How To See Maelifell Volcano in Iceland (2024 Guide)

What is Maelifell?

Maelifell is a volcano in the south of Iceland known as the “green volcano”

It’s off the beaten path and thus only visited by an estimated couple thousand per year. A surprisingly low figure since Iceland is such a massive tourist destination lately! This is definitely a hidden gem!

Maelifell is located behind Myrdalsjökull Glacier, which creates truths:

One, it is very tricky to get to Maelifell, using two of the famed Iceland F-Roads.
Two, the view of a Green Volcano coming out of the dark black ash, set in front of the top of a massive glacier is one of the best sights to behold.

Maelifell has been on Justice’s bucket list for a long time, and we successfully visited it during our trip in September, so here is everything you need to know in order to know how to see Maelifell during your trip to Iceland.

What is an F-Road?

Let’s start with the famed F-Roads, what are these things?

Iceland F-Roads are very rugged and less traversable roads that work towards the interior and highland areas of Iceland. Which naturally scares away most tourists. But you’re not that person are you? No you’re reading into Maelifell, so you love adventure! Well you’re in the right place, because when we told even the locals we went to Maelifell, they were impressed and some were even jealous!

Which F-Roads do I take to get there? How to see Maelifell

Let’s get to the nitty gritty, in order to know how to see Maelifell, you need to know which way to go. Well it’s actually easier than you think directions wise.

Start by going east on highway 1 from Vik.

If you want to charge up with Coffee from the AMAZING Skool Beans, remember they and just about everyone in Vik does not open till 9am.

From Highway 1, you will turn left at 209, and then after 10min on that you will come to your first F-Road (F232)

F232

F232, is a relatively easy F-Road, you have a pretty smooth road and only one significant river crossing. Yes you read that right, you cross a river. It’s actually over a waterfall! This is Bláfjallafoss and it’s one of the best parts of this drive. Not only is the adrenaline pumped by driving over a waterfall, this is also a very beautiful valley section of the drive with beauty in any direction. And again, you’re likely to be all alone to soak it all in yourself.

This is also near the end of F232 where you will turn left on F210.

F210

F210 actually starts all the way back at Highway 1, but you turned onto F232 before reaching the entrance to F210… Why? Well F210 does have a very large river crossing that you will likely need a super Jeep or something with a lot more size and strength to cross.

We rented a 4×4 Toyota Hillux, and the F232 to F210 after the river holsma was a great decision.

Now there was still some anxiety on F210, almost like nature’s final boss before getting to Maelifell, there is a section of glacier melt runoff running all over F210 right in front of Maelifell. Which we were not prepared for and it got really strange in one section. The water is not deep at all, but moving quick and causing some muddy ashy messes in some sections. It did feel like if we stopped we would get stuck in the mud, so we did our best to keep moving. Keep an eye on the yellow pegs along the path, as this will help you stay on target for direction to Maelifell, although you literally cannot miss it at this point. This area feels like you are literally on the moon! Huge Interstellar Space vibes.

And you made it! Soak it in, take the pics, whip out the drone, this is a gorgeous area. When you’re done, you can proceed all the way out F210 to the west, or just head back the way you came.

If you start this entire route from the west (Hella) just play out the directions in reverse order.

What kind of car do I need to see Maelifell?

Well we touched on how we rented a 4×4 Toyota Hillux, and it was perfect to see Maelifell! You will be required to have a 4×4 vehicle on this route, and we would suggest getting one with some good ground clearance, DO NO TAKE A DACIA DUSTER on this route! Cannot say enough about how many local chats, threads, and forums I read that said “don’t be the next Duster that blocks a river cause you’re stuck”

anything similar to a Hillux will work great! and We absolutely recommend using Lotus Car Rental.

Simply put, it gave us the most peace of mind as Lotus is the best insurance of any rental agency in Iceland. The only one that covers EVERYTHING from F-Roads! The chasis, the engine, the brakes, the EVERYTHING.

The only thing you will owe money for is losing the key fab, losing the Garmin GPS, or needing a tow which will be around a $200 deductible. So literally anything else besides those three things and you’re covered.

How to check Iceland road conditions + F-Road Safety Tips

PLEASE READ THESE AS THEY MAY SAVE YOU!

Here are some tips for river crossings and most importantly how to check weather/road conditions before heading out.

These rivers after a storm (which you may not see behind the glacier) may become to high and fast to drive, so take a peak at this website here for all Iceland road closures and conditions before leaving Vik.

When approaching a river to cross try these simple steps to prevent a lot of heartache, or worse injury or death. (sorry for being graphic, but this is important to understand)

1. Always check the river before driving through it
2. Use a technique where you enter the river at an angle that goes into the current, so it naturally pushes you towards the exit (see graphic below) created by Epic Iceland

1. You may want to wade through the water a little to check depth of areas you cannot see from the banks.
2. Observing another vehicle go first is always a great strategy if you’re lucky enough to be near someone else.
3. Plan your path properly, and engage the 4×4 before entering the water.