Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
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Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Mælifell is a 799-metre, cone-shaped volcano covered in green moss, rising about 200 m above the black sand plain of Mælifellssandur in the southern Highlands. It sits on the F210 Fjallabak route north of Mýrdalsjökull, is free to view, and is reachable only by 4x4, usually from early July to some time in September.
Mælifell formed under the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap around 10,000 years ago and now stands alone on the flat, dark sands of Mælifellssandur, between the glacier and the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Its almost perfectly symmetrical cone, covered in thick green moss, makes it one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, especially against the black sand and the ice cap behind it.
What is Mælifell? The name is usually translated as "measuring hill": cone-shaped hills like this stood out from far away and were used as landmarks by travellers. There are several Mælifells in Iceland, so make sure your map or GPS points to the one on Mælifellssandur, north of Mýrdalsjökull.
Where is Mælifell located? In the southern Highlands, north of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and south-east of Landmannalaugar, on the southern Fjallabak route (F210). It is completely isolated: no towns, no fuel stations and no mobile signal for a long way in any direction.
Why is Mælifell so green? The slopes are covered in moss that thrives on the damp volcanic ash. It is at its brightest in July and August, and brightest of all just after rain, when the wet moss almost glows against the black sand. In dry spells and late in the season it fades towards yellow-brown.
There is no marked trail up Mælifell and no facilities anywhere nearby. Most people see it from the F210 road or make a short stop to walk closer, rather than climbing it, since the moss cover is fragile and easily damaged by foot traffic.
F-roads to Mælifell are only open in summer, and even then conditions change quickly after rain. Never attempt a highland river crossing you are unsure about, and check road status on road.is before setting out.
There is no easy road to Mælifell. These are the usual approaches. Which one is passable depends on the week, the weather and your vehicle, so check road.is and ask locally before you commit.
A small rental 4x4 is not enough for most of these routes. If you are unsure about the vehicle or the river crossings, a guided super jeep tour is the safer way to see Mælifell.
Is Mælifell dangerous to visit? Not if you are prepared, but people do get stuck or stranded trying to reach it in the wrong vehicle. The real risks are deep or fast rivers, sudden weather, and the fact that there is no fuel, no food and no quick help nearby.
Even in July and August expect anything from 5 to 15°C, with sudden rain and strong wind. Bring layers, full waterproofs and a windproof jacket, plus food, water and a full tank.
There is no mobile signal once you are deep in the Highlands. Download offline maps, carry a paper map, and leave your travel plan with someone (you can register it at safetravel.is). Do not rely on a phone GPS alone.
Opening dates change every year with the snowmelt. Some years the roads open in late June, in others not until well into July.
None. There is no fuel, food, toilets or phone coverage in the area around Mælifell; plan as you would for any remote highland trip.
There is no accommodation at Mælifell and no official campsite. Wild camping is not allowed in protected areas such as the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, so for an overnight trip use the highland huts and campsites, for example at Álftavatn, Hólaskjól or Landmannalaugar, or base yourself in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur and drive in for the day.
In the southern Highlands of Iceland, on the black sand plain of Mælifellssandur just north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, beside the F210 track.
Only if you have a suitable 4x4, experience with F-roads and river crossings, and have checked road conditions. If in doubt, book a guided super jeep tour.
No. The F-roads here need a 4x4 with river-crossing capability, and standard rental insurance usually excludes F-roads and water damage.
Usually from early July until some time in September, depending on the year and the weather. For the rest of the year the Highlands are closed.
From Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur, plan a full-day trip of 7 to 10 hours with stops. From Reykjavík it is not realistic as a self-drive day trip; day tours by super jeep do run.
There is no trail, the slope is very steep and the moss is fragile, so climbing is discouraged. Most visitors walk on the sand around the base instead.
There is no campsite at the mountain and wild camping is not allowed in protected areas without permission. Use the highland huts and campsites instead.
Yes, if you like remote places. The green cone on black sand with the glacier behind is one of the most distinctive sights in the Highlands, and you will share it with very few people.
Tours and trips that include Mælifell, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.
