Hrossaborg, (Horse Fortress) is an ancient explosion crater in the northeast of Iceland, almost perfectly circular, 500 meters in diameter and stands alone in an otherwise desolate landscape. Erosion has had a big impact on the crater and now there is an opening on its east side, making it easy to enter the crater itself. Hrossaborg is a tephra and scoria crater, and thus a black one. The black color of the crater is a result of the volcanic materials it is composed of. The crater and the surrounding landscape feel and look like being on the moon, so it is not a surprise to learn that the Apollo 13 crew trained here for the famous moon mission from 1965-1967. Hrossaborg was also used in Tom Cruise’s movie Oblivion, shot in Iceland in June 2012. The unique landscape of Hrossaborg added an authentic touch to the movie’s futuristic setting.
Hrossaborg
North East, Iceland
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Climate
The high latitude and closeness to the Arctic Circle in North East Iceland have an impact on the weather here. A subarctic climate with cool summers and temperate winters prevails in the area. Winters, with their frequent snowfall and ferocious winds, can be especially harsh. Frequently, temperatures fall below freezing, resulting in icy conditions but also winter wonderland beauty and serenity. Summers are brief but enjoyable, with moderate temperatures and sporadic rainfall. Fog and mist frequently occur along the coast, giving the scenery an ethereal quality.
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 location is just 1.5 km off route 1. It is an F-road, which means you are not supposed to drive there on normal rented cars even if you could, due to insurance policies. You can drive inside the crater itself and there is an easy hiking trail to the top of the crater for a panoramic view of it and the surrounding landscape.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
Around the crater, black sands stretch for miles, they could be used as basecamp with a special permission from the environmental agency and rangers in the area. There are no facilities at this location and phone coverage is average.
Risk factors
The crater’s walls are sandy and quite steep. Erosion has made the scoria rocks loose and unstable. The road to this location is an F-road so it can only be reached in a 4x4 in the summertime. To travel there during winter, you need a specialized vehicle or superjeeps.
Visitors
The location is en route to a medium/high tourist attraction in the highlands, so many people stop on their way at Hrossaborg to take a picture or hike a short distance up to the craters rim.
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