In Nordurárdalur valley lies Grábrók and the Grábrók Lava Field, situated on 13-million-year-old rock, among the oldest in Iceland. Grábrók, a stunning crater just north of Bifröst University, erupted 3,200 years ago. It marks the easternmost part of the volcanic belt stretching from Snæfellsjökull eastward into Nordurárdalur in West Iceland. The Grábrók lava field, about 20 meters thick and covering seven square kilometers, originated from three craters: Grábrók, the largest; Grábrókarfell; and Smábrók (Little Grábrók). The lava altered the course of the Nordurá River—creating the Glanni waterfall near the lava—and dammed a small valley south of Bifröst, forming the beautiful Hredavatn lake. Grábrók is just over an hour’s drive from Reykjavík. While the lava field and craters are listed as nature conservation sites, they are not officially protected.
Grábrók 25/11/2024: RX1R II, A7R IV, A7R III – 2.0/35mm Z, FE 1.2/50mm GM, FE 1.8/20mm G, FE 1.8/135mm GM – Images and text: Páll Stefánsson
