A mountain hike to Icelands highest peak from Skaftafell National Park (Mt. Hvannadalshnjúkur on Vatnajökull Glacier).
Trip difficulty: 4+ of 5 possible.
To stand on Iceland’s highest peak and cast your eyes over the land is an unforgettable experience that no adventurer should let pass before him. The route to the top starts with a drive in towards Europe’s biggest glacier, the Vatnajokull glacier from Skaftafell National Reserve. The sheer size of the Vatnajokull glacier, at 8.100 km2, is almost beyond comprehension and this frozen expanse is a sight not soon forgotten. You will need specialized glacier equipment such as crampons and an expert mountain guide to cross the crevasse riddled glacier plateau. All things considered the hike up the “Hnjúkurinn”, as Icelanders call it, is not a technical climb although it certainly is a long and physically challenging one.
The night before our estimated departure the guides will meet up with
the group to discuss the details of the trip and go over logistics. At
this time you will also be provided with the necessary equipment so that
you can be ready first thing in the morning.
The meeting point
for this preparation talk is in the Glacier Guides house in the
parking lot of Skaftafell's National Park, and it would be great if you
could be there around
18pm. If by any chance you are
late, or wont make it in time you should just give us a call in our
mobile number +354 6597002 and we will arrange it some other way for
you.
Although there is no technical climbing involved in the ascent to the
summit, it is both physically and mentally challenging and takes 10-14
hours. The total elevation gain is more than 2000m (6,500 ft.) and the
total walking distance is 23 km (14 miles). We will be moving over
challenging terrain and crossing crevasses so an expert mountain guide
and specialized glacier equipment such as ropes and crampons are
essential.
All technical equipment is included in the price for the tour (crampons,
harness, ice axe and ropes). Lunch is not included, and it is good for
you to bring in your lunch sandwiches, energy bars, dry fruits and
chocolate for example, although this is up to your personal taste, just
remember you need lots of energy. Also remember to bring enough water, 3
liter is a good amount. you can read all about what to bring in the Equipment
list (link on bottom of page) .
The trip departs at 5am, so it is advised to
meet up with your guide at
04:45am next to our house in the Skaftafell National Park, or if you
choose to be
picked up in your hotel be ready at 04:30, but
all
information regarding the departure time will be confirmed on the
preparation talk the night before the trip (like mentioned above)
because sometimes because of weather conditions the guide might choose
to depart earlier or later then normal.
Please note that you will have to stay the night before and after the hike in Skaftafell under the Vatnajökull glacier or in its surroundings.
Check out our environmental and social policy by clicking here.
Details:
Price 21.990 ISK per person.
Distance from Reykjavik: 330 km. Duration of hike: 14-16 hours. Available from April to July (depending of weather). Minimum: 2 persons. Maximum: 100 persons. Age limit: 16 years. Included: Guiding and all necessary glacial gear. Bring with you: warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pats, headwear and gloves and of course some good hiking boots. Trip starts at approx 05:00am.
We reserve the right to postpone or cancel trips due to weather or other factors outside our control.
Click here for
details on our cancellation policy.
Click here to see the equipment list for this tour.
Click here to see the answer to our most frequently asked questions.
Disclaimer:
All hiking trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherit risk.