Blahnukur Volcano

Local name: Bláhnúkur

Hikers have started this climb in rain and reached the summit in snow, in September.

Blahnukur is a volcanic peak in the Icelandic highlands, beside Landmannalaugar in South Iceland. A trail climbs from the valley floor to the summit over loose gravel and volcanic ash, gaining height steadily the whole way. From the top the view takes in glaciers and lava fields on every side. The climb pairs with the neighbouring Brennisteinsalda loop, and the approach on foot crosses the river. This is a hike, not a viewpoint you can drive to.

Hiking Viewpoint

Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility: unpaved approach, river crossings on foot, and a steep climb on loose ash.
Parking: Unpaved car parks at Landmannalaugar, about 1.5–2 km from the mountain. The farther one is free.
Difficulty: Steep, sustained climb on loose gravel and volcanic ash. A trail sign gives 1.3 km to the summit; the switchbacks make it much longer. Unbridged river crossings on the approach. Hiking shoes with grip required.
Transport: Nearest stop: Landmannalaugar, about 1.5 km from the mountain.
Address: Landmannalaugar (851, Fjallabak)

What makes it special

The climb is the reason to come. The trail runs from the valley floor to the summit over loose gravel and volcanic ash, and it does not let up. A sign at the bottom gives 1.3 km; the switchbacks make the real walk far longer than that. Fitness helps, but grip on your boots helps more.

The reward is a full circle of view: glaciers and lava fields, and on a clear day you can see a very long way.

Blahnukur pairs with the Brennisteinsalda loop, and the order matters. Climb Blahnukur first, because the steep inclines are easier going up than coming down. On the loop the route is marked by coloured posts. Note the colour you are following and look for it at junctions.

Good to know

River crossings: there are no bridges on the approach. The crossings are made on foot, and after rain the river overflows.
Bring a towel. Your feet get wet at the crossings, and the climb starts straight afterwards.
Footing: loose gravel and volcanic ash the whole way. Hiking shoes with grip are needed, and the surface is worst on the descent.
Weather: rain in the valley can be snow at the summit, even in September. Pack for conditions you did not plan for.
Order of the loop: climb Blahnukur before Brennisteinsalda, because the steep sections are easier going up than down.

Getting there

You cannot drive to the foot of the mountain. Cars and buses stop at Landmannalaugar, and the rest is on foot: a walk out across the valley, then the climb. The approach crosses the river, and there are no bridges, so you wade it. After rain the water runs higher and the crossing takes longer. The trail up begins where the valley ends, and it climbs from the first step.

Best time to visit

Best: a dry, clear day. The whole point of the summit is the view, and the river crossings on the approach are at their easiest when it has not rained.

Avoid: heavy rain and the day after it. The river overflows, there are no bridges, and the crossings are the part of the walk you cannot skip.

Judge the weather at the top, not at the car park. Snow can fall on the summit in September while it is only raining below.

Sun & daylight

HikingHot Spring

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