Popular
Laugavegur Trail
Backpacking
Núpsstaðaskógar Skaftafell
A Journey Along Many of the Most Unique Places in Iceland!
Tour code: IMG41
An Impressive Trek Through Paradise
This impressive backpacking tour is considered to be an Icelandic Mountain Guides’ great classic trek. The tour offers some of Iceland’s most unique landscapes on a trail not frequented by many travelers. The trail takes you on a remarkable journey starting in Núpsstaðaskógur and heading up into the highlands along the stunning canyons of Núpsá river with its majestic waterfalls and vertical cliffs. The trails lead up onto the grassy valley of Sléttur before crossing over to the next valley filled with a huge glacier outlet flowing down from Vatnajökull icecap. Crossing the Skeiðarárjökull glacier is a challenge rewarded by a visit to the Norðurdalur valley which some consider being one of the most unique places in Iceland, if not on Earth! The path then takes us across the beautiful rhyolite mountains of Skaftafellsfjöll and over to the Morsárdalur glacier valley. After crossing this immense flood plain we reach Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Book this all-inclusive trip now while spots are still available for this popular classic!
Tour Overview
- Language
- English
- Group Size
- 4 - 12 participants
- Duration
- 5 days
- Meeting Point
- BSÍ Bus terminal at 7:15
- Accommodation
- Camping
- Total Distance
- 65 km (40 mi)
- Walking per day
- 5 - 9 hours
- Max. Ascent
- 450 m (1475 ft.)
- Transport
- Public bus
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Duration
- 5 days
- Difficulty
- Demanding
16
Contact Us
For availability information on a tour, please contact us using the form below.Customer Reviews
“This was an amazing tour. The guides are very professional, knowledgeable and cautious with safety. We had an amazing trip.”
Tour Highlights
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Camping accommodation in two persons tent
- Transport at the beginning and end of trek
- Breakfast (4), Lunch (5), Dinner (4)
- Safety equipment for glacier crossing
Not included
- Sleeping bag
- Mattress
- Transfer of luggage
Optional extras
- Sleeping bag
- Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itineraryMap & Itinerary
Núpsstaðaskógar Skaftafell
Reykjavík - Núpstaðaskógar valley - Tvílitihylur waterfalls
Day 1
Meeting point is at BSI central bus station at 7:15. Our transport leaves BSI at 7:45 to Núpsstaðaskógur where we start our hike. We begin our hike at the bottom of the valley. After a short climb we come to the magnificent waterfalls of Tvílitihylur, we head up along the neatly sculpted canyons of the lower part of Núpsá river. A short climb leads us up to the deeper part of the canyons with walls up to 200 m high. We put up camp in the canyon for the night.
Distance: 8 - 12 km (5 - 8 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 150 m
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Sléttur plains - Eggjar hills
Day 2
We make our way up and out of the canyon, the panorama broadens as we reach the plains of Sléttur. After ascending the Eggjar hills the view opens over the icecap of Vatnajökull and its enormous glacier tongue Skeiðarárjökull, streaming down towards the plains and covering almost 1600 km². We put up camp close to the Glacier.
Distance: 8 - 12 km (5 - 8 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 350 m
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Skeiðarárjökull glacier
Day 3
This day is devoted to the crossing of Skeiðarárjökull to Norðurdalur valley, an area surrounded by ice and high mountain ridges. Almost a whole day is required to traverse the 10 km of ice, before standing on solid ground again in the hinterland of the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. A magnificent camping area is awaiting us with views over the several glacial lakes with floating icebergs and coloured rhyolite mountains in the background.
Distance: 12 - 15 km (8 - 10 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 150-200 m
Walking time: 7 - 8hrs
Norðurdalur valley - Bæjarstaðarskógur
Day 4
After some climbing to a narrow mountain ridge, one is able to admire the view to the yellowish rhyolite valley of Kjós at the other side as well as to Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Descending into the valley of Morsárdalur, the vegetation becomes progressively more abundant. The beautiful Arctic birch forest of Bæjarstaðarskógur welcomes us as we reach the plain where we put up camp.
Distance: 12 - 18 km (12 - 16 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 350 m and descent 1.000 m
Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs
Morsárdalur - Skaftafell National Park - Reykjavík
Day 5
We explore the morsárdalur valley before making our way across to Skaftafell National Park. Here we catch a bus back to Reykjavík where the tour ends in the evening.
Distance: 12 - 15 km (8 - 10 mi)
Walking time: 4 - 6 hrs
Keep informed about Núpsstaðaskógar Skaftafell
From time to time we send updates about new routes
Practical Information
FAQ
Equipment List
How is it best to train for my tour?
To train for this tour, we highly recommend taking regular hikes in your local area, especially in places where the route includes both uphill and downhill segments, as well as uneven terrain. It's beneficial to carry some weight on your back during these hikes to simulate the conditions you'll experience on the tour. Begin with shorter walks and progressively increase their length to build the endurance needed for the longer hiking days you'll encounter during the tour.
Incorporating both low aerobic and aerobic training will help you build the strength and endurance required for longer hikes.
Lastly, it's crucial to train in the boots you plan to wear on the tour. Ensure they are well broken-in and comfortable to prevent blisters and discomfort during your trip.
I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten intolerant, will there be a food option for me, what is it?
Special dietary options, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, and gluten-free, are available for an additional cost. These options will provide meals that meet the requirements of your diet.
The date I want to book is not available, can I still request to book?
If a date is not available, it is either fully booked or not offered on that date. Due to hut allocation, we may not be able to add additional spots, but you are welcome to contact us via email: incoming@mountainguides.is
Related Blog Posts
Other Tours That You Might Like