HerðubreiðAbout Herðubreið
Herðubreið is a distinctive tuya volcano in northeastern Iceland known for steep, nearly vertical sides and a relatively flat summit formed by eruptions beneath an ice sheet. The mountain is often singled out for its striking isolated profile in the highlands.
The area around the peak is stark and remote, with a surrounding lava desert and limited services; it is popular with photographers and mountaineers who visit the highlands. Routes to the mountain cross highland terrain and require appropriate vehicles and preparation.
Geologically, the mountain’s shape records subglacial volcanic activity during past glacial periods rather than typical surface eruptions.
It rises from the Ódáðahraun lava field in Iceland’s northeastern highlands, in the administrative Northeastern Region, and is approached from rough highland tracks rather than paved roads.
- Volcanic form: A tuya volcano formed by subglacial eruptions, notable for its steep sides and flat or plateau-like summit that makes it visually distinct from surrounding peaks.
- Access: Remote highland location; access requires rough highland tracks and suitable vehicles, and conditions can change quickly in the Icelandic interior.
Best Time to Visit Herðubreið
Best visited in Iceland's short summer season when highland roads are open; weather can change suddenly year-round.
Weather & Climate near Herðubreið
Herðubreið's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -9°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1313 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -3° | -16° | 121 mm | overcast | 95% | 15.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -4° | -17° | 109 mm | overcast | 94% | 15.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -9° - -6° | -19° | 113 mm | overcast | 94% | 15.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -8° - -4° | -16° | 78 mm | overcast | 93% | 13.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | -4° - 0° | -10° | 80 mm | overcast | 92% | 11.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.6h |
| June | Poor | 0° - 5° | -4° | 92 mm | overcast | 92% | 10.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 21.3h |
| July | Poor | 2° - 8° | -1° | 104 mm | overcast | 93% | 10.9 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 19.8h |
| August | Poor | 2° - 7° | -2° | 117 mm | overcast | 94% | 10.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Poor | -1° - 1° | -8° | 125 mm | overcast | 93% | 12.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -5° - -2° | -13° | 142 mm | overcast | 95% | 12.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | -8° - -3° | -16° | 121 mm | overcast | 95% | 13.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -3° | -16° | 111 mm | overcast | 95% | 14.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
How to Get to Herðubreið
Access is by rough highland roads (F-roads) that require a 4x4 and are usually open only in summer. From Akureyri or Egilsstaðir, drive toward the central highlands; follow local maps and road-condition reports. There are no marked visitor facilities at the mountain.
Tips for Visiting Herðubreið
- If approaching by F26 highland road, check road conditions-mountain tracks can be rough and unpaved.
- On clear days, the butte's flat summit offers an improbable, photogenic contrast with the surrounding lava fields.
- Respect private land signs and sheep fences; access in Iceland often crosses pastoral holdings.