highlands
Brennisteinsalda Mountain
About Brennisteinsalda Mountain
A vividly colored rhyolite mountain with active geothermal vents and rainbow-striped mineral slopes. The area features unique rock formations, lava fields, and evidence of past eruptions that tell the story of Iceland's fiery origins. It offers visitors an up-close look at the forces that continue to shape this island nation. Brennisteinsalda is the mountain that defines Landmannalaugar. Its slopes are a riot of color — red oxidized iron, yellow sulfur deposits, green moss on cooler rocks, blue-grey rhyolite stone — all layered and striped like a painting. Steam vents hiss and bubble on the mountainside, proof that Iceland's volcanic forces are very much alive beneath. The air smells faintly of sulfur. A hiking trail climbs to the summit, where the views extend across the otherworldly Landmannalaugar highlands — lava fields, rainbow mountains and obsidian peaks stretching to the horizon. It is one of Iceland's most surreal landscapes. Visitor Information: This site is located in the Highlands, Iceland. As a volcanic, it provides visitors with a distinctive experience of Iceland's remarkable natural and cultural heritage. What to Expect: - A unique volcanic experience in one of Iceland's most scenic regions - Opportunities for photography and exploration - Connection to Iceland's natural landscape and cultural heritage - Accessible during the main tourist season (June-September) - Can be combined with other nearby attractions in the Highlands Best Time to Visit: The site is most accessible during summer months (June-August) when daylight hours are longest and weather is mildest. However, each season offers its own unique character — winter brings possible Northern Lights, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds. Nearby: Explore other attractions in the Highlands to make the most of your visit to this beautiful region of Iceland.
🐉 The Outlaw's Refuge
Iceland's vast, uninhabited highlands have been associated with outlaws since the saga age. The most famous highland outlaw was Fjalla-Eyvindur (Mountain Eyvindur), who lived as a fugitive in the highlands for over 20 years in the 18th century with his wife Halla. They survived the extreme conditions by living in caves, hunting, and occasionally raiding lowland farms. Their story has become legendary, representing the human capacity to endure against impossible odds. Ruins attributed to their shelters can still be found in the highlands, and their tale has inspired countless Icelandic books, poems, and songs about freedom, love, and survival in the wild heart of Iceland.
📖 History of Brennisteinsalda Mountain
This site is part of Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape in the Highlands, shaped by millennia of eruptions along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland's volcanic history stretches back 16-18 million years, with the island itself emerging from the ocean through volcanic activity. The geological formations here tell the story of fire and ice — of eruptions that reshaped the land and glaciers that carved it further. Historical eruptions in this region have been documented in Icelandic annals dating back to the 12th century. The interplay between volcanic heat and Arctic climate has created a unique ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth, making sites like this invaluable for both scientific research and tourism.
✈️ Why Visit
Climb a rainbow-striped sulfur mountain with steaming vents — Landmannalaugar's most colorful and surreal peak.
💡 Did You Know?
Brennisteinsalda's slopes literally steam and smell of sulfur — the ground beneath is over 100°C in places.
Key Facts
Height: 855 m
Multicolored mineral slopes
Active geothermal vents
2–3 hour summit hike
Part of Laugavegur hiking trail
💎 Hidden Gems
Lava Formations Close-Up
Look carefully at the lava formations near this attraction — each tells a story of how it cooled.
Rope lava, pillow lava, and columnar basalt each formed under different conditions, creating a geological textbook in stone.
Moss & Lichens
The moss and lichen growing on the volcanic rock are some of the first life to colonize new lava fields.
Some of these organisms grow less than 1cm per year, meaning the patches you see may be decades or centuries old.
Sunset Colors
The volcanic rock takes on incredible red and gold hues during sunset.
The iron-rich minerals in the lava glow in warm light, creating a photographer's paradise.
🕐 Best Time
Summer months (June-August) for safe access
🚗 Access
Varies; some require 4x4 vehicles or guided tours. Check road conditions.
⏱ Duration
1-3 hours depending on the site
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit volcanic sites in Iceland?▾
Most volcanic sites are safe when you stay on marked trails. Always check SafeTravel.is for current volcanic activity alerts.
Do I need a guide to visit this site?▾
Many volcanic sites can be visited independently, but guided tours offer valuable geological insight and enhanced safety.
Can I visit in winter?▾
Access depends on the specific site and road conditions. Check road.is for current conditions before your visit.
📍 GPS Location
Book a Tour to Brennisteinsalda Mountain
Find guided tours, day trips and activities. Compare prices and book instantly with free cancellation.
🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.