Öræfajökull

Iceland's Highest Peak & Hidden Volcano

2,110m Highest Point
1727 Last Eruption
300 Deaths (1362)

About Öræfajökull

Iceland's tallest mountain is actually an active stratovolcano hidden beneath the southern edge of Vatnajökull glacier. Despite its serene appearance, it's responsible for some of Iceland's deadliest eruptions.

🏔️ Physical Features

  • Highest point: Hvannadalshnjúkur (2,110m)
  • Large stratovolcano
  • Completely covered by glacier ice
  • Part of Vatnajökull National Park

⚡ Volcanic Type

  • Central volcano with caldera
  • Explosive eruptions under ice
  • Produces massive glacial floods
  • Silicic magma composition

📍 Location

  • Southeast Iceland
  • Edge of Vatnajökull glacier
  • Visible from Jökulsárlón
  • Near Skaftafell National Park

Deadly Eruption History

💀 Historical Impact

Öræfajökull has produced Iceland's most deadly eruptions. The 1362 eruption was so catastrophic it destroyed an entire district, earning the name "Öræfi" (wasteland) that persists today.

1362 - The Great Eruption

  • Iceland's most deadly volcanic eruption
  • 300+ confirmed deaths
  • Destroyed entire Litla-Hérað district
  • Massive glacial floods to the sea
  • Ash fall across Europe

1727-1728 - Second Major Eruption

  • 13-month long eruption
  • Smaller scale but still deadly
  • Created new mountains in the sea
  • Extensive property damage
  • Ash reached continental Europe

Climbing Iceland's Highest Peak

Hvannadalshnjúkur summit offers the ultimate Iceland mountaineering challenge with 360° views of the entire country on clear days.

🥾 Summit Climb

  • Technical glacier climb
  • 8-12 hours round trip
  • Professional guide required
  • Crampons and ropes essential

🌤️ Best Conditions

  • June-August climbing season
  • Clear weather windows rare
  • Start very early (3-4 AM)
  • Weather changes rapidly

⚠️ Challenges

  • Crevasse danger
  • Extreme weather exposure
  • Navigation in whiteout conditions
  • Emergency rescue difficulty

Current Monitoring & Status

📡 Surveillance

  • Continuous seismic monitoring
  • GPS ground deformation tracking
  • Gas emission measurements
  • Glacial flood detection systems

🔍 Recent Activity

  • Increased seismic activity 2017-2018
  • Minor ground deformation detected
  • Alert level raised temporarily
  • Currently back to normal levels

🚨 Preparedness

  • Evacuation plans for coastal areas
  • Early warning systems
  • Regular emergency drills
  • International cooperation for ash monitoring

Location