About the Mountain

Búrfell is a móberg (palagonite/tuff) mountain — a stapi formation that rises 536 metres above sea level and stretches in a long ridge from north to south. Móberg mountains were formed during eruptions beneath the ice of the last Ice Age, and Búrfell's distinctive elongated shape is a textbook example. The name "Búrfell" means "Pantry Mountain" — an old Icelandic farm name suggesting a sheltering or storehouse-like form, common across the country.

The most striking feature of Búrfell is hidden from below: an ancient crater (kvos) sits on the summit plateau, holding a small mountain lake. As you approach the rim of the mountain, this quiet pool of water suddenly appears in front of you — a memorable moment that catches first-time hikers by surprise.

The View From the Top

From the summit, you essentially get the whole of South Iceland on a single platter. On a clear day you can see Þingvallavatn, the entire course of the Sog river, Ingólfsfjall, Hengill, Botnssúlur, Skjaldbreiður, Lyngdalsheiði, Laugarvatn, and the full southern mountain ring including Hekla, Tindfjöll, Þríhyrningur, and Eyjafjallajökull. Few hikes near the Golden Circle deliver this much scenery in 2–3 hours.

The Trail

The trailhead is east of the home fields at the farm Búrfell, which sits below the southern flank of the mountain. The route ascends the south slope at a steady, even gradient — never overly steep — until you reach the crater rim where the lake comes into view. Most hikers walk a loop around the lake before descending the same way they came up. The total distance is about 8 km with a cumulative elevation gain of roughly 500 m. Allow 2–3 hours, plus extra time at the top for photos and the views.

Folklore: The Nykur of Búrfell

Icelandic folk tales claim that a hidden tunnel runs between the summit lake of Búrfell and the famous crater lake of Kerið, and that a nykur lives in both. The nykur is a shape-shifting water horse — usually appearing as a beautiful grey horse — but recognisable by his hooves and ears, which point backwards. If anyone is foolish enough to climb on his back, he gallops straight into the water and drowns the rider. A great story to tell the kids on the way up — and one to remember when standing at the edge of that little summit lake.

From Northern Lights Cabin

• Drive time: ~15–20 minutes
• Step 1: From Þrastalundur turn onto Þingvallavegur (Route 36).
• Step 2: After 5.2 km, turn onto Búrfellsvegur (Route 351).
• Step 3: Follow Route 351 for 2.3 km to the farm Búrfell.
• Parking: Park on the power-line service road just east of the farm. Do not drive up to the farm buildings — respect the working farm and its residents.
• Trailhead: The route starts east of the home fields and heads up the south slope of the mountain.

Good to Know

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes — the upper sections cross loose volcanic rock and móberg gravel.
• Bring layers and a windproof shell — the summit plateau is exposed and noticeably cooler than the valley floor, even on warm summer days.
• Carry water and a packed lunch — the rim of the crater lake is one of the most beautiful picnic spots in Grímsnes.
• Best season is late May through October. In winter the upper slopes hold snow and the trail is not maintained.
• Always check vedur.is for the weather forecast before heading out — Iceland's weather can change in minutes.
• Combine with a visit to Kerið crater — the folklore says they share a hidden tunnel, and they make a perfect pairing in real life too.
• Respect the land: stay on tracks, take all rubbish with you, and close any gates you open.