About Snaefell
Snaefell is a stratovolcano rising to 1,833 meters (6,014 feet) in Iceland's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Snaefell is located in Iceland, within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 64.80° N, 15.56° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,833 meters above sea level, Snaefell is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Snaefell is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Snaefell in Iceland generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality.
GVP Reference Summary
The timing of the most recent activity in the Snæfell volcanic system, NE of Vatnajökull, is unknown. Four Holocene transitiional alkalic tephra units in a soild section near the volcano have compositions similar to known Snæfell eruption products (Oladottir and others, 2011). This stratovolcano is comprised of rhyolites and evolved basalts built in the last 400,000 years. Volcanic fissures trending NE-SW occur out to 10-18 km from the volcano. It lies on a volcanic belt outside the main volcanic zones. The Snæfell central volcano is Iceland’s highest volcanic peak outside of the large ice caps; it has a small glacier on its summit.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Snaefell.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Snaefell
Is Snaefell an active volcano?+
Snaefell is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Snaefell?+
Snaefell has a summit elevation of 1,833 meters (6,014 feet) above sea level. At 1,833 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Snaefell?+
Snaefell is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Snaefell located?+
Snaefell is located in Iceland, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 64.798° latitude, -15.560° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Snaefell?+
Snaefell can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Iceland may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
