How high is Maelifell?

Maelifell is about 791 metres above sea level.

How much does it rise above the surrounding plain?

It rises roughly 200 metres above the surrounding plain.

Can you climb the slopes?

Walkers are asked not to climb the slopes because the moss is fragile and slow-growing.

Maelifell in Iceland's Highlands

Maelifell is a steep, cone-shaped mountain in Iceland's southern highlands, rising from the black sands of Maelifellssandur. It sits within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve near the Myrdalsjokull glacier, at about 791 metres above sea level and roughly 200 metres above the surrounding plain.

What and where Maelifell is

Maelifell stands out as a steep cone rising directly from Maelifellssandur, the broad black sand area around it. Geographically, it lies in Iceland's southern highlands and within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It is also near the Myrdalsjokull glacier, which places it in a landscape shaped by both volcanic activity and ice.

In terms of size, the mountain reaches about 791 metres above sea level. From the plain around it, it rises roughly 200 metres, which explains why it appears so distinct against the flat black sands nearby.

How the cone was formed under ice

Maelifell is a hyaloclastite, also called a moberg, peak. That means it formed during a volcanic eruption beneath an ice sheet.

More specifically, the cone was created by a subglacial eruption at the end of the last glacial period. This combination of eruption and overlying ice produced the mountain's steep, cone-shaped form.

The green summer moss

In summer, Maelifell is covered in bright green Racomitrium moss. The green surface contrasts sharply with the black sand around the mountain, which is a defining part of its appearance during the open highland season.

The summer moss cover is not just visual detail. It is also part of what makes the mountain's surface especially delicate in the warmer months.

Protecting the fragile slopes

The moss on Maelifell is fragile and slow-growing. Because of that, walkers are asked not to climb the slopes.

This is a practical protection measure for the mountain's surface. Keeping off the cone helps avoid damage to vegetation that takes a long time to recover in the highlands.

Reaching Maelifell in the highlands

Access to Maelifell is only via rough highland F-roads, part of the Fjallabak network that also reaches Landmannalaugar and Eldgja. These roads open for a short summer window and require a 4WD. There are also no facilities in the area, so the setting is remote even by highland standards.

For live conditions, check safetravel.is and road.is. If you want to compare options for reaching the interior, see Highlands tours.