Eldborg, at the foot of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, is – according to experts – a beautiful example of a spatter cone crater.
Formation and appearance of Eldborg
Eldborg rises about 60 meters (200 ft) above the surrounding lava, and its rim stands about 100 meters (330 ft) above sea level. The oval crater is about 200 meters (660 ft) long and 50 meters (160 ft) deep. According to sources, there were two eruptions here, the later one probably during the Settlement of Iceland (the late 9th and early 10th centuries).
It is an effusive, or lava, volcano. Eldborg is the largest crater in a short crater row belonging to the Ljósufjöll volcanic system. It has a very classic, symmetrical shape, with smooth sloping sides and a very distinct crater.
The characteristic volcanic cone that Eldborg has – with an evenly cut yet jagged-looking rim – is called a spatter cone or spatter ring. It is a specific type of cone that forms from lava that solidified almost immediately after being thrown out and settled on the crater walls. That is why the crater has quite irregular, sharp and steep edges. You can read more about the different types of volcanoes and their impact on Iceland’s nature in the guide How Iceland’s Volcanoes Work.
The picturesque setting of Eldborg crater
Eldborg lies on a large, colorful lava plain (Eldborgarhraun) full of green, red, gold and orange accents. There are 5 other craters around, but Eldborg is the largest in the area, which makes it quite spectacular.
Depending on your preferences, experience and fitness, you can walk around the crater or climb to the top. Those willing can even take a look inside Eldborg. Ravens nesting inside the crater add drama to the place. On a clear day, the view from the top stretches from Snæfellsjökull to the Reykjanes peninsula.
How to get to Eldborg volcano
Eldborg lies “in the bend” of Road 54, where it turns west onto the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It is about 38 km (24 miles) north of the town of Borgarnes and about 80 km (50 miles) north of Reykjavik. Farther west along Road 54, you’ll find the Gerduberg basalt wall.
The walk to the crater starts at the Snorrastaðir farm, which has a parking lot and restrooms. The trail is about 3.4 km (2.1 miles) each way and crosses lava overgrown with scrub. The ground is mostly flat, though unpaved, but the final climb to the top is quite steep.
