Welsh for Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa Explained

Welsh for Snowdon is "Yr Wyddfa"

The Welsh name for Snowdon is Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft). The surrounding national park is called Eryri in Welsh.

Since 2022, the National Park Authority decided to only use 'Yr Wyddfa' when referring to Wales' highest mountain and "Eryri" for Snowdonia - protecting the names for future generations.

Snowdon, Wales’ tallest mountain at 1,085 m (3,560 ft), is known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa, which roughly translates as a tomb or burial place. This traditional Welsh name reflects the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the region. 

What “Yr Wyddfa” Means

Yr Wyddfa is the authentic Welsh name for Snowdon. Historically, “gwyddfa” could refer to a high place or a cairn, and local legend links the name to ancient myths involving giants and burial mounds.

The English name for Snowdon is believed to be derived from the Old English ‘snow dun’ meaning ‘snow hill’. There are references to this as far back as the 11th century.

Related Welsh Names You Should Know

Here are commonly used Welsh terms related to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon):

• Eryri – Welsh for Snowdonia, the national park region.
• Copa’r Wyddfa – Welsh for Snowdon Summit (“summit of the tomb”).
• Pedol Yr Wyddfa – Welsh for the Snowdon Horseshoe Ridge Walk.
• Hafod Eryri – the Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre (not a literal translation).
• Rheilffordd Mynydd Yr Wyddfa – Welsh for Snowdon Mountain Railway.
• Yr Wyddfa, Mynydd Uchaf Cymru – “Snowdon, Highest Mountain in Wales.”

How to Pronounce Yr Wyddfa and Eryri

• Yr Wyddfa is pronounced Uhr With-Va.
• Eryri is pronounced Eh Ruh-Ree

Browse ALL Welsh Words, Sayings and Phrases
Have a look around

Discover More Welsh Words and Phrases

This Page forms part of the Welsh Words section of this website which gives an English language translation for useful Welsh words, phrases and sayings.