After ascending to Iceland’s highest peak in one day, you can check this bucket worthy climb off your list.
Tour code: SKF25
The ascent of the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadals- hnúkur (2110 m / 6900 ft) is a once-in-a-lifetime must.
The peak is located in the north-western rim of the Öræfajökull volcano and promises an unforgettable hike with breathtaking panoramic views. To kick off your adventure packed day, you will meet your highly qualified guide at our Base in Skaftafell for a briefing. No special technical skills are required but we recommend packing the items on our equipment list. The climb will be mentally and physically grueling but it is worth it. At the summit, you will witness the rugged outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull glacier and the vast sandy plains of the rivers that drain off that great glacier. This tour combines marvelous nature and a demanding hike for an unforgettable experience.
Please note that a minimum of two participants and a guide meets our standard of ascending and descending the summit in the safest way possible. We recommend that our customers leave a few days free before and after the scheduled departure date in case we need to cancel or make changes to a departure due to lack of participation or weather conditions. The season has been shortened due to deteriorating conditions on the glacier over the years.
A mandatory briefing will take place in our Base in Skaftafell at 16:00 the day before departure.
It is important that you are there at that time. In the briefing you’ll receive information and gear for your summit trip. If for some reason you cannot be at the briefing the company reserves the right to cancel your trip without refund. Note, that departure time might vary because of conditions, we are often leaving around 3 o'clock.
For groups: Contact us at [email protected]
*The Skaftafell parking lot fee is not included in the tour price.
Skaftafell Base (next to the National Park Visitor Center)
2 to 6 per guide
12 - 15 hrs
English
Strenuous
Only suitable for people physically and psychologically prepared for highly engaging experience. Expedition level. Often involves carrying your own gear.
Apr - Jul
15 hours
16 yrs
Our guide was very friendly and easy to get on with. He explained our route and safety requirements perfectly. Coupled with perfect weather conditions it made this a brilliant day.
The list of what equipment is required is correct and the equipment provided is in good condition.
We would recommend Icelandic Mountain Guides to all.
A mandatory briefing will take place in our Base in Skaftafell at 16:00 the day before departure. It is important that you are there at that time. In the briefing you’ll receive information and gear for your summit trip. If for some reason you cannot be at the briefing the company reserves the right to cancel your trip without refund.
Note, that departure time might vary because of conditions, we often leave earlier than 5 o´clock.
When you arrive to the Skaftafell area the night before the hike, you will meet your certified glacier and mountaineering guide at our Base next to the Vatnajökull National Park visitor center. There, you will receive all the necessary gear that we provide and a safety briefing.
On the day of the hike, you will challenging and rewarding hike. After basking in your hard earned summit of Iceland’s highest mountain, you will return to our Base in Skaftafell.
A minimum of two participants and a guide meets our standard of ascending and descending the summit in the safest way possible. We recommend that our customers leave a few days free before and after the scheduled departure date in case we need to cancel or make changes to a departure due to lack of participation or weather conditions.
Please contact our main sales office at [email protected] or tel. +354 587 9999 if you are interested in a private tour.
Driving time
From Reykjavík: 5 hrs
From Vík: 2.5 hrs
From Höfn: 1.5 - 2 hrs
GPS point for Skaftafell
N 64.016217
W 16.966664
Our Welcome Centre in Skaftafell is located in the heart of the camping site, right next to the service centre.
The park is by the end of road no. 998 that branches off the main road no. 1
Please be there 20 min before the departure of your tour.
From time to time we send updates about new routes
Unfortunately due to the nature of glaciers we cannot offer hikes to the top of these glaciers outside the hiking season. The season can vary according to weather conditions that year but is usually from April-August
Alpine style mountain ascents
For your own well being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also, respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.
Pack food for a long day. A mixture of sweets and chocolate and a few (3 – 5) sandwiches is ideal. Water should be carried so that it is always accessible. Camelback type hydration system is ideal or water-bottles that can be hung from the back pack or climbing harness. Water should ideally be mixed with a thin mix of a rehydrating energy drink.
Our trips to Hvannadalshnúkur the highest summit of Iceland and Hrútsfjallstindar normally takes from 10 to 15 hours. The weather can vary from being –5°C on the summit to being over 20°C on the lower slopes. The best way to prepare for this is to wear layers that can be adjusted per conditions. It is very important to wear materials closest to your skin that remove moisture, e.g. wool and synthetics. Cotton T-shirts and sweaters are not acceptable!
Should you have any questions regarding this equipment list or the equipment on our tours feel free to contact [email protected]
