One of the most beautiful trails in the Reykjavik area is through Búrfellsgjá Lava Channel. Mt. Búrfell was formed in a single volcanic eruption just over eight thousand years ago. Fissure (gjá) is really not the correct term for Búrfellsgjá because it is essentially a beautiful and seemingly intact lava channel, just over three kilometres long. You drive past the lake Vífilsstaðavatn towards Heiðmörk, past Maríuhellar and alongside Vífilsstaðahlíð. Soon after the paved road turns into a gravel road there is a sharp bend in the road where cars can be parked and the hike begins. The hiking trail is along paths, however, the paths are stony in some areas and the slopes of Mt. Búrfell are gravel slopes so trekking poles can be useful. There are several fissures in Búrfellsgjá, hence caution is advised when they become covered by snow. On a good summer’s day a hike in Búrfellsgjá is suitable for everybody and children enjoy it very much. The Wapp tells you how the lava channel was formed, of sheep herding, on the legendary Krýsuvíkur-Gvendur and points out caves.
The route in the Wapp is sponsored by the town of Garðabær.