The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is home to a variety of captivating sites to explore. Upon entering the Peninsula from the town of Borgarnes, one of the first recommendable destinations is Eldborg Crater. The hike to the top of Eldborg typically takes between two to two and a half hours to complete a round trip from the parking area.
Exploring Saxhóll Crater: A Brief Excursion
For those seeking a shorter excursion, Saxhóll Crater presents a more accessible alternative. Although not as grand as Eldborg, Saxhóll features two craters, with the lower crater being the more popular and accessible to climb. Historically, Saxhóll was once the site of a farm and a church estate; the church was dissolved in the mid-sixteenth century, but the farm remained in operation until the early 19th century. Few remnants of the farm and church remain, although the craters persist. The two notable craters in the Saxhóll area are Litli Saxhóll (Little Saxhóll) at 109 meters and Stóri Saxhóll (Big Saxhóll) at 125 meters.
Saxhóll the view and the crater
Recently, a convenient walking path with steps has been established, making climbing easy. It is one of the most accessible sites in Iceland for viewing a crater that once erupted magma at temperatures around a thousand degrees, creating the extensive surrounding lava fields. The walk from the ground level to the top of the crater is only 40 meters. Plus, there is a beautiful staircase consisting of approximately 400 steps.
Unveiling the Spectacular Views from Saxhóll Crater: A Window into Iceland's Volcanic Landscape
At 125 meters above sea level, the view from the top is truly spectacular for such an easy hike. On a clear day, you can see the lava fields around the crater, the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier, the adjacent mountains and ridges, and even the Atlantic Ocean. This makes visiting Saxhóll Crater a great opportunity to explore volcanic activity in Iceland and appreciate how eruptions have shaped the landscape.
The Rich History of Saxhóll: From Farm to Fishing Station
Saxhóll has a longstanding history as both a farm and a fishing station. The craters in this region have existed for thousands of years, providing a backdrop to the area's rich history. Settlement in this land began around the year 950, with Saxi, the son of Álfarinn, relocating to Iceland during this period in search of improved living conditions. From the summit of Saxhóll, it may seem improbable that agricultural practices were once conducted in the vicinity of the crater; however, there are indeed small areas suitable for cultivation nearby. Additionally, the coastline offers viable fishing grounds, and the abundant avian population contributes both meat and eggs to the local diet. Historically, the region surrounding Saxhóll, especially along the shore, was home to various farms and fishing stations. Nevertheless, the northern tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has remained relatively isolated and remote throughout the centuries. Due to complicated communication channels, few individuals needed to visit this locale. Notably, several centuries ago, a church was situated near Saxhóll, supporting a modest community that persevered in the face of isolation.
Discover the Scenic Drive Around Snæfellsjökull Glacier
A few years ago, the road was improved, and today, there is an asphalt road around the Snæfellsjökull glacier area, making it easily accessible. It has become one of the most popular scenic drives in Iceland. To reach Saxhóll, stay on the main road that circles the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known in Icelandic as Útnesvegur (Nr. 574). Saxhóll is located just a few meters from the road at its westernmost point.
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