Iceland - Torfajökull Volcanic System / Fjallabak Nature Reserve

The Torfajökull area is approximately 600 km2 rhyolite massif at an altitude of 600-1200 meters above sea level in the south central Icelandic highlands. It covers the Torfajökull volcanic system along with the southern tip of the Bárðarbunga volcanic system to the north. The landscape is spectacular, mountainous, screes are abundant and the effects of volcanic activity are highly dominant. Craters, lava and hyaloclastite characterise the northern part of the area, but light coloured rhyolite the Torfajökull caldera to the south. The high-temperature geothermal field associated with Torfajökull is the largest and most powerful in the country and the terrain inside the caldera is typified by immense geothermal activity. Fumaroles and hot springs are widespread and steam plume visible in many places. These conditions create different habitats for the biota that is diverse, especially when taking into account the high elevation. The conservation value of the area is indisputable and a part of the Torfajökull area, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve (446 km2), has been protected since 1979 and is a popular place for tourism and hiking.