Herðubreið

Herðubreið is a prominent tuya (table mountain) in the northern highlands of Iceland, often referred to as the 'Queen of Icelandic Mountains'. Standing at 1,682 meters, it rises in isolation from the vast Ódáðahraun lava desert. Its distinctive shape, characterized by steep sides and a flat top, was formed by volcanic eruptions occurring beneath a thick glacier during the last Ice Age. For a long time, Herðubreið was considered unclimbable due to its vertical walls and unstable scree; the first successful ascent was only recorded in 1908. At the mountain's base lies the Herðubreiðarlindir oasis, where natural springs allow rare vegetation to thrive in the desert environment. Historically, this area served as a hideout for outlaws, most notably the legendary Fjalla-Eyvindur, who survived in the wilderness for years.

Nearby cities

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Húsavík

Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.

Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.

Sauðárkrókur

The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.

Höfn

Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.

Dalvík

Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.

Siglufjörður

Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.

Siglufjörður

Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.

Blönduós

Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.

Hella

A small town in South Iceland on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá river, known for horse breeding and the mysterious Caves of Hella.

Vík í Mýrdal

Vík í Mýrdal is located on the south coast of Iceland and is the country's southernmost village.

Vik

A picturesque village on the south coast, famous for its black sand beaches and the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt stacks.

Vopnafjörður

Vopnafjörður is a small settlement in northeast Iceland, situated on a deep bay.

Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður is an artistic town in the East Fjords of Iceland.

History & landmarks

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Dimmuborgir

Dimmuborgir, or Dark Castles, is a large area of bizarre lava formations east of Lake Mývatn.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss, located in Vatnajökull National Park, is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Nature

Herdubreidarlindir Oasis

A lush oasis in the middle of a lava desert at the foot of Herdubreid.

Askja

Askja is a caldera in the Dyngjufjöll mountains of the central Highlands.

Lake Myvatn Bird Reserve

Lake Myvatn is world-renowned for its high density of nesting duck species.

Mývatn

Mývatn is a shallow, nutrient-rich lake in northern Iceland.

Snæfell (East)

The highest mountain in Iceland outside the main ice caps.

Krafla

Krafla is a caldera and volcanic system in northern Iceland.

More places

Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant

The Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant is the largest industrial project in Iceland's history.

Hofstaðir

Hofstaðir is a major archaeological site near Lake Mývatn where the remains of a massive Viking Age feast hall were discovered.

Krafla Power Station

The Krafla Power Station utilizes geothermal energy from an active volcanic system in the north.

Kverkfjöll

A massive mountain range on the northern edge of Vatnajökull.

Hofstaðir Ruins

Significant archaeological site providing insights into a large Viking Age longhouse.