Grábrók crater rises about 170 metres (558 feet) above the ground and is easily accessible via a footpath. It’s quite steep, but thankfully steps have been built on part of it to make the hike easier.
Grábrók belongs to the Ljósufjöll volcanic system. It reaches from the Berserker lava field in the northern Snaefellsnes peninsula, over the actual Ljósufjöll mountains, and all the way to the Grábrók craters. It extends over a distance of 90 km (56 miles) and is one of the longest volcanic systems in Iceland. The last eruption in this volcanic system was about 1.000 years ago.
How did Grábrók form?
The crater is the largest of three craters and formed about 3.400 years ago in a fissure eruption. The lava forming Grábrókarhraun lava field came from these three craters: Stóra Grábrók, Grábrókarfell and Litla Grábrók. The lava blocked the path of the Norðurá River and pushed it further east. It also blocked the hollow where Hreðavatn lake is today, thus forming the lake. Beautiful water streams come up from the lava in several places. The biggest streams are in Paradisarlaut.
Can you hike to the top of Grábrók?
Yes, you can. A brisk walk from the parking lot to the top of the crater and back again takes about 40 minutes. Once at the top, you will have an incredible view of the Borgarfjörður countryside and the encircling mountains.
Where to find Mt. Grábrók?
The volcano is in Norðurárdalur valley, near the small village of Bifröst.
GPS: N64° 46′ 17.614″ W21° 32′ 23.370″
