Popular
Laugavegur Trail
Hiking & Trekking
The Three Peaks Challenge
A Superb Climbing Expedition in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Tour code: IMG441
An Impressive Journey to the Top of Iceland!
The breath-taking variety of Icelandic mountain scenery makes this one of the most unusual tours we offer at Icelandic Mountain Guides. On the itinerary are three stunning peaks. With each peak, our climbing objectives get more challenging and more rewarding. We start with climbing Vörðuskeggi, the highest peak of the volcanic mountain range Mt. Hengill. Our next objective will be the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, notorious for its eruption in 2010. Then in Skaftafell National Park, right under the great Vatnajökull glacier, is the home of Hvannadalshnúkur (2110m / 6921 ft). The highest point in the country and renowned for its panoramic views of the South Coast, Hvannadalshnúkur is a perfect grand finale for this exploration of Iceland's peaks.
On top of summiting these majestic mountains we will take you to visit the major attraction sites in the country, the Golden Circle, and the waterfalls of the South Coast.
The ascents of the two glaciers require a good level of fitness but no technical skills are needed. There will be crevasses to deal with and steep inclines over icy ground, which your expert glacier guide will teach you how to navigate. We will provide the participants with necessary climbing equipment; ice axes, harness, rope, and crampons (when needed)
Tour Overview
- Pickup
- Included
- Group Size
- 6 - 12 participants
- Language
- English
- Accommodation
- 3 Star Hotel
- Walking per day
- 6 - 14 hrs
- Max. Ascent
- More than 2000 m (6500 ft)
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Duration
- 5 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
16
Contact Us
For availability information on a tour, please contact us using the form below.Customer Reviews
“The next two days were set aside for an expedition to Hvannadalshnjúkur. We got up at 4 am and left from Sandfell. At 1,050 m we built a campsite and practiced self-arrest, snow anchors, avalanche risk assessment and avalanche beacon search both solo and as a group. After spending the night we had glorious weather on summit day. Around noon we were all standing on the highest peak in Iceland, enjoying the blue skies and the sun.”
Tour Highlights
Included
- Experienced and qualified mountain guide
- Accommodation in twin/dbl rooms in 3* hotels for 4 nights
- Transport in 4x4 minibus
- Breakfast
- Safety equipment
Optional extras
- Single supplement
- Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itineraryMap & Itinerary
The Three Peaks Challenge
Reykjavík - First peak: Mt Hengill - Vörðuskeggi Peak
Day 1
Pick up at your accommodation at 8:00. Early morning departure from Reykjavík, driving east to the north side of the Hengill Volcano massive. There we will hike up on Vörðuskeggi Peak (805) m. From the top we enjoy views of Lake Þingvellir and Langjökull to the north and Eyjafjallajökull and the distant Westman Islands. In the afternoon we will visit the Geysir geothermal area and the waterfall of Gullfoss before driving to our accommodation in the area of Flúðir.
*This day can be replaced by a hike to the Fagradalsfjall eruption in case of an active eruption taking place.
Eyjafjallajökull Glacier
Day 2
Today will be our second challenge; the climb of the famous Eyjafjallajökull which erupted in 2010 and caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe for several days. It is a 1,651m high stratovolcano with a magnificent view from the top. The vertical ascent is around 1,600 m and the tour takes from 9-12 hours.
Overnight at hotel Skógafoss.
South Coast – Glacier Lagoon
Day 3
We explore the beautiful South Coast today including many highlights like the black beach of Reynisfjara, the picturesque village Vík, the Skaftafell National Park, the glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón and diamond beach.
Dinner and accommodation at hotel Skaftafell or similar at the foot of our biggest challenge.
Hvannadalshnjúkur
Day 4
We can expect a long day today, as we make the ascent of Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m/6922 ft). Iceland’s highest peak. This will be the most difficult day of the trip with 2000m ascension that can take from 12-15 hours. The peak is in the north-western rim of the Öræfajökull volcano and promises an unforgettable ascent with breathtaking panoramic views. No special technical skills are required. Dinner and second night at hotel Skaftafell at the foot of Hvannadalshnúkur.
In case snow/weather conditions are not good on Hvannadalshnúkur we will have to change the itinerary to another similar summit in the area.
Ascent 2040 m
Descent 2040 m
Return to Reykjavík
Day 5
We make our way back westward along the scenic south coast of Iceland, passing beneath Eyjafjallajökull and stopping to visit the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and water falls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. We return to Reykjavík in the late afternoon.
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Practical Information
FAQ
Special diets
I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten intolerant, will there be a food option for me, what is it?
- Special dietary supplement, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten free or other supplements, can be ordered at some extra cost. The supplement will include meals that meet the requirements of your diet.
Booking
The date I want to book is not available, can I still request to book?
- It is not possible to book the expeditions online. Please contact us at expeditions@mountainguides.is if you are interested in booking or if you have any questions. You are also welcome to contact us for a private tour if you cannot join on an available date.
