Eldborg at Geitahlíð Reykjanes Peninsula

Eldborg by Geitahlíð at Reykjanes Peninsula

The name Eldborg is, in essence, a geological term that means crater. In Iceland, about seven places bear this name. Usually, the name has been given to a rather large and spectacular crater that doesn't go unnoticed in the landform. This applies to Eldborg by Geitahlíð, located at the Reykjanes Peninsula. Equally impressive is the crater Eldborg at the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The advantage here at Reykjanes is the easy access. Eldborg by Geitahlíð is a beautiful example of a crater formed in an eruption, and as the outbreak stopped, magma discontinued to flow; this spectacular round form was created and molded further by weather and winds. The height of the crater is 50 meters above sea level. When you reach the top, the inner depth is about 30 meters. Eldborg í Geitahlíð is an excellent example of a crater, and you can walk on the rim, but caution is required.

Eldborg is at Reykjanes Peninsula on the map of Iceland

The small hike is an effort but worth it

Inside the crater Eldborg

Walking up to the top, you will notice a few smaller craters around Eldborg. Since this is an active volcanic area, even though it has not erupted for hundreds or thousands of years, there are even a few craters nearby called small Eldborg. On top, you will also see the lava fields that flooded from the crater, and although not a very large hill, the view is quite spectacular. In addition, you have a good view of the Sveifluháls mountain ridge to the west and the shore at Reykjanes Peninsula to the south. It is a great place to get an overview of the forces that form the land and how they interact. The crater is also a spectacular creation and an excellent spot to take interesting photos, although you might need a wide angle to capture the inside of the crater when on top.

Finding your way to Eldborg í Geitahlíð

The hiking path up to the rim of Eldborg

The best way to find Eldborg í Geitahlíð is to drive to Kleifarvatn Lake on Road Krýsuvíkurleið Nr. 42 from Reykjavík towards the main road by the south shore. When you are almost at the intersection of Road 42 and Road Strandarvegur Nr. 427, you take a turn to Eldborg. It might be best to park the car on the asphalt road as the gravel road is a tough 4X4 road. However, the distance to Eldborg from the asphalt road is relatively short.

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.