Fjäll

Fjöll, in Icelandic, is the plural noun for mountains; the singular fjall denotes a single mountain. The term is widely used in maps, place names, and everyday speech to refer to elevated landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings.

Etymology: The word derives from Old Norse fjall, related to other Germanic terms such as Old English fæl and the modern English fell; cognates appear across northern Europe.

Geology and formation: Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. Much of Iceland’s relief is built by volcanism in combination with tectonic uplift. Mountains in Iceland are typically volcanic or deeply eroded remnants of volcanic activity, often with glaciated features. Glaciation carves sharp peaks, cirques, and long valleys, producing horns and ridges. Erosion and lava flows contribute to diverse shapes, from steep scoria cones to broad volcanic plateaus.

Notable mountains: Hvannadalshnúkur, at about 2,110 meters, is the highest point in Iceland, located on the Öræfajökull massif within Vatnajökull National Park. Öræfajökull itself is a large volcanic system with a similarly high summit. Other prominent fjöll include Esja near Reykjavík (914 m) and Snæfellsjökull (1,446 m) on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Ecology and use: Alpine zones host lichens, mosses, and sparse vegetation. Climate and terrain limit habitation, but mountains are important for water resources, glacier dynamics, and tourism. They are popular destinations for hiking, mountaineering, and skiing, and many lie within protected areas or national parks.