Hvannadalshnukur (Hvannadalshnúkur) Iceland's Highest Peak
Hvannadalshnukur (Hvannadalshnúkur) Iceland's Highest Peak
The southernmost part of the Vatnajokull glacier envelops the central volcano Oraefajokull and Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjukur, at 2110m.
Oraefajokull is a stratovolcano which has erupted twice since the settlement. Its 1362 eruption caused widespread damage and was among the worst eruptions in Iceland’s history. From the road, you can see huge boulders brought down in flooding during eruptions.
Oræfi means 'wasteland' and the name was adopted after the devastating 1362 eruption. Thick beds of pale pumice in the area also bear witness to the force of the volcano.
The hike to the summit of Iceland's highest peak is a challenging alpine ascent and only possible in the company of professional glacier guides.