Guide de Voyage : Faille de Lambafellsgja

The Lambafellsgja fissure is an exposed narrow fissure located on a small hill in the Lambafell nature preserve on the Southern peninsula.

Travelers looking for a family-friendly adventure off the tourist trail but loved by locals can hike through the Lambafellsgja fissure. It’s the perfect way to add some extra excitement to a self-drive summer tour of the Reykjanes peninsula. Or, take a private and customizable Reykjanes peninsula tour and request an excursion to the Lambafellsgja fissure.

The walk to and through the Lambafellsgja fissure is an easy hike, making it accessible even for children. The Lambafellsgja fissure boasts a beautiful display of the planet’s natural processes and the geology of Iceland. 

Photo by Regina Hronn Ragnarsdottir

Physical Features of the Lambafellsgja fissure

The Lambafellsgja fissure is an exciting hiking route, offering a unique geologic experience that brings in locals and tourists alike. The darkness of the narrow crevice contrasts beautifully with a thin line of blue sky overhead. 

The fissure is 164 yards (150 meters) long and 164 feet (50 meters) at its deepest point. At its narrowest, you can almost touch either side of it with outstretched arms. The southern end of the fissure features high-temperature steam vents.

Why Is the Lambafellsgja Fissure So Special?

The Lambafellsgja Fissure is unique because of its geology and its accessibility. Several of the country’s awe-inspiring geological formations are hidden, either high on mountaintops or deep underground.

Lambafellsgja Fissure is an impressive geologic location where all you have to do is take a simple hike to enjoy all it offers. 

How to get to the Lambafellsgja Fissure

Lambafellsgja is on the Reykjanes peninsula, 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Reykjavik. If you wish to visit the Lambafellsgja Fissure on a day trip, it is best to stay in Reykjavik or Keflavik.  

To drive to Lambafellsgja, you will take road 41, then turn south to the road that takes you to Keilir. When you approach a turn that takes you to down to Keilir, drive a bit further until you reach a small parking lot. 

It’s worth noting that the lave field road leading to the Lambafellsgja fissure is very bumpy. Although the distance from Reykjavik is relatively short, the drive will take almost an hour.

From the parking lot to Lambafellsgja, it’s around a 0.6-mile (1 kilometer) walk to the fissure. You can hike through the rift in either direction, as preferred. Allow around one hour to enjoy this fascinating and easy hike.

Attractions Near the Lambafellsgja Fissure

There are many other tourist attractions and natural wonders near the Lambafellsgja Fissure. 

You can visit locations such as colossal lava fields and volcanoes. These are responsible for all of the geothermal activity in the area, like the currently-erupting volcano, Fagradalsfjall.

If you are a nature buff, there is a diverse array of natural life to appreciate on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Check out Krysuvikurbjarg, a massive bird colony home to almost eighty thousand seabirds during summer. 

Don’t miss a visit to the world-class Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, also on the Reykjanes peninsula. It’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate in Iceland’s milky-blue healing waters after a fun day of hiking and exploring. You can also extend your travels on the peninsula by visiting the numerous fishing villages on the peninsula's northern side.