Hey Lykkers, ever dreamed of standing in front of a jet-black volcano surrounded by an icy glacier and untouched wilderness? Then pack your bags—because Maelifell in southern Iceland is waiting for us!
Rising 2,507 feet (764 meters) above sea level, this stunning cone-shaped volcano is tucked into the edge of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, around 6 miles (10 km) east of the famous Katla volcano. It’s more than just a beautiful spot—it’s an adventure.
What Makes Maelifell So Unique?
Maelifell is a stratovolcano, which means it was formed over centuries by layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rock. Its striking dark slopes are made of basalt, and its perfectly cone-shaped top gives it a dramatic, alien look—especially when surrounded by snow and glacier ice. Unlike many other volcanoes in Iceland, Maelifell has a rare flat-topped cone, making it a true geological gem.
Where Is It and How Can We Get There?
Maelifell is located along the F210 road (Fjallabak Syðri route) in Iceland’s southern Highlands. You can’t get there using a regular car—you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle because the road is rough, unpaved, and includes several glacial river crossings.
Travel details:
- Closest towns: Vík (about 50 miles/80 km) or Kirkjubæjarklaustur (62 miles/100 km)
- From Reykjavik: About 5–6 hours by 4x4
- How to get there: Rent a 4x4 SUV or book a super jeep tour with a guide
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Access to Maelifell is seasonal. Roads are open only in summer, usually from mid-June to early September. Outside this period, snow, floods, and ice make the route dangerous or completely impassable.
Best time to go:
- Late July to August offers the best weather and safer river crossings
- Avoid early June or late September—access is unreliable
Is There an Entrance Fee?
Nope—Maelifell is completely free to visit! But reaching it can get expensive depending on how you go:
Typical costs:
- 4x4 rental (per day): $130–$200
- Super jeep tour (per person): $270–$370
- Fuel cost (round trip from Reykjavik): Around $100–$150 depending on your vehicle
Is There a Hike or Viewing Point?
There’s no official hiking trail, but most visitors walk around the base of the volcano and even climb part of its slope. The hike isn’t long, but the loose ash and gravel can be slippery. Bring proper hiking boots and take it slow.
Note: The top of the volcano isn’t accessible—it's steep and fragile.
What Should We Pack?
Maelifell is remote with no shops, gas stations, or phone signal nearby. Make sure you bring:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm and waterproof layers (temperatures can drop fast)
- A physical map or GPS device
- Food and plenty of water
- Full tank of gas and extra fuel if possible
- Emergency kit (first aid, flashlight, charger)
Tips to Stay Safe and Have a Great Trip
1. Always check road conditions at road.is the night before your trip
2. Don’t attempt river crossings alone if you’re unsure—wait for another vehicle or book a guided tour
3. Weather changes fast—watch for sudden rain or wind
4. If you’re not experienced with off-road driving, go with a guide
5. Respect the landscape—don’t leave trash or damage moss and lava fields
6. No signal in the Highlands—tell someone your plan before you go
Why It’s Totally Worth the Effort
Yes, getting to Maelifell takes effort—but trust us, it’s worth every mile. Seeing this dramatic black volcano rising out of the glacier plain feels like stepping into a science fiction movie. The silence, the scenery, the colors—it’s something we’ll never forget. Plus, because it's so remote, we often get the whole place to ourselves.
Ready to Take on the Adventure?
So, Lykkers, what do you think—does Maelifell sound like your kind of adventure? If you love nature, hiking, and discovering places most people never see, this hidden volcano will steal your heart.
Have any questions or need help planning your Iceland road trip? Or maybe you’ve already explored Iceland’s Highlands? Share your stories and tips in the comments—we’d love to hear from you and keep the travel vibes going!
Maelifell Volcano in Iceland
Video by Guide to Iceland
