Burfellsgja Lava Gorge is a 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) ancient lava channel carved by a volcanic eruption over 7,000 years ago. One of the best-preserved lava channels in Southwest Iceland, it offers a scenic, family-friendly hike through dramatic lava walls, small caves, and moss-covered terrain, all within easy reach of Reykjavik.
Burfellsgja Lava Gorge is best explored on self-drive tours using a rental car, and it fits easily into a half-day trip from Reykjavik. The trailhead is inside Heidmork, reachable via Route 41 and Route 408 through the Capital Region.
Burfellsgja is part of the Krysuvik Volcanic System on the Reykjanes Peninsula, one of the most geologically active zones in Iceland. The channel formed when a lava lake at Burfell overflowed and then drained suddenly, leaving the walls and floor frozen in place.
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That abrupt end to the eruption is why it remains so unusually intact today. The area was designated a protected natural monument in June 2020.
The out-and-back trail through the gorge to the crater summit covers roughly 3.4 to 3.7 miles (5.5 to 6 kilometers) and takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. Read on for what to expect on the trail, how to get there, and what else to see nearby.
Key Facts About Burfellsgja Lava Gorge
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Burfellsgja is a 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) lava channel in Heidmork, just 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from Reykjavik in the Capital Region.
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It was formed by a volcanic eruption at the Burfell Scoria Crater over 7,000 years ago.
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The hiking trail is family-friendly and rated moderate, covering 3.4 to 3.7 miles (5.5 to 6 kilometers) out and back with 430 feet (131 meters) of elevation gain.
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The trail passes through lava walls, small explorable caves, and ends at the rim of Burfell Crater with panoramic views.
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Trekking poles are recommended, especially on the loose gravel slopes near the crater summit.
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Extra caution is needed in winter when snow can cover deep fissures along the channel floor.
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Free parking is available at the trailhead on Heidmerkurvegur (GPS: N 64°02.8248′, W 021°51.2800′).
Why Burfellsgja Is Worth Visiting
What makes Burfellsgja stand out among hikes near Reykjavik is the combination of geological drama and easy access. The trail drops into a genuine ancient lava channel, where moss-covered walls of solidified lava rise on either side, creating a corridor that feels far more remote than it is.
Small caves dot the route and are fun to explore. Several deep natural fissures cut through the lava floor, a reminder of the forces that shaped this landscape. The trail ends at the summit of Burfell Crater, where the views across Heidmork, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and on clear days toward Reykjavik itself are surprisingly broad for such a modest elevation.
The lava field that flowed from Burfell, known as Burfellshraun, covers around 7 square miles (18 square kilometers) and stretches as far as the bays of Hafnarfjordur and Skerjafjordur. The reserve surrounding the gorge is home to around 60 species of wild birds and is one of the most forested areas in Iceland, making it feel lush and varied compared to the more barren lava deserts found elsewhere in the country.
Getting to Burfellsgja Lava Gorge
Burfellsgja is located in the Capital Region of Iceland, within the Heidmork Nature Reserve in the municipality of Gardaer, a suburban area immediately southeast of Reykjavik.
Heidmork is the largest recreational woodland area in the Capital Region and borders the city's outer suburbs. Burfell Crater is about 4.7 miles (7.5 kilometers) southeast of Hafnarfjordur and 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from central Reykjavik.
Burfellsgja is most easily reached with a rental car. From central Reykjavik, the drive takes approximately 20 minutes via Route 41 and Route 408 into the Heidmork Nature Reserve. The road is paved until it turns to gravel near the reserve entrance.
You pass the lake Vifilsstadavatn and the small cave site of Mariuhellar before reaching the free car park at a sharp bend in the road where the trail begins. The GPS coordinates for the parking area are N 64°02.8248′, W 021°51.2800′. An information sign at the trailhead provides an overview of the route and key landmarks.
There are no major guided tours that go specifically to Burfellsgja. It is primarily a self-drive and independent hiking destination. Travelers without a car can reach the area via public transport to the outer suburbs of Reykjavik, though this adds a significant walking distance. Self-drive tours are the most convenient option for those who prefer not to navigate independently.
Burfell Trail: Distance, Difficulty, and What to Expect
The Burfell via Burfellsgja trail is rated moderate. The out-and-back route covers approximately 3.4 to 3.7 miles (5.5 to 6 kilometers) with 430 feet (131 meters) of total elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in 1.5 to 3 hours.
The trail surface is mixed: gravel paths, stone, and grass. The channel section is walkable for most fitness levels, but the final ascent to the crater rim is steep with loose gravel. Trekking poles are useful, especially on the descent. A wooden staircase near the trailhead leads down into the lava field.
The trail is suitable for families with older children on dry summer days. In winter, snow can cover several of the natural fissures in the lava floor. Stick to the marked path and wear footwear with good grip year-round.
Best Time To Visit Burfellsgja
Burfellsgja is open year-round, but summer (June through August) offers the best hiking conditions. The days are long, the trail is fully accessible, and the moss and vegetation in the channel are at their most vivid.
Spring and autumn are also good options, with fewer visitors and comfortable temperatures for hiking. The scenery takes on a different character in each season, with autumn bringing golden tones to the surrounding woodland.
Winter hiking is possible but requires extra caution. Snow can hide the natural fissures in the lava floor, which can be quite deep. Stick to the marked path and wear appropriate footwear. Check the latest weather conditions at vedur.is and road conditions at umferdin.is before heading out.
Plan Your Visit to Burfellsgja Lava Gorge
Burfellsgja Lava Gorge is one of the most rewarding half-day hikes near Reykjavik, offering genuine volcanic scenery, small caves, and a crater summit, all within 20 minutes of the city. Grab a rental car, and you can combine it easily with a stop at the Raudholar Pseudocraters or a guided tour of the Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel for a full geology-focused day.
If you’re planning a broader trip, Burfellsgja makes an excellent first stop before heading south along the South Coast or east along the Ring Road. Iceland’s volcanic landscape never really ends. Burfellsgja is a great place to start exploring it.
