Berserkjahraun Lava Field
Berserkjahraun
A rugged lava field formed in an eruption about 4,000 years ago, named after the legend in Eyrbyggja Saga of two berserkers who cleared a path through it.
The Berserkjahraun lava field lies on the north coast between Grundarfjörður and Stykkishólmur. Black lava blocks are covered in thick grey-green moss, and a few reddish-brown scoria cones rise around it. According to the saga, two Swedish berserkers were ordered to clear a road through the lava before they could marry the farmer's daughter. They were killed once the path was made, and the road can still be made out today. Route 558, a gravel road, crosses the lava field, and you can stop along the way for photos. Entry is free, and it is very close to the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
- Ytri Tunga Seal Beach
- Helgafell
- Stykkishólmur
- Súgandisey Lighthouse
- Kirkjufell, Snæfellsnes
- Flatey Island
- Búðakirkja (Black Church of Búðir)