Only 10 minutes from Grindavík municipality lies one of Iceland’s largest Holocene lava fields, covering over 20 square kilometres. Eldvörp is a 10-kilometre row of scoria and spatter craters in the middle of that field. Due to geothermal activity beneath the surface, some craters have fumaroles and vents where hot steam escapes, creating a surreal atmosphere with white steam rising from hollows, cracks and the grey, greenish moss. On a cold day, this spectacle is awe-inspiring and magnificent.
Eldvörp
Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
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Climate
The weather is Reykjanes Peninsula can be described as harsh and unpredictable like the rest of the country. The region experiences strong winds, heavy rain, and occasional snowfall throughout the year. The temperature can vary greatly from day to day, with summer temperatures ranging from 10°c to 15°c and winter temperatures dropping as low as -5°c. Visitors should come prepared for any type of weather.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
The road leading to this location is a rough gravel road, 4.5 kilometres long, but suitable for normal cars. It’s a private road, owned and managed by a local energy company that needs to be notified if you travel there. The gravel road leads straight to the most active crater. There is an old trail that leads from the main crater to the others and equipment needs to be carried there as the ground and the moss is very delicate.
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Basecamp and facilities
The most active crater is literally next to a medium/large size parking lot, made by a local energy company, drilling test holes in search of hot water. One kilometre away, towards the main road, there is another giant parking lot, suitable for large basecamps. No facilities are at this location.
Phone coverage is excellent.
Risk factors
The rifts in the earth’s surface emits steam that is hot and can cause serious burns. Some vents might be hotter that others and the heat may vary. The craters are steep, with loose light lava rocks, making it easy to slide down. In some places, the ground is muddy with unseen vents that can open when disturbed so special caution is needed while walking in the area. The trail is moderately difficult, narrow and laced with sharp scoria stones. The moss here is a part of a fragile ecosystem and should be treated with care, always follow paths and trails and avoid stepping onto the moss.
Visitors
The area is a low tourist attraction but those who stop tend to hike through the landscape and stay for a while. The area could be closed off easily with PAs and park rangers. A local tourist company has buggy tours through this area and should be notified.
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