. Some are famous, some are quiet. They all contribute to the geothermal energy and dramatic landscapes.

Eldborg

Volcanic crater in West Iceland. Perfect cone shape. Popular hiking destination. Name means 'Fire Castle'.

Rauðhóll

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Sjónarhóll

Volcanic feature in Iceland's active zone. The island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and this is part of why. Reminders that this land is still being made.

Sauðhóll

Gráakúla

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Kothraunskúla

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Rauðakúla

Evidence of Iceland's fiery origins. Every landscape here was shaped by volcanoes, whether erupting today or millions of years ago.

Rauðháls

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Syðri-Rauðamelskúlur

Volcanic feature in Iceland's active zone. The island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and this is part of why. Reminders that this land is still being made.

Ytri-Rauðamelskúlur

Evidence of Iceland's fiery origins. Every landscape here was shaped by volcanoes, whether erupting today or millions of years ago.

Prestahnúkur

A volcano in Iceland.

Grábrókarfell

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Litla Grábrók

Volcanic heritage site. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Features like this are why.

Prestahnúkur

Glacier-covered volcano in the western highlands. Part of the volcanic zone but rarely discussed. Remote and pristine. For those who want volcanoes without the crowds.

Helgrindur

Helgrindur is a volcanic mountain range or massif in the middle of the Snæfellsnes peninsula that provides a backdrop to the port of Grundarfjörður. The volcano can be regarded as potentially active, with a risk of lava flows and much more rarely explosive tephra eruptions. The range with its prominent peaks, of Tröllkerling at 891 m (2,923 ft) in its south-east, Böðvarskúla at 988 m (3,241 ft) and Kaldnasaborgir (Kaldnasi) in its north-west at 986 m (3,235 ft) is popular with hikers or mountaineers.