Námafjall Geothermal Ridge
Námafjall
A short 3 km loop over the Námafjall ridge above the boiling mud pots and fumaroles of Hverir near Mývatn.
- Distance
- 3 km
- Loop
- Time
- 60 minutes
- Ascent
- 110 m
- Max 470 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
The Námafjall hike is a short loop over a colourful geothermal ridge just east of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. Starting at the Hverir hot spring area, where mud pots bubble and fumaroles roar beside the car park, the trail climbs onto the ridge above for views across the steaming flats. The loop is about 3 km with around 110 m of ascent and a high point near 470 m, and takes about 60 minutes.
Most visitors only walk around Hverir, but the climb up Námafjall is well worth the extra hour. From the top you look down on the orange and grey ground below and across to the Krafla area and Lake Mývatn. It is an easy hike, though the slope is steep and slippery for a short stretch, and the clay turns very sticky when wet. Stay on the marked path at all times: the ground here is extremely hot in places.
Highlights
- Boiling mud pots and steaming vents at Hverir
- Orange, yellow and grey sulphur-stained slopes
- Views over Mývatn and toward Krafla from the ridge
- A short, easy walk right off Route 1
The route
Hverir to the ridge
From the car park, walk through the Hverir geothermal area on the marked path, then follow the trail up the slope of Námafjall. The climb is short but steep in places, on loose clay and gravel that is slippery when wet. Steam vents line parts of the slope, so keep to the path.
Along the ridge and back down
Along the top the path follows the ridge with views in all directions, past fumaroles and coloured ground. The loop then drops back down to Hverir. The descent can be slick after rain, so take it slowly and use the marked route.
Getting to the trailhead
Hverir is right beside Route 1, just east of the Námaskarð pass and about 10 minutes' drive from Reykjahlíð on Lake Mývatn. There is a large car park with toilets and a parking fee (around ISK 1,200). Buses on Route 1 pass nearby, but a car or tour is the practical way to visit.
Where to stay
Reykjahlíð is the closest village, with hotels, guesthouses, a campsite, shops and fuel. Mývatn Nature Baths are a few minutes away, which makes a good finish after the walk. More accommodation is spread around the lake.
Best time to hike
May to October is the main season. July and August are busiest and Hverir can be crowded at midday; early morning or evening is quieter. In wet weather the clay paths get very muddy. Outside the season the path over the ridge may be snowy, icy or closed, so check local signs.
Safety
The ground at Hverir and on Námafjall can be boiling hot just below a thin crust; people have been seriously burned stepping off the path. Stay inside the ropes and on marked trails. The sulphur smell is strong, and gases can be unpleasant on calm days. The clay is slippery when wet. Check SafeTravel.is for any closures and call 112 in an emergency.
Plan & book
Book your Námafjall Geothermal Ridge hike
CampingÁsbyrgi & Vesturdalur Campsites
National park campsites in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
Vatnajökull National Park
Guided tourDiamond Circle & Canyon Tours
Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Mývatn from Akureyri or Húsavík.
North Iceland operators1 day
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Námafjall Geothermal Ridge FAQ
How long is the Námafjall hike?+
The loop is about 3 km with roughly 110 m of ascent and takes around 60 minutes.
Is Námafjall the same as Hverir?+
Hverir is the geothermal area at the foot of Námafjall, beside the car park. The hike starts at Hverir and climbs up onto the Námafjall ridge above it.
Is the Námafjall hike hard?+
No, it is easy and short. There is one steep, sometimes slippery climb onto the ridge, but no technical sections.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
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