Saxholl (Saxhóll) is one of the most popular craters on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is located 9 km south of Hellissandur on the westernmost tip of the peninsula. It rises 109 meters above sea level.
The easiest volcanic crater to visit
Saxhóll is an excellent attraction for those who want to stand on top of a volcano but don’t want to hike too far or would have trouble climbing the crater on a gravel or pumice road.
The crater is about 100 meters high, but the parking lot is right at the foot of the mountain, and there is a wide wooden walking path with comfortable stairs that make it easy for walkers to get to the top.
From the top of the crater there are beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the vast, dry lava fields of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, as well as the glacial volcano, Snaefellsjokull, which towers over the entire area.
The crater and its surroundings are very fragile. To prevent further damage, do not go off the designated routes and walkways.
There are a lot of volcanoes accessible to tourists in Iceland. Near Snaefellsnes, it is still worth mentioning (and visiting) Grábrók located on Road 1, and Eldborg located near the southern end of Road 55. Grabrok is conveniently accessible by car, but climbing the beautiful Eldborg requires a 2-3 hour walk.
In other parts of Iceland, you should definitely look out for Kerid (in the Golden Circle, entrance fee), Hverfjall on Lake Myvatn, and, well, the famous, though only accessible in summer and by 4×4 car, crater Askja in the interiors, south of Myvatn.
How to get to Saxholl crater
Do Saxhóll is located just off road 574, at the western end of Snaefellsnes, about 25 km from Arnarstapi and 45 km from Grundarfjordur
