The Lambafells fissure Lambafellsgjá

A great place to take kids when visiting Iceland

Entrance of Labaafellsgjá fissure

The Lambafell fissure is an open, narrow fissure in a small hill or a stack in the landscape named Lambafell. It is an exciting and popular hiking route and a great place to take children. The path is unforgettable, and it might be a good idea to bring a small light to light up some of the interesting walls. At the southern end of Lambafell, you will find active high-temperature steam vents. Along the entire mount is a groove, or a ledge, which leads to the deep and narrow Lambafell fissure. The fissure's width is only a few meters, but it is 50 meters deep. During the summer, you can hike along the entire fissure, and it will be worth your while.

On the map of Iceland Reykjanes Peninsula

The best way to hike through Lambafellsgjá fissure

The narrow path between two lava walls

Indeed, the best route to descend into the fissure is from the south, down a steep and rather loose graveled slope. The fissure's walls are covered with excellent outcrops of subglacially formed basaltic pillows. The fissure was most certainly formed during the Holocene, but the pillows are thought to be a lot older than the last glacial period, possibly the one preceding the last one – or even older.

At the northern end, the fissure opens at the same level as its surroundings. You can either hike back through the fissure or go back over the hill and down a well-marked trail. At the northern end, the fissure opens at the same level as its surroundings. You can either hike back through the fissure or go back over the mount and down a well-marked trail.

Only an hour's drive from Reykjavík

Looking up through the fissure at Lambafellsgjá

Driving to Lambafellsgjá can be a part of a driving tour and a hiking tour at the Reykjanes Peninsula. When you drive from Reykjavík on Reykjanesbraut Road Nr. 41. After a short drive passed the Aluminum plant, you turn south on the road to Keilir. You go a bit further than the turn to go to Keilir and find a small parking space about a one-kilometer hike from Lambafellsgja.

If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.