Rauðhólar: Iceland's Red Hills Near Reykjavík

What's Rauðhólar?

Rauðhólar (pronounced roughly as "roith-ho-lar") is a group of red pseudocraters in the Elliðaárhraun lava field on the southeastern edge of Reykjavík. These mounds aren't true volcanic craters; they're what geologists call "rootless cones" because they formed without a direct link to a magma source.

Once home to over 150 volcanic formations, Rauðhólar holds a fascinating human history alongside its geological importance. During World War II, the British and American military bases in Iceland used the site as a quarry, taking about 95,000 cubic meters of material to build Reykjavík Airport and roads. This reduced the number of craters to around 80 today.

Later on, Icelanders recognized the site's value, leading to its protection in 1961 and full addition to the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve by 1974. Today, the Reykjavík City Council manages it as an essential natural and educational site.

The name "Rauðhólar" simply means "Red Hills" in Icelandic, a straightforward description that captures their most striking feature: the bright red color that makes them stand out against Iceland's skies.

How Rauðhólar Was Formed

The story of Rauðhólar began about 5,200 years ago during the Holocene period, when a lava flow called Leitahraun moved from the Leitin shield volcano in the Brennisteinsfjöll volcanic system. This smooth lava advanced across the landscape until it reached a shallow lake north of what's now Lake Elliðavatn.

What happened next was dramatic. When the hot lava met the lake water, the intense heat (around 1,000°C/1,832°F) caused the water to boil instantly. The resulting steam built up pressure under the hardening lava crust until it exploded upward. These explosions threw lava fragments into the air, which fell back down and built up the cone shapes we see today.

If you look closely at the rock layers of these cones, you'll notice they're made up of scoria, porous, rough volcanic rock fragments with larger chunks at the bottom and smaller pieces on top, showing how the explosions became less powerful as they continued.

And…Why It's Red?

But what about that red color? It comes from iron in the volcanic rock that oxidized over thousands of years, giving Rauðhólar its signature red hue. It's the same process that gives Mars its red color, which is why some visitors call this area "Mars on Earth."

Scientists at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History have studied these formations extensively, noting that similar pseudocraters exist in very few places on Earth, making Rauðhólar globally significant for volcanic studies.

Location & How to Get There

Getting to Rauðhólar is straightforward, making it one of the most accessible natural wonders in Iceland. The site sits at the edge of Reykjavík's urban area, offering a perfect balance of convenience and natural beauty.

From Reykjavík

Rauðhólar sits about 14 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of downtown Reykjavík, making it one of the most accessible volcanic sites in Iceland. Most visitors reach it by car, which takes about 20 minutes from the city center.

To drive there:

• Take Route 49 (Reykjanesbraut) east from Reykjavík
• Connect to the Ring Road (Route 1/Suðurlandsvegur) heading southeast
• After about 10 km, look for the turnoff to Rauðhólavegur (Route 408)
• Follow signs to Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
• Continue until you reach the Rauðhólar parking area

The roads are paved until you enter the reserve, where they become gravel. In winter, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended as the gravel roads can become snowy or icy.

Public Transportation Options

There's a direct bus to Rauðhólar, or you can combine public transport with some walking, although it takes much longer:

• The direct bus is bus number 5, which departs from Gamla Hringbraut
• Depending on your location in the city, you can combine route 3 with routes 51 or 52.
• From either stop, you'll need to walk 2-3 kilometers to reach the site

If you don't have a car and prefer not to walk, several tour companies in Reykjavík offer guided trips to Rauðhólar, often combined with other nearby attractions.

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Best Things to Do at Rauðhólar

Rauðhólar offers much more than just scenic views. This volcanic landscape provides a range of activities that let you experience the area from different perspectives.

Hiking Trails

The hiking trails through Rauðhólar offer something for everyone. The main paths are relatively flat and easy, making them good for families and casual walkers. A complete loop around the main crater area takes about 1-2 hours at a normal pace.

What makes hiking here special is how the trails wind between and sometimes up the red craters, giving you different views of these formations. Information boards along the way explain the volcanic processes that created them.

For a longer hike, connect to the broader trail network in Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, where paths lead through forests, around Lake Elliðavatn, and to other volcanic features.

Horseback Riding

One of the most authentic ways to experience Rauðhólar is on an Icelandic horse. These small, sturdy animals are known for their unique fifth gait called "tölt", a smooth running walk that makes riding comfortable even for beginners.

Several stables near Rauðhólar offer guided tours lasting 2-3 hours, taking you through the lava fields and among the red craters. Prices typically range from $80-120 per person.

Local operators include:

• Íshestar (ishestar.is)
• Viking Horses (vikinghorses.is)

These tours provide all the needed equipment and basic riding instruction. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during the summer months.

Photography Spots

Photographers will find plenty of inspiration at Rauðhólar. The contrast between the red craters and the surrounding green plants creates striking images. For the best shots:

• Visit during early morning or late afternoon when sunlight brings out the red colors
• Look for reflecting pools after rain for mirror images
• Climb to higher spots for views of multiple craters
• Include people or Icelandic horses in your shots to show scale
• In winter, capture the contrast between red rock and white snow

The area's changing light conditions mean no two visits will produce the same photographs.

Geology Exploration

For those interested in geology, Rauðhólar is like an outdoor classroom. Beyond just looking at the red hills, you can:

• Examine the different layers in exposed crater walls
• Spot lava tubes that once channeled molten rock
• Find examples of both rough and smooth lava types
• Look for foreign rock fragments embedded in the lava
• Compare the pseudocraters to other volcanic features in Heiðmörk

The site offers a unique opportunity to get up close to volcanic features that are typically inaccessible or roped off at more popular Icelandic attractions.

Wildlife & Nature at Rauðhólar

Despite its harsh volcanic origins, Rauðhólar has developed into a thriving ecosystem. The contrast between barren lava and flourishing life makes this area fascinating from a natural history perspective.

Plant Life

Despite the harsh volcanic terrain, Rauðhólar supports a surprising variety of plants. The area shows how life gradually takes hold of lava flows.

The craters themselves host hardy plants:

• Mosses in shades of green, yellow, and red
• Lichens clinging to lava rocks
• Heather and crowberry that create small shrub patches

In the flatter areas between craters, you'll find:

• Wild thyme and arctic thyme (pick some to smell their fragrance)
• Patches of Alaskan lupine with purple flowers (planted to fight soil erosion)
• Dwarf birch and willow in sheltered spots

The surrounding Heiðmörk reserve has been reforested since the 1950s, with over 4 million trees planted. This mix of natural and planted woodland creates a green frame around the red craters.

Bird Watching

Rauðhólar and the nearby Lake Elliðavatn offer good birdwatching. Over 60 species have been recorded in the greater Heiðmörk area.

Birds you might spot include:

• Whooper swans and greylag geese on the lake
• Arctic terns flying overhead
• Meadow pipits and redwings
• Common snipe with their distinctive flying displays
• Golden plovers with their calls
• White wagtails moving along the shore

Bring binoculars and visit in the early morning for the best birdwatching. Spring and early summer (May-June) offer the most active bird life, when migrants return and the breeding season is in full swing.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Planning ahead makes all the difference when visiting Rauðhólar. The site has no facilities like visitor centers, cafes, or restrooms, so coming prepared ensures you'll have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Best Time to Visit

Each season at Rauðhólar offers a different experience:

Summer (June-August):

• Longest daylight hours (up to 24 hours in June)
• Warmest temperatures (10-15°C/50-59°F on average)
• Most accessible trails and the fullest vegetation
• Peak bird activity
• More visitors, though still less crowded than major attractions

Fall (September-October):

• Autumn colors in the surrounding birch forest
• Fewer visitors
• Clear days with good light for photography
• Cooler temperatures requiring layers (5-10°C/41-50°F)

Winter (November-March):

• Contrast of red craters against white snow
• Very few visitors
• Limited daylight hours (4-6 hours in December)
• Need for winter gear and possibly a 4x4 vehicle
• Unique photography opportunities with low-angle Arctic light

Spring (April-May):

• Returning of the bird life
• Melting snow reveals the landscape
• Spring flowers start to bloom
• Variable weather requires layers
• Generally good accessibility

What to Bring

To make your visit to Rauðhólar comfortable, pack:

• Hiking shoes with good ankle support (the lava terrain is uneven)
• Layered clothing (the weather in Iceland can change quickly)
• Waterproof outer layer (rain is common year-round)
• Hat and gloves (useful even in summer)
• Water bottle (no shops or facilities on site)
• Snacks or picnic lunch
• Camera with extra battery (the cold can drain batteries quickly)
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Sunglasses (the glare off lava can be intense)
• Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
• Small first aid kit

In winter, add:

• Ice cleats/crampons for your shoes
• Extra warm layers
• Thermos with a hot drink

Conservation Guidelines

Rauðhólar is a protected site, and several rules help preserve it:

• Stay on marked trails to prevent damage to fragile moss and plants
• Don't remove rocks or other natural materials
• Keep dogs on leash to avoid disturbing wildlife
• No camping or fires within the Rauðhólar area
• Pack out all trash
• No off-road driving (strictly forbidden and heavily fined in Iceland)
• Respect closure signs – they're there for safety and conservation
• For drone photography, check current rules (often restricted in nature reserves)

Remember that the moss covering much of the lava can take decades to recover if damaged, so walk carefully.

Nearby Attractions

While Rauðhólar is worth a visit on its own, the surrounding area offers additional natural and recreational opportunities that can turn your trip into a full-day excursion. The Heiðmörk Nature Reserve contains several complementary attractions, all within a short distance of the red hills.

Heiðmörk Nature Reserve

Rauðhólar is just one highlight within the larger Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, which covers 3,200 hectares. While you're in the area, explore:

• Reforested woodlands with hiking and cycling trails
• The Reykjavík Forestry Association headquarters with information displays
• Seasonal berry picking spots (blueberries and crowberries in late summer)
• Winter cross-country skiing trails when snow conditions permit

The reserve serves as a green lung for the capital region and shows successful land reclamation in a country that lost most of its original forests.

Lake Elliðavatn

Just north of Rauðhólar lies Lake Elliðavatn, a freshwater lake fed by the Elliðaár river. This peaceful spot offers:

• Nice spots for picnics
• Fishing for arctic char and brown trout (permit required)
• A nice shoreline walking path
• Good birdwatching opportunities

The lake also has historical significance: it's been a source of drinking water for Reykjavík and once powered Iceland's first hydroelectric plant.

Búrfellsgjá Lava Channel

For those wanting a more challenging hike, the Búrfellsgjá lava channel lies within Heiðmörk, about 3 kilometers from Rauðhólar. This fissure:

• Stretches for 3.8 kilometers through the lava field
• Resulted from the same eruption that created Rauðhólar
• Features walls up to 15 meters high
• Offers a more rugged, less-visited experience
• Takes about 2 hours to hike one-way

The trail requires good footwear and reasonable fitness, but rewards with a deeper understanding of Iceland's volcanic landscape.

Conclusion

Rauðhólar offers a good introduction to Iceland's volcanic landscape without going far from Reykjavík. Its easy access, distinctive red color, and geological importance make it worth including in even the shortest Iceland trip.