Region
South Iceland
105 km from Reykjavik
Hvolsvollur Iceland: LAVA Center, Eyjafjallajokull & Saga Country
Where volcanoes meet sagas—home to the LAVA Center, gateway to Eyjafjallajokull, and the dramatic landscape of Iceland's greatest medieval tales.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Population
~950
South Iceland • LAVA Center
Hvolsvollur has become an essential stop on the South Coast thanks to the LAVA Center, which brings Iceland's volcanic forces to life. The town sits in the shadow of Eyjafjallajokull—the volcano whose 2010 eruption made headlines worldwide—and in the heart of the landscape described in the epic Njal's Saga.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The LAVA Center's real-time seismic displays show Iceland's volcanic activity as it happens.
Sources to check
Population
~950
South Coast service town
Known for
LAVA Center
Volcanoes and saga history
Top Attractions in Hvolsvollur
LAVA Center
Award-winning volcanic exhibition
Eyjafjallajokull
Famous volcano with glacier cap
Saga Centre
Njal's Saga history and exhibits
Thorsmork Valley
Stunning highland hiking area
Fimmvorduhals Trail
Epic glacier-to-glacier hike
Swimming Pool
Geothermal pool and hot tubs
How to Get to Hvolsvollur
From Reykjavik: 1.5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), passing Selfoss and Hella.
To Thorsmork: 4x4 or super jeep required for river crossings. Organized tours available from town.
South Coast tours: Hvolsvollur is a standard stop on most South Coast day trips from Reykjavik.
Best Time to Visit Hvolsvollur
Year-round: The LAVA Center is open daily throughout the year—a perfect activity in any weather.
Summer: Best for Thorsmork and Fimmvorduhals hiking (June-September). Highland roads open.
Planning help
Hvolsvollur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.