Snæfell

Snæfell is the highest freestanding mountain in Iceland, reaching 1833 m above sea-level. It is a prominent feature in the landscape, and on a fine day the view from the top is marvellous. Its somewhat conical shape indicates that it is an ancient central volcano that has been dormant for the past 10,000 years.

Snæfell was partly formed late in the last Ice Age, making it the youngest volcano in East Iceland. Because of its height, the highest snow patches do not melt during summer, and a number of short, steep outlet glaciers reach down the slopes. It is relatively easy to climb the mountain from the Touring Association's cabin.

Reindeer, mountains and ice caves

To the west, the Vesturöræfi wilderness lies between Snæfell and the River Jökulsá á Brú. The Brúaröræfi wilderness lies further west, across the river. These two areas, together with Kringilsárrani, are important grazing grounds for reindeer.

The peaks of Nálhúshnjúkar fill the northern horizon while the Thjófahnjúkar Mountains to the south offer fine views over the Eyjabakkar plains. A pleasant hiking trail leads from Snæfell, over the Eyjabakkajökull glacier to a cabin at Geldingafell then onwards south to the Lónsöræfi wilderness. Spectacular ice caverns often form under Eyjabakkajökull glacier.