Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Overview

Fjallabak Nature Reserve encompasses 47,000 hectares of Iceland's most spectacular highland wilderness, protecting an extraordinary landscape of multicoloured rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields, and pristine glacial lakes. Established in 1979, this protected area showcases the raw geological forces that have shaped Iceland over millions of years, where volcanic activity has painted the mountains in vibrant reds, yellows, greens, and purples through mineral deposits and geothermal processes.

The reserve's name translates to "behind the mountains," aptly describing its remote location in Iceland's Central Highlands between the Hekla and Torfajökull volcanic systems. This wilderness represents one of Iceland's most pristine environments, largely unchanged since the last Ice Age, where visitors can experience the country's volcanic heritage in its purest form. The area's unique geology, featuring extensive rhyolite formations and obsidian fields, makes it a site of international scientific importance and a photographer's paradise.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 63.9500°N, 18.9000°W

**Entry Fee:** Free

**Access Period:** Mid-June to mid-September (weather dependent)

**Difficulty Level:** Challenging - requires 4WD vehicle and highland driving experience

**Nearest Town:** Hvolsvöllur (85km to reserve entrance)

**Best Time to Visit:** July to early September

**Road Type:** F-roads only (F208, F225, F210)

**Elevation:** 400-1,200 metres above sea level

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) east for 108km to Hvolsvöllur, then follow Route 26 north towards Landmannalaugar. The journey requires transitioning to F-road F208 after approximately 20km on Route 26. The total distance from Reykjavík to the main Landmannalaugar area within the reserve is 185km, requiring 3-4 hours depending on road conditions. Alternative access routes include F225 from the north via Gullfoss (longer but sometimes in better condition) or F210 (Kjölur route) connecting from various points.

All access roads are F-roads requiring a 4WD vehicle with high clearance. These mountain roads include river crossings, loose gravel surfaces, and steep gradients. Standard rental cars and 2WD vehicles are prohibited and insurance will not cover damage on F-roads.

Parking

The main parking area at Landmannalaugar accommodates approximately 200 vehicles in a gravel car park. Parking is free but fills quickly during peak summer months (July-August). Additional informal parking areas exist along F208, though these offer less security and amenities. The car park operates on a first-come basis with no reservations possible.

Access

The Landmannalaugar facilities sit directly adjacent to the main car park with no walking required. However, accessing the reserve's key attractions requires hiking ranging from 30-minute walks to the base of coloured mountains to multi-day treks. Most day hiking trails begin from the hut complex and are well-marked for the first 2-3km before entering true wilderness terrain.

What to See and Do

The reserve's centrepiece attraction comprises the multicoloured rhyolite mountains surrounding Landmannalaugar, where iron oxide, sulfur, and other minerals create a natural palette of reds, yellows, greens, and blues across the mountainsides. The Laugahringur trail (4km loop, 2-3 hours) provides excellent viewing of these formations whilst remaining accessible to most fitness levels.

Bláhnúkur, the distinctive blue-black peak rising 943 metres, offers the reserve's most challenging day hike (3km each way, 3-4 hours total) with panoramic views across the entire highland region. The trail involves steep scree slopes and requires proper hiking boots and poles.

The extensive obsidian lava fields, formed during the 15th-century Veiðivötn eruptions, create an otherworldly landscape of black volcanic glass stretching for kilometres. These fields are best explored via the longer hiking routes, though sections are visible from the main F208 road.

Natural geothermal hot springs provide relaxation after hiking, with the main springs at Landmannalaugar offering water temperatures of 36-40°C. These springs require no facilities fee but have basic changing areas and are clothing-optional following Icelandic tradition.

Best Time to Visit

**June:** Roads typically open mid-month but weather remains unpredictable with possible snow at higher elevations. Fewer crowds but limited daylight and challenging conditions.

**July-August:** Peak season with warmest weather, longest daylight (nearly 20 hours), and best road conditions. Expect crowds, especially weekends. All hiking trails accessible and mountain hut services fully operational.

**September:** Excellent conditions through mid-month with fewer visitors and stable weather. Autumn colours begin appearing in lower elevations. Road closures possible after mid-September depending on snowfall.

**October-May:** Reserve inaccessible by standard vehicle due to snow and ice. Only experienced winter adventurers with specialized equipment should attempt access via snowmobile or ski touring.

Safety

F-road driving presents significant risks including river crossings that can change rapidly due to rainfall or glacial melt. Water levels can rise dramatically within hours, stranding vehicles. Always check road conditions at road.is and Safetravel.is before departure.

Weather changes extremely rapidly in the highlands, with temperature drops of 20°C possible within hours. Sudden fog, snow, or storms can occur even in summer. Carry emergency shelter, extra food, and warm clothing regardless of season.

River crossings on hiking trails can become impassable during heavy rainfall or glacial melting. Several streams that appear minor can become torrents within hours. Never attempt to cross swollen rivers on foot.

Mobile phone coverage is non-existent throughout most of the reserve. Inform others of your planned route and expected return time. Consider renting an emergency beacon from Icelandic rescue services.

Nearby Places

**Landmannalaugar Hot Springs** (0km) - Natural geothermal pools within the reserve offering the perfect end to hiking days, with basic facilities and stunning mountain views.

**Hekla Volcano** (25km south) - Iceland's most famous volcano, known as the "Gateway to Hell" in medieval times, with hiking trails to the summit during stable periods.

**Eldgjá Canyon** (15km east) - The world's largest volcanic canyon stretching 40km, featuring dramatic basalt walls and the impressive Ófærufoss waterfall.

**Veiðivötn Lakes** (20km northeast) - A chain of over 50 pristine fishing lakes formed by volcanic activity, offering excellent trout fishing and wilderness camping.

**Frostastaðavatn Lake** (12km northwest) - A stunning glacial lake surrounded by rhyolite peaks, accessible via moderate hiking trails with excellent photography opportunities.

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