Volcanic Craters of Grabrok Iceland (Walk + Climb) – Photos + Tips

This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Grabrok craters (also called Grabrokargigar) were protected as natural monuments in 1962 to preserve the 3 scoria cones which belongs to the Snaefellsnes volcanic zone. They are believed to be somewhat younger than 3600 years.

• Stora (big) Grabrok
• Litla (small) Grabrok (mostly disappeared due to mining before the area was protected)
• Grabrokarfell

How to get to Grabrok

• 33 km north of Borgarnes right along Ring road no. 1
• Not far from the Glanni Waterfall
• Just next to the town of Bifrost – small carpark that you cannot miss with the big volcanic cones 
• Grabrok is included in my eBooks that make planning a road trip fun and easy:

Visiting the Grabrok volcanoes

• Even if you don’t have much time I recommend a stop as you do not see many volcanoes so perfectly shaped.
• Hike up to the crater: a little bit steep but good steady path with stairs for the most difficult parts. 10 min to get to the crater;
• Best view of both cone shaped volcanoes: Just walk 10 min into the path that goes in between
• No amenities

Where to stay near Grabrok

Climbing to the rim of Grabrok crater

At the beginning of the Grabrok walk, you can climb one of the 2 volcanic cones.
The path is well maintained and a staircase help you on the steep side of the crater.
During this, you get some really nice views of the valley and discover very rugged lava fields.

Stuck on the rim

Once at the rim, I got a very nice views of the inside. Although nothing bubbling  . It is not the most impressive crater but it is a nice walk with good views and easy enough for most people to reach it.
The path allows you to walk all the way around the crater. I started anticlockwise and after a few meters I got blown away by the wind. What a scare! The Icelandic wind can be really strong. I almost fell into the crater. So I just folded on my knees and waited. The wind did not stop and I came back down on my bottom until I was protected from the wind. Fun memories!

Nice panoramas with both Grabrok volcanoes

As you see on the map above, there is a path that deviates from the one up to the crater. It goes in between both craters.

I really recommend walking the beginning of the path to admire the beautiful shape of those volcanic cones. Here are 2 panoramas:

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

Discover more things to do and places to see in Iceland in my online Iceland Destination Guide.

Have you ever climbed a volcanic cone?

Love sharing? Here is another pin for you: