Námafjall Hike Above Hverir
Námafjall is the rhyolite ridge that rises directly behind the Hverir geothermal field. The climb from the car park is short but steep, and from the top you look down on the whole Hverir steam field with Lake Mývatn and the Krafla caldera in the distance. It is one of the best viewpoints in the Mývatn region and it costs nothing beyond the paid parking.
Trail start
Hverir car park on Route 1 at Námaskarð
Round trip
About 30–45 minutes to the ridge and back
Difficulty
Short but steep, loose scree underfoot
Trail surface
Unpaved mountain path, no steps or handrails
Best season
Late spring to early autumn; icy in winter
Cost
Free walk — parking at Hverir is paid
Where does the trail start?
- Park in the paid Hverir car park beside Route 1 and walk the boardwalks through the geothermal field first.
- The path up Námafjall leaves from the far side of the geothermal area, behind the steam vents.
- Follow the most worn line and stay on it: this is an unmaintained mountain path, not a built trail with signage.
What you see from the top
- The full Hverir steam field below, with fumaroles and boiling mud pots spread out beneath you.
- Lake Mývatn to the west and the Krafla volcanic system to the north-east.
- The coloured rhyolite slopes of Námafjall itself — yellow, red and white mineral staining.
- Sunset and the summer midnight sun are the most photographed conditions up here.
Safety advice
- Stay off the geothermal ground: the pale crust over boiling mud is thin and can collapse. Only ever walk on the marked boardwalks in the field itself.
- Wind on the ridge is much stronger than at the car park — bring a windproof layer even in summer.
- In winter the path is icy and the daylight window is short (roughly 10:00–16:00). Use spikes and turn back early.
- Do not climb on the steaming slopes on the eastern side of the ridge; the ground there is actively hot.
- Tell someone your plan if you go alone, and carry a charged phone.
Combining the hike with the rest of your day
- Hverir geothermal field: 30–60 minutes on the boardwalks.
- Námafjall ridge: add roughly 30–45 minutes return.
- Krafla and the Víti explosion crater: about a 10-minute drive.
- Mývatn Nature Baths: roughly a 20-minute drive, ideal at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Námafjall hike take?
Most visitors take about 30–45 minutes for the return trip from the Hverir car park to the ridge and back. Add time for photos — the viewpoint rewards a slow visit.
Is the Námafjall hike difficult?
It is short but steep, with loose scree and no built steps or handrails. Fit walkers in proper footwear find it straightforward; it is not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or anyone unsteady on loose ground.
Where does the Námafjall trail start?
From the Hverir car park on Route 1 at Námaskarð. Walk through the geothermal field on the boardwalks first; the path up the ridge begins on the far side of the steam vents.
Can I hike Námafjall in winter?
Yes, but conditions matter: the path is often icy and there are only a few hours of daylight (roughly 10:00–16:00). Bring spikes, a windproof layer and a head torch, and turn back if the weather changes.
Is Námafjall the same place as Hverir?
They are the same area, referred to by different names. Hverir (also Hverarönd) is the geothermal field beside Route 1; Námafjall is the mountain behind it, and Námaskarð is the pass the road crosses.
Do I need to pay to hike Námafjall?
The walk is free and open at all hours. You do have to pay for parking in the Hverir car park, which is chargeable 24 hours a day, year-round.
Area information: Visit North Iceland / Visit Mývatn
Hiking information last checked: October 2026