Bláfjöll (pronounced as /is/, "blue mountains") are a small mountain range in the southwest of Iceland on Reykjanes peninsula at about 30 km from Reykjavík.
They form sort of a double mountain massif to the west and in the east of Jósepsdalur[1] on Hellisheiði.[2]
The mountain massif has a length of about 9 km. The western part includes Vífilsfell as well as Icelandic: Bláfjallahorn pronounced as /is/, the eastern one reaches from Icelandic: Sauðadalahnúkur pronounced as /is/ to Icelandic: Kerlingarhnúkur pronounced as /is/.[1] The highest mountain is Hákollur pronounced as /is/ (685 m).[1]
The Bláfjöll are Pleistocene subglacial volcanoes and part of the Brennisteinsfjöll volcanic system.[3]
The area is the most popular ski resort for the inhabitants of Iceland's Capital City Area.[2]
The winter sports area is situated at elevations between 460 and 700 m.[4]
15 km of easy and intermediate slopes for skiing and snowboarding as well as 15 lifts (tow lifts and chair lifts) are available as well as possibilities for night skiing.[4] Cross country skiing is also possible.[5] Two huts with accommodation and restaurant provide service for the guests. All this makes it the largest ski resort in Iceland.[4]
From Reykjavík the Hringvegur is followed in southern direction, at the airfield of Sandskeið taken the Route 417 in direction of Hafnarfjörður/Bláfjöll, but up on the lava plateau turned left into the short Bláfjallavegur/Route 407. It leads directly to the mountains and the skiing area.[6]
Part of the mountain range is protected since 1973 as Icelandic: Bláfjallafólkvangur. pronounced as /is/[2]