Want to feel in another world? Don't miss the lava field of Berserkjahraun, Iceland.
Is is a bit off the beaten track but an easy drive between interestingly-shaped mountains and lava formations.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with tips, maps and many photos.
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Why visit the Berserkjahraun Lava Field?
What is it?
Berserkjahraun (which translates to mad-man’s lava field), is a path on the Northern part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula that takes you into lava fields from the main road circling it. It is a place where you can observe green moss over black lava stones that vary greatly in size; all that, surrounded by pyramid-shaped mountains and fjords.
Out-of-this-world landscape at Berserkjahraun, Iceland
I drove one morning the whole road and enjoyed crossing paths with very few vehicles, feeling alone in the place, discovering the shapes and the contrasting colors along the way. The next day I had better weather and decided to drive part of the road again (as I was limited in time) to see it with different light. So you see how much I enjoyed it.
My car in the Berserkjahraun lava fields
What does Berserkjahraun mean?
Berserkjahraun literally means lava field of the Berserker (Champion viking warrior who fought in a frenzy - nowadays can mean furiously violent or out of control).
The area is the home of a famous saga with berserkers, hence the name (story at the end of the article).
Note: anytime you see Hraun in the name of a place, it means lava.
How do you pronounce Berserkjahraun?
Before you keep reading this article, you may want to check out how to pronounce the word.
Check it out here. Not so easy...
More photos after the planning tips.
Planning tips & Map - Berserkjahraun Iceland
Where is Berserkjahraun located? Map
- On the North side of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, West Iceland
- Reykjavik to Berserkjahraun junction - 2h15 drive
- Grundarfjordur to Berserkjahraun junction = 15min drive
- Stykkisholmur to Berserkjahraun junction = 15min drive
- Below is a map to help you locate the lava filed in the peninsula:
Lava Field Berserkjahraun in Iceland- Map
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How to get to Berserkjahraun
- It is along Road 558
- Coming from the West on road 54 from Grundarfjordur, cross the first bridge, then turn right on road 558 also called Berserkjahraun. After crossing a small bridge continue to a crossing and turn right.
- Coming from the East just after the crossing of Roads 56 (Vatnaleid) and 54 (Snaefellsnesvegur), turn left into Berserkjahraun
- Learn more about driving in Iceland, on my practical article
Driving Berserkjahraun
- It is very easy to reach but most people just tour Snaefellsnes and do not venture into those roads. You get the place almost to yourself! (at least until everybody reads this article)
- Best time - Early morning you will get nice reflections around the bridge
- Difficulty - The road is not paved but not difficult, you just have to drive slowly but with this scenery, who would want to drive fast? Crossing other vehicles is not a problem
- Do no walk on the lava! the moss is very fragile and takes a long time to grow + the lava is sharp
- How long - I think I drove on it for 2 & 1/2 hours stopping all the time - but you could drive it in a lot less
- Car type - I drove it with a Suzuki Jimmy 4WD and it was perfect!
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Difficulty of the drive
A lot of the drive looks like that. Although some sections are a lot bumpier but not too bad.
Of course, weather can change the road conditions, so always be careful.
Where to stay close to Berserkjahraun
- My favorite place to stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Grundarfjordur - to be close to the Kirkjufell for sunrise and sunset - check out the accommodation options
- Or you can stay by the water at Stykkishólmur - check out the accommodation options
Berserkjahraun geology - the history behind the lava field
How old is Berserkjahraun lava field?
It is around 4000 years old
How was it formed?
Four prominent craters probably erupted at short intervals approximately 3600-4000 years ago. The largest one (Raudkula) was first. It is 379 metres (1243 feet) wide. Its name means red crater.
This lava field flowed between the mountain side and the sea. And when it cooled down, it created this amazing landscape that was later reclaimed by nature with moss and other plants.
The Saga behind Berserkjahraun
Here is a short version of the Eyrbyggja saga behind the name of this lava field:
A 10th century farmer had brought two Swedish berserkers. Since he had problems handling the two, he gave them to his brother Styr the Slayer, who was living on the other side of the lava field.
After a while one of the berserkers fell in love with his daughter and asked for her hand. Víga-Styrr promised to agree only if the berserkers cleared a path through the lava field to connect his farm with the nearest settlement. The two soon finished what Víga-Styrr thought was impossible, but instead of keeping his promise he murdered them both and buried them somewhere along the path.
Hraunsfjardarvatn - Berserker lava field lake
If driving from the West, you first encounter what looks like a lake at the beginning of the lava filed.
It is actually connected to the sea.
Stop near the bridge to appreciate the views.
Below are some photos of the area around the Lakes.
On one side of the road not much lava...
But on the other side, the water holes and lake are surrounded by big blocks of lava!
Photos from the Berserkjahraun drive
The whole drive through the lava filed is fascinating. No more instructions needed, you just keep driving and stop whenever you feel inspired.
Below are a few pictures from my drive to give you an idea of what to expect.
Starting with my favorite shot of Berserkjahraun with the pyramid- shaped mountains behind (and one of my favorite pictures of Iceland). You really want to check if any elves or trolls live there. Don't you?
Sometimes the green of the moss does not even look real!
In the photo below you can see a bit more of the mountains surrounding Berserkjaraun:
And sometimes the rock is really red!
Do you see why it reached my Top 7 off the beaten path destinations in Iceland ?
Want to see other highlights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula region?
- The iconic Mountain Kirkjufell and its waterfalls - read article
- Enjoy the charming Glanni waterfalls - read article
- Go up to Grabrok crater - read article
- Head inland on the Silver Circle - read article
- Enjoy the lava formation at Arnarstapi, Londrangar and the other volcanic craters... read my Guide to the best things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
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I love Iceland, such an interesting country! We visited in winter but would love to see it in summer too!
And after visiting it in Autumn, I want to see it in Winter! 🙂
Hi Clarie, is the rood easy to drive and whether there is any steep slope next to the road? This area sounds very attractive.
My plan is to spend a whole day from Borgornes to Snaefellsnes peninsular and then back to Borgornes. Do you think I will have sufficient time to visit this area bearing in mind that I will try to cover most, if not all, of the places mentioned in your website except the Gianne Waterfall and Grabok which will be covered in another day.
Thanks a advice for your tips.
Hi Carol
I was stressed about that but this is an easy drive. No steep section and is was quite large, crossing other cars was no problem.
If you start you day early then you can pack a lot of things especially if you are coming only from Borgarnes.
Just don’t take the road to the glacier F570, this is a difficult one, which takes a long time.
Cheers
I was just wondering, is this considered an F road? I’ll be renting at 2WD and was wondering if it’s possible to drive this path.
Thanks!
Hi Steve.
As you can see on the road sign there is no F in front of the number. So this is not an F-road. However be aware that the path is quite bumpy in some places.
Have a great trip!
Claire
Hi Claire,
My fiance and I will be traveling to Iceland in May. We intend to get a 2WD and drive some of this road. Are there places along the road for us to pull over and get out? Also are there places for us to turn around if we decide the road is too bumpy to drive n a rental car?
Thank you so much!
Hi Vanessa
The road as some wider areas. I crossed other cars without any issues.
At least the beginning up to the lakes should not be a problem, when you drive from the West end of the road (unless bad weather damaged the road which I cannot predict).
The only question is insurance. The main issues with those roads on a 2WD is that you can get gravel on your windscreen and damage it. This is often an extra insurance on 2WD.
Have a wonderful trip!