GeologicalInterest 3/5
Keilir
Keilir is a cone-shaped hyaloclastite (móberg) mountain rising 378 m on the Reykjanes peninsula, a distinctive landmark visible from Reykjavík and often the first mountain arriving air passengers notice. A popular hike of roughly 2-3 hours climbs over moss-covered lava and loose scree to a 360-degree summit view.
Region
Reykjanes Peninsula
Coordinates
63.9412° N, 22.1723° W
Plan the stop
- Who it suits
- 10+
- Best for fit older children, teens, and adults; the final scree summit is steep and exposed and not suited to young children.
- Approach
- 7 km · 3 hrs. Approximate round trip from the Höskuldarvellir/Oddafell area trailhead across lava and moss to the summit cone; the final section is steep loose scree.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair · None
- There is no accessible route; the summit is reached only by a rough hiking trail.
- Limited mobility · None
- The approach crosses uneven lava and the climb finishes on steep loose scree unsuitable for limited mobility.
- Sensory · Partial
- An exposed open hike with wind and weather; the summit is steep and airy.
- Cognitive · Partial
- The trail is generally clear but crosses open lava where navigation and route-finding are needed in poor visibility.
Why it matters
Keilir formed in a subglacial fissure eruption during the last Ice Age, when lava erupting beneath the ice built up the steep, regular cone that gives the mountain its name. It stands near the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system that erupted repeatedly from 2021.