From Skaftafell
From Skaftafell
Hvannadalshnúkur - Iceland’s Highest Summit
After ascending to Iceland’s highest peak in one day, you can check this bucket worthy climb off your list.
Tour code: SKF25
Price from:
Book$415
Challenge Yourself To Reach Iceland's Highest Summit
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 info@mountainguides.is
*The Skaftafell parking lot fee is not included in the tour price.
Tour Overview
- Meeting Point
- Skaftafell Base (next to the National Park Visitor Center)
- Group Size
- 2 to 6 per guide
- Active
- 12 - 15 hrs
- Language
- English
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Duration
- 15 hours
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
16
Customer Reviews
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.
Tour Highlights
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Glacier gear
- Safety equipment
Not included
- Rain gear
- Hiking boots
- Warm clothing
- Lunch
Optional extras
- Rain gear (jacket or pants)
- Hiking boots
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itineraryMap & Itinerary
Hvannadalshnúkur - Iceland’s Highest Summit
Preparation meeting
The evening before the hike
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.
Hvannadalshnúkur - Iceland's Highest Summit
Day Tour
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.
Please note
- 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 info@mountainguides.is or tel. +354 587 9999 if you are interested in a private tour.
Skaftafell - Where to meet us
Directions
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.
Keep informed about Hvannadalshnúkur - Iceland’s Highest Summit
From time to time we send updates about new routes
Practical Information
FAQ
Equipment List
How long in advance do I need to book
We always recommend to book as soon as you are ready especially if you have a strict travel schedule or a large group. It is easy to change or cancel 24 hours before departure by emailing us (info@mountainguides.is). Tours can also be purchased the day of as long as there are spaces available.
What is the address of the meeting place?
There are no official addresses on our meeting points but you can see directions and GPS points if you click the map above.
I want to hike Hvannadalshnukur or Hrútsfjallstindar but the season is over/not started?
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
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