Eldhraun Lava Field
Vast, moss-covered lava field from a historic eruption, offering an otherworldly landscape and a glimpse into Iceland's powerful geology.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Moss is most vibrant in sunlight
Eldhraun Lava Field
Best Time
Moss is most vibrant in sunlight
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast, moss-covered lava field from a historic eruption, offering an otherworldly landscape and a glimpse into Iceland's powerful geology.
"It honestly looks like something from another planet. "
🚶 Stay on Paths!
The moss is fragile and takes decades to recover. Use designated paths and platforms. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Pull Over Safely
Many pull-offs along the Ring Road offer great views. Look for picnic signs for designated parking. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mossy Expanse
Miles of vibrant green moss blanketing ancient lava rocks, creating an alien, otherworldly landscape.
Apollo 11 Training Site
This unique terrain served as a training ground for Apollo 11 astronauts preparing for moonwalks.
Laki Eruption's Legacy
Witness the immense scale of the 1783-1784 Laki eruption, the largest in recorded history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Fragile Moss
Quick Stop, Big Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Stay on Paths!
The moss is fragile and takes decades to recover. Use designated paths and platforms. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Pull Over Safely
Many pull-offs along the Ring Road offer great views. Look for picnic signs for designated parking. :car:
📸 Photo Opportunities
The unique landscape is a photographer's dream. Capture the alien textures and vibrant green hues. :camerawithflash:
⏱️ Quick Stop
Perfect for a brief, impactful stop on your South Iceland journey. Allow 30-60 minutes. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Stay on Paths!
The moss is fragile and takes decades to recover. Use designated paths and platforms. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Pull Over Safely
Many pull-offs along the Ring Road offer great views. Look for picnic signs for designated parking. :car:
📸 Photo Opportunities
The unique landscape is a photographer's dream. Capture the alien textures and vibrant green hues. :camerawithflash:
⏱️ Quick Stop
Perfect for a brief, impactful stop on your South Iceland journey. Allow 30-60 minutes. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Eldhraun Lava Field as an otherworldly and breathtaking landscape, with the vibrant green moss covering the vast lava rocks creating a surreal, almost alien, atmosphere. Many appreciate it as a unique and peaceful stop along the Ring Road, offering stunning photographic opportunities. However, some note that it's primarily a visual experience best viewed from designated areas, and caution is advised regarding the fragile moss.
"Eldhraun is one of those places that really feels otherworldly. It’s this huge lava field covered in thick, green moss that stretches as far as you can see - it honestly looks like something from another planet. It’s super quiet and peaceful too, so you can just stand there and take it all in.
There are a few spots along the Ring Road where you can pull over and admire it, but be careful not to walk on the moss, as it’s really fragile and takes decades to grow back. Definitely a quick stop that’s well worth it!"
Paulomi Roy
"Such a beautiful and unique viewpoint of the moss lava fields! You see them while driving but it’s so different to see it from above"
Stephanie Rodriguez
"A good view point of those magnificient lava fields is on Road #1 about 60 km from Vik towards East , there is a picnic sign on the right side of road. There you will find a big parking space, information signs and a platform to look around that amazing view."
Carlos y Blanca Rodríguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eldhraun Lava Field is easily accessible directly from Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) in South Iceland. It's located between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Many visitors stop here as part of a road trip along the south coast.
Yes, the vast expanse of the lava field is visible from the Ring Road. There are designated pull-offs and parking areas where you can safely stop to admire the view.
You should not drive off the main roads into the lava field. Stick to the designated roads and parking areas to protect the fragile moss.
The best way is to stop at one of the marked viewpoints along the Ring Road. You can walk on designated paths and platforms to get closer to the moss-covered lava.
Absolutely! Eldhraun is ideal for a short stop, typically 30-60 minutes, to stretch your legs and take in the unique scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Eldhraun Lava Field is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. Access to view the lava field from the roadside and designated viewpoints is free.
Eldhraun Lava Field is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is an open natural landscape. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.
There are no entrance fees to visit Eldhraun Lava Field. It's a natural wonder that can be enjoyed freely by all visitors.
While there isn't a formal visitor center, some viewpoints along the Ring Road have information signs explaining the geology and history of the lava field.
You can technically access the area at night, but it's not recommended due to safety concerns and the inability to see the mossy landscape clearly.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are from the designated viewpoints and platforms along the Ring Road. These offer panoramic views of the moss-covered lava.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing textures.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, reducing harsh shadows and enhancing the vibrant green of the moss. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone regulations in Iceland can be strict. Always check the latest rules and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone over natural landscapes like Eldhraun.
The otherworldly, alien-like appearance of the moss-covered lava field, especially with its unique textures and vibrant green color, makes it a standout photographic subject.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Environment
The dominant moss species is woolly-fringe moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum), which forms a thick, continuous carpet over the lava rocks.
The moss is extremely fragile and takes decades, sometimes centuries, to grow back if damaged. Stepping on it can cause irreparable harm to the ecosystem.
Besides the dominant moss, you might find some hardy grasses and small arctic plants adapted to the volcanic soil and harsh conditions.
While not a formal national park, Eldhraun is a significant natural landscape, and visitors are expected to treat it with respect and adhere to conservation guidelines.
Eldhraun is the site of the largest lava flow in recorded history, stemming from the Laki eruption in 1783-1784, which had a profound impact on Iceland and Europe.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach children about volcanic activity, ecosystems, and the importance of respecting nature. Ensure children stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the fragile moss. The accessibility from the Ring Road makes it an easy stop for families on a road trip. 🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1 Visit during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Remember to be patient and respectful of the environment; the beauty of Eldhraun lies in its raw, untouched nature. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Laki Eruption: A Cataclysmic Event
The eruption's impact was not confined to Iceland; the release of volcanic gases and ash into the atmosphere caused widespread climate disruptions across Europe, leading to crop failures, famine, and disease. The sheer scale of the Laki eruption is hard to comprehend. It is considered the largest lava flow in recorded history, and its consequences were felt globally. The Eldhraun lava field stands as a stark and beautiful reminder of this powerful natural event, now softened by a thick blanket of vibrant green moss.
+1The Unique Ecology of Eldhraun's Moss
This moss plays a crucial role in stabilizing the volcanic soil and preventing erosion, slowly transforming the barren lava landscape over centuries. It's vital to protect this delicate ecosystem. The moss grows incredibly slowly, and even a single footstep can damage it for decades. Visitors are strongly urged to stay on marked paths and platforms to ensure the preservation of this unique natural wonder.
Eldhraun: An Alien Training Ground
The astronauts practiced their moonwalks on this landscape, which they believed closely resembled the surface of the Moon. This historical connection adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating location. Imagine walking where future moonwalkers honed their skills. The vast, uneven surface, dotted with moss-covered boulders, provided a realistic simulation for the challenges of lunar exploration. This unique aspect makes Eldhraun a place of both natural wonder and historical significance, connecting Earth's geology to humanity's reach for the stars.
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