Herðubreiðarlindir
A protected spring-fed oasis northwest of Herðubreið, with unusually lush Highland vegetation, ranger services and several marked hiking routes.
At a Glance
Visit time
1–3 hours for short local walks; a full day for longer routes. The Herðubreið summit route is a serious all-day undertaking.
Best Season
Summer, when the Highlands roads are open and rangers are based in the area.
Getting There
Remote Highland road access; use a suitable 4x4 and check current road and river conditions before travel. Stay on marked paths around the springs and lava.
GPS
65.1981, -16.2187
About
About Herðubreiðarlindir
A protected spring-fed oasis northwest of Herðubreið, with unusually lush Highland vegetation, ranger services and several marked hiking routes.
Experience a rare green oasis in the volcanic Highlands, use it as a base for marked hikes and see Herðubreið rising directly above the springs.
Tours Near Herðubreiðarlindir
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Herðubreiðarlindir was protected in 1974 and later became part of Vatnajökull National Park. Alongside its natural value, the area contains important cultural remains. Fjalla-Eyvindur is documented as having spent the winter of 1774–1775 in the springs, and Eyvindarkofi remains a visible link to that period of Highland outlaw history.
Herðubreiðarlindir is one of the main visitor bases in the Highlands north of Vatnajökull. Springs emerging at the edge of the lava create green wetlands and the clear Lindaá river, forming a striking oasis beneath Herðubreið. Marked routes explore Herðubreiðarvötn, Lindahraun, Lindaá and the confluence of Jökulsá and Kreppa, while a longer marked approach leads toward the base of Herðubreið. Summer rangers provide information. The surrounding lava is easy to become disoriented in, so visitors should remain on marked routes and prepare for remote Highland conditions.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Herðubreiðarlindir is a green interruption in the black volcanic wilderness north of Vatnajökull. Cold springs emerging beside the lava feed Lindaá and support willows, angelica, river beauty and birdlife beneath the huge table mountain Herðubreið. The oasis also preserves an important human story: Fjalla-Eyvindur spent the winter of 1774–1775 in the area, and Eyvindarkofi remains in the lava edge as a cultural landmark connected with his stay.
Did You Know?
Herðubreiðarlindir is a protected spring-fed oasis at the foot of Herðubreið in Vatnajökull National Park.
Location
Location
Discover
Explore Nearby
Places from our database within 5.0 km — all data from Sanity
Loading nearby places…
0 places found within 5.0 km
Plan full itinerary →Explore More