The Grabrok crater
The Grábrók crater, Grabrokargigar, was established as a heritage site in 1962. Mýrasýsla County is known for its superb rolling hills of lupin that stretch as far as the eye can see, the small but stunning Glanni waterfall, and last but not least the Grábrók crater.
The Grábrók crater along with its neighbor, the massive Eldborg crater, are part of the very much active Ljósufjöll volcanic system.
What is Grabrok?
Topping over 170 meters high, Grabrok is an explosive volcano and the largest of the 3 craters. The volcanic fissure at the origin of these 3 craters measures only 7 km with an average width of 20 meters. The crater is ringed by an impressive lava field covered in bright moss.
The site is made up of 3 scoria cones:
- Stora Grábrók (the biggest)
- Litla Grábrók (the smallest)
- Grábrókarfell
A 3,000-year-old crater
Formed around 3000 years ago as the result of an eruption, Grábrók has since been very well-equipped for visitors. The wooden footbridge makes it very easy to climb to the top and walk around the crater.
The ascent takes no more than 20 minutes and up top, the view commanding the region is magnificent taking in Mount Vikrafell, the lava fields blanketed in moss and bordered by fields of lupines.
This vantage point is an opportunity to admire Grábrókarfell, the other imposing crater in the distance, but make sure you stay safe as the wind can be serious up there.
The crater interior, covered in green moss, makes for a striking contrast with Grabrok's ocher flanks.
You can also take a longer hike between the craters and even up to the Glanni waterfall 1.5 km away. The trail starts from the car park and scales the Grabrok crater, then descends another flank between the two craters for an impressive view as they rise on either side of you. The final treat is to walk around the caldera, staring into the eye of the volcano.
How to get to Grabrok
An hour and a half from the capital Reykjavik and 35 km from Borgarnes heading north on Road number 1 lies the village of Bifröst and its 250 inhabitants. If you continue beyond Bifröst along the same road, you will find a car park right at the foot of the imposing crater.
