Iceland’s Spectacular Mountains

In Iceland, the mountains are a prominent feature of the landscape, offering breathtaking views and unique experiences for visitors. The country boasts a diverse range of mountains, each with its own distinct characteristics and charm.

Types of Mountains

Iceland’s mountains can be classified into different categories based on their formation. These include volcanic mountains, which result from volcanic activity, and tectonic mountains, created by the movement of tectonic plates. Each type of mountain offers a different geological history and appearance.

Volcanic Mountains

Volcanic mountains in Iceland are formed as a result of volcanic eruptions, which have shaped the country’s landscape over millions of years. These mountains often have rugged terrain and unique rock formations, providing a stunning backdrop for hiking and exploration.

Tectonic Mountains

Tectonic mountains, on the other hand, are created by the movement of tectonic plates, leading to the formation of mountain ranges and valleys. These mountains offer a different experience for visitors, with opportunities for activities such as glacier hiking and sightseeing.

Popular Mountain Regions

Some of the most popular mountain regions in Iceland include the Highlands, known for its vast expanses of untouched wilderness, and the Eastfjords, which offer spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Each region has its own unique charm and attractions for visitors to explore.

Activities in the Mountains

Visitors to Iceland’s mountains can engage in a variety of activities, including hiking, climbing, and skiing. These mountains are not only a sight to behold but also provide opportunities for adventure and outdoor recreation, making them a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Iceland’s mountains offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from volcanic peaks to tectonic formations. With opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring untouched wilderness, the country’s mountains are a treasure trove of natural beauty waiting to be discovered.

Exploring Iceland’s Beautiful Mountains

Iceland boasts a diverse range of stunning mountains, rock formations, lava structures, and volcanoes. In the Westfjords region, visitors can marvel at tall table-top mountains interspersed with narrow fjords. On the other hand, the mountains near the eastern fjords exhibit a more rugged and austere beauty.

The Westfjords boast ancient mountains, aged around 10-16 million years, sculpted by millennia of glacier movement and natural forces, resulting in smooth contours. In contrast, newer mountains, formed by tectonic plate collisions, feature rougher edges.

Iceland straddles two tectonic plates and sits atop a hot spot on the planet, leading to significant volcanic activity and frequent seismic events.

Diverse volcanic lava compositions in Iceland yield varied mountain formations, rocks, and textures, influenced by factors like flow speed, viscosity, and eruption style. This creates a geological wonderland for enthusiasts.

Above and below showcase images of Vestrahorn mountain, located in Iceland’s eastern region.

Vestrahorn: A Majestic Mountain in Iceland

The stunning beauty of Vestrahorn, a majestic mountain in Iceland, is a sight to behold. Its towering presence against the backdrop of the Icelandic landscape is a photographer’s dream.

With its sharp peaks and dramatic slopes, Vestrahorn offers a unique and captivating view that attracts visitors from around the world. The mountain’s rugged terrain and serene surroundings make it a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Exploring Vestrahorn allows visitors to immerse themselves in Iceland’s raw and unspoiled beauty. Whether hiking its trails or simply admiring it from a distance, the mountain never fails to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter its magnificence.

Iconic Mountains of Iceland

Every Icelander holds a special place in their heart for a specific mountain, creating a unique bond with these magnificent natural wonders. Among the most renowned peaks is Hvannadalshnjúkur, towering over Vatnajökull glacier as the highest mountain in Iceland, nestled in the country’s southeastern expanse.

While Eyjafjallajökull, situated in the southern region, gained global recognition due to its explosive volcanic activity in 2010, other notable peaks like Herðubreið in the northeast capture the essence of Iceland’s rugged beauty in local folklore and poetry.

Residents of Reykjavík often find solace and inspiration in the presence of Esjan, the capital city’s signature mountain easily accessible by a short drive or bus ride, offering a rewarding hike to its summit in just a couple of hours.

Additionally, Reykjavík’s skyline is adorned with the distinctive silhouettes of Keilir, Akrafjall, and Snæfellsjökull, each contributing to the picturesque charm of the surrounding landscape.

Here are a few of my personal favorite mountain landmarks and volcanic formations scattered throughout Iceland’s awe-inspiring terrain.

Brunnhorn Mountain

Brunnhorn Mountain is known as the ‘Batman’ mountain due to its tower formations resembling a bat, located in the eastern part of the country. Traveling east on ring road number 1 from Höfn, visitors can spot it in Papafjörður fjord or take a right turn towards Papós for a closer look, accessible to all types of vehicles. Adjacent to it is the stunning Vestrahorn mountain for additional scenic views.

Exploring the Landmannalaugar Mountains

Landmannalaugar encompasses a diverse range of mountains in southern Iceland, each boasting unique and vibrant colors such as red, yellow, orange, white, black, blue, green, and purple.

To access this scenic area, visitors can either opt for a bus ride or drive a 4×4 vehicle due to its location in the Icelandic highlands. Numerous tours to Landmannalaugar are available, with the added attraction of being the starting point for Iceland’s renowned Laugavegurinn hiking trail.

Blatindur Mountain

This mountain is located in the Westman Islands and features a grassy slope leading to the top, with a steep birdcliff on the opposite side. It offers stunning views of the Herjólfsdalur valley, where Iceland’s largest festival occurs annually during the summer. The peak also provides panoramic views of the Westman Islands. Its imposing presence from the ground overlooks the valley below.

Traveling to the Westman Islands can be done by a 20-minute flight from Reykjavík or by driving to Landeyjahöfn harbor in southern Iceland. From there, you can opt for a short 6-minute flight or take a ferry to the Westman Islands, allowing you to bring your car along as well.

Skjaldbreidur Mountain

Skjaldbreiður mountain boasts a perfectly circular shape, deriving its name, which means ‘broad shield,’ from its resemblance to a shield or a female’s breast. This characteristic round shape is common among various hills and mountains in Iceland; for instance, the mountain Baula shares this feature.

Visible from Þingvellir, a stop on the Golden Circle tour, Skjaldbreiður mountain necessitates a 4×4 vehicle to traverse the highland roads F35 and F338. Embark on the Golden Circle route until Gullfoss, then proceed onto road 35, transitioning into a mountainous trail (F35). After a brief stretch, veer left onto F338 until you reach the mountain’s location.

Snaefellsjokull Glacier

Snæfellsjökull is a volcanic glacier located at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland. It is characterized by its distinctive peak that resembles two devil horns, contributing to the belief that it was the entrance to the underworld. This association is further popularized by Jules Verne, who featured it as the passageway to the center of the Earth in his novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth.”

On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull can be seen from Reykjavík. For those interested in a closer experience, there is the option to participate in a hiking tour to explore the glacier further. Alternatively, there are various tours available for those who prefer different activities in the area.

Kirkjufell Mountain

This beautifully cone-shaped mountain is located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, near Snæfellsjökull, making it the perfect backdrop for picturesque photos. Situated on the northern side of the peninsula, just off road number 54, Kirkjufell is a short distance from the charming town of Grundarfjörður, approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík.

Hvitserkur Rock

One of the most visually striking rock formations in Iceland is the Hvitserkur Rock, standing at 15 meters tall in the sea off the northwest coast. It is a hidden treasure of Iceland’s natural beauty that should not be overlooked. To reach this location, a 3-hour and 40-minute drive north from Reykjavík on ring road number 1 is required.

Once you pass the road to Hvammstangi and are nearing Blönduós, a left turn onto road number 716 and then road 711 will lead you to sea level, where this remarkable rock formation can be found. For exploring this area, consider our options for car rentals or our summer self-drive tours!

Reynisdrangar Rocks

Stunning formations emerging from the sea in southern Iceland near Dyrhólaey. Visitors can enjoy a remarkable view of these rocks from Vík, a town located on ring road number 1 in southern Iceland, approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík. The route is accessible by all types of vehicles. Don’t miss the opportunity to also explore the top of Dyrhólaey, offering panoramic vistas of a black sand beach on one side and Mýrdalsjökull glacier on the other, with a chance to observe the diverse birdlife in the area.

Hornbjarg Mountain

Last but certainly not least, there is Hornbjarg Mountain, which stands as one of the most challenging peaks to reach in Iceland. Situated in Hornstrandir, at the far end of the Westfjords in Iceland, this area is known for its unparalleled remoteness and stunning natural beauty.

In the past, this region was inhabited, but residents left in the 1950s. Apart from offering breathtaking landscapes, seclusion, and a sense of tranquility, Hornbjarg Mountain is a haven for bird enthusiasts and individuals hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive arctic fox.