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 10-15 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes due to weather conditions the guide might choose to depart earlier or later than normal. You will be informed about this in the preperation talk at the Glacier Guides house the night before departure.
Also note that you will have to stay the night before and after the hike in Skaftafell under the Vatnajökull glacier or in its surroundings.
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Details:
Price 24.990 ISK per person. Included: pick up from Skaftafell campsite, Hotel Skaftafell and Svínafell campsite and glacier gear.
Distance from Reykjavik: 330 km / 205 miles.
Duration of hike: 10-15 hours.
Available: from May 15th to September 15th (depending on weather and snow conditions).
Minimum: 2 persons from the 15th May to the 15th of September. Maximum: 100 persons.
Age limit: 18 years.
Included: Guiding and all necessary glacial gear.
Bring with you: Please read the equipment list below.
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.