Saxholl Crater
Saxholl Crater
On our final day around the island, after a baptism by fire at Kirkjufell, we headed back to the capital along the Ring Road. The first place we could descend was Saxholl Crater, which we decided to visit because it's relatively low and easy to climb.
For those who prefer not to hike too far, Saxholl is a great sightseeing spot. The crater is approximately 100 meters (100 feet) high, with a helpful walking path and steps to make the ascent as easy as possible. It's an easy alternative to visiting Elborg Crater on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which requires a two-and-a-half-hour hike.
In fact, Saxholl has two craters, but most visitors only climb the first one, as it's located close to the Utnesvegur Highway (Nr. 574). From the top of the crater, visitors can enjoy incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the vast, dry lava fields of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Saxholl is one of Iceland's finest examples of volcanic craters that once spewed hot magma from the Earth, shaping the surrounding landscape.