Have you always wanted to walk on an active volcano? Wondered what it would be like? Your dream can come true here in Leirhnjukur.

Leirhnjukur, located near Lake Myvatn, just off the famous Icelandic Ring Road, Route 1.

History

Leirhnjukur is an active volcano, 525-metres above sea level, located in the north of Iceland, just outside of Lake Myvatn. The last eruption started in 1975 and finished in 1984. The Leirhnjúkur area is a great plain that overflowed with lava during the 1984 eruption.

The Walking Trails

When I visited back in 2007, the car park was free. Once you’ve parked your car, you can then decide which walking trail to do. Loop 1 is the short route. It will take you around 1 hour to complete. Loop 2 is slightly longer and will take you around 2 hours to complete. They recommend wearing good footwear for loop 2. However, I recommend wearing good footwear for loop 1 as well, as the broad walks can get very slippery. Whichever route you choose, please keep to the paths, unless you want your shoes melting. Remember it is an active geothermal area.

I completed the Loop 1 trail with my family, back in August 2007. On the trail, you walk along a broad walk for 3/4 of the walk. You see some great views of Viti and Krafla, the active volcanoes. You walk by pools bubbling away and lava that is still fuming. Watch out for fissures, as you do want to fall down any. It is very important you stay on the marked trail at all times. The trail can get very muddy in parts where there is no broad walk, so don’t wear your best pair of shoes.