Raufarhólshellir – Lava Tunnel
Volcanoes, Nature
The Lava Tunnel, Þorlákshafnarvegur, Iceland
Hverfjall (also known as Hverfell) is a classic tephra ring crater rising steeply above the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn, formed approximately 2700 years ago in a powerful phreatomagmatic eruption. Nearly circular and about 1 km in diameter, it is considered one of the best-preserved and most visually dramatic tephra craters in the world.
Two signed trails lead up the steep gravel slopes to the rim in about 20–30 minutes, and from the top the views are spectacular in all directions — down into the dark bowl of the crater, across the Mývatn lake and its pseudocrater islands, and towards the Krafla geothermal area and the distant mountains. On calm days the crater interior has an almost meditative stillness.
Hverfjall is located about 3 km east of Reykjahlíð village near Lake Mývatn, just off Route 848. The access road is passable by regular car. A small parking area is at the trailhead. Walking inside the crater itself is restricted to protect the fragile surface — stay on the marked rim trail. Open year-round; the climb is best avoided in strong winds.
