Hverfjall (Iceland, Myvatn volcano) – Tips to hike the crater rim

Hverfjall, Iceland is one of the best preserved circular volcanic craters in the world!
Also known as Hverfell or Myvatn volcano, it is an icon of the Lake Myvatn area.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit and to complete the Hverfjall hike on the rim trail with tips, map and photos.

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What is Hverfjall?

Hverfjall is a giant circular explosion crater near lake Myvatn in North Iceland. 
Climbing it one of the best things to around Lake Myvatn (along with Dimmuborgir and Skutustadagigar)

Some prefer the Krafla Viti crater, with its lake and colors but the scale of Hverfjall is definitively more impressive. And I really enjoyed seeing the bottom of it.

Geology of Hverfjall - How was it formed?

• Hverfjall is thought to be 2500 years old
• The crater is bare, circular and almost symmetrical 
• Hverfjall volcano type = tephra cone 
• It is an average of about 200 meters in depth and 1km in diameter which makes it one of the largest of its kind in the world.
• It is not perfectly round (probably because of a landslide in the south part during the eruption) but it is still stunning!
• It is part of the 90km long Krafla Fissure area

Hverfjall Location - Map

• Hverfjall is sometimes referred to as the Myvatn Volcano as it stands very close to the lake
• Lake Myvatn is in the North part of Iceland (see my North Iceland page)
• On the East shore of the lake
• Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate the crater:

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:

If you are considering completing the Hverfjall hike on its rim, here are information to consider and tips to facilitate your visit:

• The rim trail is only accessible by two paths. It is strictly forbidden to use other routes in ascent or descent
• From the parking – it is a steady climb on a gravel path, 10 to 20 min depending on your level of fitness
• From Dimmuborgir, it is an even steeper climb (and it requires first an extra 45min flat walk to the base of the crater before starting the climb)
• To tour the crater's rim, it took me 1h30 at a slow pace taking lots of pictures
• If you don’t want to tour it, the best views are (in my opinion) at one fifth counterclockwise from the parking climb
• Don't go up when it is very windy
• Wear good footwear and bring layers to protect yourself of the changing weather. Check out my guide on what to pack for Iceland.
• Walking sticks would be helpful especially in winter.

Climbing the Myvatn Volcano + Rim Trail

The climb

For those wondering if they will be able to climb Hverfjall, how difficult it is, here is my input: It is definitely a challenging walk to the top. The path from the parking is the easiest one. I was overweight and not in shape, but I managed to climb it in 15 min. I just took my time, let the others pass me and stopped whenever I needed. The path is wide enough to stop and let others continue. And think of the reward: the incredible scenery at the top and the bonus: less flies!

Here are pictures to show you the path to climb Hverfjall from the foot and on the path.

Below is the view of the hiking path from the parking when looking back:

Inside of the Hverfjall crater in Myvatn

And here is the reward, once you reach the rim and walk around you get incredible views of this crater. I walked slowly all the way around it, and it took me 1h30. Some sections go up and down, but the rim is large and if the wind is not too strong you feel safe.

If you don't want to tour the whole rim, I recommend walking one fifth counterclockwise to one of the highest points (but of course that means more climbing...)
I was amazed by the huge rocks that are still lying around. Rocks that were shot from the inside of the crater 2 500 years ago!

Let's talk proportions. 

In photos things often look smaller. So have a look at the picture below and see the size of people compared to the crater.

The views from the rim trail

Seeing the inside of the volcano is not the only reason you should climb on the rim.
From up there, you have nice views of Lake Myvatn and the area.
It is not easy to capture well but here are still a few shots. See the lake behind:

And the colorful mountains:

Hverfjall volcanic crater from the distance

Hverfjall can be seen from many roads around Lake Myvatn. From far away it does not look like much of a climb, but it is. And you can see on the pictures below how bare it is.