On this demanding mountain hike, you will bask in some of the best views in Iceland at 1875 m. Take the challenge and be rewarded with a stunning landscape that few people experience.
Tour code: SKF27
Hrútsfjallstindar is the name of the impressive peaks dominating the skyline to the north of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier. There are four peaks in total and the highest stands at 1.875m (6,150ft) high. For many years, the peaks have challenged serious climbers and several climbing routes have been established.
Hikers can make their way up without technical difficulties along the alpine trekking route. This challenging hike is on par with our popular summit of Hvannadalshnúkur (2110m), the highest mountain in Iceland, but offers more magnificent views. The evening before the hike, you will meet up with your experienced guide, at our Skaftafell Base Camp, for a briefing. Before your hike kicks off, you will be supplied with the necessary ice gear and safety equipment by your guide.
Hiking up the ice and snow-covered mountains is demanding and lasts about 14-16 hours. The route offers amazing views of the Öræfajökull massif, as well as the Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull valley glaciers. Even though your physical endurance and mental toughness will be tested, you will be handsomely rewarded with a panoramic view of a stunning landscape. No special mountaineering skills are required but you must be physically able to complete this challenging hike.
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 often leave earlier than 5 o´clock.
*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
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
A mandatory briefing will take place in our Base in Skaftafell at 18:00 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.
Your epic mountain hiking adventure kicks off with meeting your professional mountaineering guide the night before the hike.
You will receive all the necessary gear and a safety orientation from your guide. On the day, you will embark on an epic journey to the summit impressive peaks.
After completing this amazing physical and mental challenge, you will return to the original meeting point
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]
