4.5
(113)
924
hikers
4
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Hreðavatn offer access to a diverse landscape in West Iceland. The region is characterized by a prominent lake, volcanic craters, and extensive lava fields. Hikers can explore areas featuring waterfalls, forestry, and hills that provide views of glaciers and surrounding valleys. The terrain includes both gentle paths and more varied sections, suitable for different hiking preferences.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
4.0
(14)
69
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
65
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
28
hikers
9.03km
02:27
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Paradisalaut translates to Paradise - hollow. A small crystal-clear pond where there are also beautiful reflections. A few wooden steps lead down
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It's not crowded and you can best enjoy nature 🙃. We had the viewing platform all to ourselves.
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The Glanni waterfall car park 🅿️ costs 1000 ISK. There is a toilet at the car park. The path to Glanni is easily accessible and not far. You can also do longer hikes in this area. It is also nice to make a detour to the Paradies Senke 😉
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On the way from the Glanni waterfall to the Paradies -Senke you have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains 🙂
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A top view. Definitely take the time for it.
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The view into the crater is not very spectacular. But overall it is a worthwhile round, also around the volcano.
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The Grábrók crater, on the other hand, offers a welcome opportunity for a short photo break halfway north on the Ring Road. Coming from Reykjavík, you will find the crater shortly after the rest stop at the Grábrók guesthouse on the left side. There is also a parking lot here. By the way, if you are wondering: yes, you have actually passed a university on the way. The University of Bifröst is located a proud 100 km away from Reykjavík, in the middle of nowhere for students. Here, students are trained in law, business administration, or management, among other fields. In the middle of the beautiful bush and moss steppe of Borgarfjörður, they can at least not complain about a desolate campus... -Grábrók is the largest of three craters in the surrounding area, lying on a volcanic fissure. From the parking lot, you can follow a newly made footpath that branches off somewhat to the edge of the crater. Wooden footbridges are my favorite motif in the landscape, by the way; you can create wonderful graphic accents. -The crater is overgrown with colorful moss and lichens, and even though the climb is a bit steep, the short effort is definitely worth it. From the top, there is a great view over the other craters, the "university campus," and the rest of the bush and mountain landscape of the area. Usually, it is quite quiet here, and only a few travelers find their way along the steps. -The path leads at a height of 170 meters once around the crater, and I can only recommend this circular walk. The Icelandic wind can whistle through you quite a bit here, but the scenery impressively lets you feel the vastness of the landscape and excites me. This so-called cinder cone was formed about 3,600 years ago and has been under nature protection since the 1960s. -You can plan about 20-30 minutes for this short stop. So, even if you have little time on your trip, you can discover something in the west! (Source: https://guidetoiceland.is/de/island-blog/rebecca-23/unbekannter-schatz-an-der-ringstrasse)
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View into the impressive volcanic crater. Caution, it can be very windy up there.
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There are 4 hiking routes around Hreðavatn that are specifically designed to start conveniently from bus stations. These include a mix of easy and moderate trails, offering options for various fitness levels.
Yes, there are 2 easy routes accessible from bus stops. For a family-friendly option, consider the View of Eldborg Crater – Grábrók Crater loop from Háskólinn á Bifröst. This trail offers an accessible way to explore the unique volcanic landscape, including the impressive Grábrók Crater.
The bus-accessible hikes around Hreðavatn offer a diverse range of natural attractions. You can explore the striking Grábrók Crater, a nature reserve with a newly constructed footpath, and enjoy panoramic views over Borgarfjörður. Many routes also feature the charming Glanni Waterfall on the Nordurá river and the picturesque Paradísarlaut Pond, known for its serene surroundings.
Yes, all the routes listed are circular, meaning they conveniently start and end at the same bus station, typically Háskólinn á Bifröst. This allows for easy planning without needing to arrange return transport. Examples include the Paradísarlaut Pond – Glanni Waterfall loop from Háskólinn á Bifröst and the Grábrók Crater – Paradísarlaut Pond loop from Háskólinn á Bifröst.
The best time to hike around Hreðavatn is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, the weather is milder, trails are typically clear of snow, and public transport schedules are often more frequent. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
While many trails in Iceland are dog-friendly, it's always best to check specific regulations for nature reserves like Grábrók Crater or protected areas. Generally, dogs should be kept on a leash to protect local wildlife and flora. Please ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them.
The hikes from bus stations around Hreðavatn range from easy to moderate. There are 2 easy routes, suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk, and 2 moderate routes, which might involve longer distances or slightly more elevation gain. There are no difficult routes listed directly from bus stations in this guide.
Absolutely! The area is known for its scenic beauty. From the rim of Grábrók Crater, you can enjoy beautiful views over Borgarfjörður. The nearby Jafnaskarðsskógur Forestry, which can be accessed via some routes, also offers magnificent views from its hills, including glimpses of Eiríks- and Langjökull glaciers, Lake Hreðavatn, and the surrounding countryside.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique volcanic landscapes, the accessibility of natural wonders like Grábrók Crater and Glanni Waterfall, and the convenience of starting directly from public transport hubs. The well-maintained paths and diverse scenery are frequently highlighted.
The primary bus station for these routes is Háskólinn á Bifröst. As it's located near a university campus, there are usually some basic amenities available, such as a small shop or cafe. It's always a good idea to check opening hours in advance, especially outside of academic terms, and to bring your own snacks and water for your hike.
The longest bus-accessible hike featured in this guide is the Paradísarlaut Pond – Glanni Waterfall loop from Háskólinn á Bifröst, covering a distance of approximately 10.6 kilometers (6.6 miles). This moderate route allows you to explore multiple natural highlights.


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