Hike to Leirhnjúkur

Leirhnjúkur, Iceland

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Details

Distance

3.1 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

Known as "Mud Peak" or "Clay Hill", the hike around Leirhnjúkur encompasses hot springs, lava fields, and great views of the surrounding mountains.

The trailhead for this hike is located near Lake Mývatn . Take Road 863 towards Krafla power plant. After you pass under the power station's piping system, the parking area is up the hill and on your left. If you reach the parking area for Viti Crater, you've gone too far.

The trail starts in the back of the parking area and heads towards the large brown-colored mountain in front of you. There will likely be snow you'll have to walk on and boardwalks are present for a lot of the hike.

Along the trail you will first encounter some lava fields from a 1984 eruption, then an aqua-colored hot spring. From here you can continue on the marked paths around the lava fields. Do not stray from the marked trails, as this lava field still produces heat as evidenced from the steam rising out of the ground all around the fields.

When finished exploring, return to the aqua-colored hot spring and take the boardwalk back to the parking area.

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