Grabrok Crater (Iceland) – Tips + photos of volcano

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What is Grabrok?

The Grabrok crater and its neighbor Grabrokarfell have been protected as natural monuments since 1962. The area is called Grabrokargigar  to preserve the 3 scoria cones that belong to the Snaefellsnes volcanic zone. 

• Stora Grabrok (meaning big Grabrok)
• Litla Grabrok (meaning little Grabrok) - it is mostly disappeared due to mining before the area was protected
• Grabrokarfell (meaning montagne de Grabrok)

How to get to Grabrok - Map and Locaiton

• 33 km north of Borgarnes right along Ring road no. 1
• Not far from the Glanni Waterfall
• Just next to the town of Bifrost 
• Reykjavik to Grabrok = 1h30 drive on Road 1
• Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate Grabrok:

This location is included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning info) in both my travel guide eBooks that help you easily plan your Iceland road trip:

Visit tips

• Even if you don’t have much time, I recommend a stop as you do not see many volcanoes so perfectly shaped.
• Most of the path is on sturdy wooden steps and boardwalks
• Entrance is free
• There are railings in the steeper parts
• Time to hike up to the crater: a little bit steep, but good steady path with stairs for the most difficult parts. Plan 40min to go up, walk around the rim and back to the carpark (or Just 20/30min if you don't walk around it)
• Time to the Best view of both cone-shaped volcanoes: Just walk 10 min along the path that goes in between
• No amenities (but gas station not far in the town of Bifrost)

Grabrok Parking area

• The carpark is very visible from Road 1, you cannot miss it
• It is not very large but this attraction is not the most popular, so you should be ok at any hours

Where to stay near Grabrok

Located right by Road 1 it is a really great place to stay for the night. The landscapes are enjoyable.
There is a really great country hotel just a bit North on a working Farm: the Hraunsnef Country hotel - Check out photos and availability
Or check out the accommodation around Bifrost.

Grabrok Volcano - Trail, Stairway and Rim Hike

At the beginning of the Grabrok walk, you can climb one of the 2 volcanic main cones. The little one has almost disappeared
The path is well maintained and a staircase helps 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.

Rim walk and inside the crater

Once on the rim, I got a very nice view 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 round the crater. I started anticlockwise and after a few meters I got blown over by the wind. What a scare! The Icelandic wind can be really strong. I almost fell into the crater. So, I just folded myself up 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 saw 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:

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