Skip to content

Or try searching by Category and/or Location

Discover the vicinity of Öræfajökull - stage eight of The Volcanic Way

Vatnajökull glacier is everpresent as you explore the easternmost part of The Volcanic Way. Its highest peak is Öræfajökull, a stratovolcano at Vatnajökull's southern edge. Ever since the volcano erupted in 1362, the surrounding region has been called Öræfi, which roughly translates to Wastelands. Now, centuries later, the area is embellished with lush fields and woods between glacial floodplains. Here you will find several glacier lagoons, Jökulsárlón being the most famous, and hiking trails in extraordinary landscapes. In winter, if you're lucky, you might spot wild reindeer. In summer, you can visit puffins on a guided tour of cape Ingólfshöfði. 

As you reach the eastern edge of The Volcanic Way, you will see ancient volcanoes, such as Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn, a vivid contrast to the newly formed lava fields of the travel route's western edge.

Activities - Öræfajökull

Accommodation - Öræfajökull

Volcanic wisdom

Öræfajökull, Iceland's highest peak at 2,110 meters, is a glacier-capped stratovolcano. As part of the Vatnajökull National Park, it is known for its visually stunning surroundings and dramatic landscapes. Öræfajökull's most significant eruption took place in 1362, which caused devastating floods and altered the region's geography.

Vatnajökull glacier covers several other subglacial volcanoes, including Bárðarbunga, Grímsvötn, and Kverkfjöll. These volcanoes have the potential to cause significant eruptions and glacial floods, making them closely monitored by scientists and authorities.

Vatnajökull glacier covers several other subglacial volcanoes

Fun fact: If the 370 km³ volume of Öræfajökull were to be spread across Manhattan Island, it would create a layer more than 900 meters deep. That's almost three times the height of the Empire State Building!

Öræfajökull

Öræfajökull - photograph by Þráinn Kolbeinsson

The Stages of The Volcanic Way

1. Fagradalsfjall
Located in Reykjanes Peninsula, a captivating geological wonderland where the raw power of nature is on full display.
2. Hengill
As you reach the vicinity of Hengill, you will start noticing steam rising from hills, mountains, and even within the town of Hveragerði.
3. Hekla
Hekla has been dubbed the Queen of Iceland’s volcanoes. The one that has erupted most frequently in recent years;
4. Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is an ice-capped volcano that famously erupted in 2010, its ash cloud affecting air traffic widely in Europe.
5. Eldfell
One fateful night in 1973, the people of Westman islands woke up to a volcanic eruption at the edge of the town.
6. Katla
The vicinity of Katla is recognized by its vast black sands. While the volcano itself is hiding under thick layers of ice, its surrounding glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, is a majestic sight.
7. Lakagígar
The vast lava fields of the Lakiagígar region can seem otherworldly. Two significant volcanic eruptions produced these mystical landscapes:
8. Öræfajökull
Vatnajökull glacier is everpresent as you explore the easternmost part of The Volcanic Way. Its highest peak is Öræfajökull, a stratovolcano at Vatnajökull's southern edge
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers for anyone traveling The Volcanic Way