Hverfjall is a nearly 200-metre-high tephra explosion crater of immense proportions. The stark black ash cone stands out in the breathtaking landscape, giving the otherwise serene landscape of Lake Mývatn a dramatic feel. The crater is 1 kilometre in diameter and almost perfectly circular. From the rim on top, you have a fantastic panoramic view of Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and the whole area. From the top, looking into the crater, you see a large black sand dune in the middle, met by the steep slopes of the crater. It is easy to let your imagination go wild and think for a while that you are truly visiting another planet.
Hverfjall
North, Iceland
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Climate
The North Atlantic Ocean has a big impact on the weather in north Iceland, which is usually cold and uncertain. The winters are hard, with temperatures below zero and snow, and the summers are cool, with average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Rainstorms happen often in the area, and in some coastal places, there may be strong winds.
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 close to route number 1, and the parking lot is only 2.2 km from the main road. The hike to the top is 600 meters and rather steep but manageable.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
There is a large parking lot just below the crater. There are basic facilities and phone coverage is excellent.
Risk factors
The path up the crater is very rocky and steep. The hills of the crater are also very steep with unstable edges.
Visitors
The area is on the Diamond Circle and is popular with tourists and locals who tend to hike to the top and walk the full circle above which takes an hour.
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