Tjarnargígur crater
The Tjarnargígur crater is one of 130 craters formed during the titanic eruption of Skaftáreldar between 1783 and 1784. These craters, known as Lakagígar, extend over a distance of around 25 kilometers.
What sets Tjarnargígur apart is the presence of a small lake within the crater itself. The water is crystal-clear, with a splendid turquoise hue that contrasts magnificently with the surrounding yellow moss. Incidentally, the color of this moss depends greatly on humidity: it will be bright yellow after several days of rain, but much duller otherwise. The trail to Tjarnargígur is handicapped-accessible and takes no more than 5 minutes!
Viewpoint technical sheet
Remarks
Getting there: Accessible only in summer, a 4WD is mandatory. The journey to the Lakagígar craters is a long one, taking around 2 hours from Route 1. You'll need to take the F206 first, then the F207 (which is a one-way circular road), and be prepared to cross several river crossings, two of which are medium-sized.
Click here for more details on driving in the Highlands.
Nearby hikes
Hikes to discover
Let chance guide your steps: discover a random selection of the best hikes in Iceland.
Snækollur Hike
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 3 h 15
- Distance : 5.1 km
- Elevation gain : 600 m
Réttarfell Hike
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Cascade de Seljalandsfoss
Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda Hike
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Cascades de Dynjandi
Landmannalaugar to Ljótipollur Hike
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- Duration : 4 h 30
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- Elevation gain : 330 m