Private Hekla & Mælifell

We drive up Hekla volcano and go through the highlands on and beside the famous walking track Laugarvegur in a wonderful volcanic scenario. As we head back to the lowlands we will have a look at the spectacular canyon Markarfljótsgljúfur the unique mountain Einhyrningur and drive beside the glacier river Markarfljót with Þórsmörk on the east side of us. We will then head our way to Fljótshlíð which is a beautiful farmland where the Njáls Saga took place. 

This is truly a voyage you don´t want to miss! With its rhyolite mountains, geothermal areas, black sand desert, canyons, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and so much more...

Our trip begins at Mt. Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes. It was labelled “The Gateway to Hell” after it's 1104 eruption. That reputation grew with its 1341 eruption. People reported seeing birds fly amidst the fire with some believing it to be swarming souls from hell. Even today some say Hekla has preserved its diabolic status, claiming it is the spot where witches encounter the devil!

So if you dare, come with us for this thrilling drive up Hekla volcano. We'll search the signs of these gatherings and while doing so get a gorgeous panoramic view over the highlands and the south coast of Iceland. As we're making our way towards Laugavegur, Iceland´s most popular hiking trail, our F road takes us directly onto the hiking trail in parts, leading us up to a few mountain huts, fpr example Álftavatn and Emstrur. We then stop at the spectacular canyon Markarfljótsgljúfur. It is believed to have been created in a single flash flood bursting from the volcano Katla in Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Driving beside the glacial river Markarfljót with Þórsmörk and Eyjafjallajökull glacier on the east side is extremely beautiful.

Mount Mælifell (“Measure Hill") is one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, an awe ­inspiring, green moss­ covered pyramid standing alone in a vast, black desert landscape. This unforgettable visit to Mount Mælifell volcano is like a journey to another world.

Mælifell is a 791 metre tall volcano that stands out in a desert of black sands. It was once concealed under Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the third largest glacier in the country, but became exposed when the glacier retreated at the end of the last Ice Age. This occurred approximately 10,000 years ago.

The volcano remains close to this ice cap, just to its north. As such, it is surrounded by volcanic landscapes and many pristine glacier rivers. It is particularly renowned for its vivid green colouration in summer, which contrasts starkly with the black sands that encircle it. Because of its beauty, Maelifell has been featured in films such as Noah and television series such as Game of Thrones.

Mælifell’s name translates to ‘Measuring Hill’; nine other mountains in the country share this name, as they were used as points of navigation for early Icelanders.