A fantastic mountain hike to Mt. Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland´s highest summit from Skaftafell National Park.
Trip difficulty: 5 out of 5 possible. Hard.
To stand on Iceland’s highest peak and cast your eyes over the land
below is an unforgettable experience that no adventurer should miss. The
route to the top starts at the foot of Europe’s biggest glacier,
Vatnajökull. The sheer size of the ice cap is 8.100 square kilometers,
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 which will lead you to the summit. 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 you need to be there around 18 pm. If by
any chance you are late, or wont make it in time you should give us a
call in our mobile number +354 659 7002 and we will arrange a new
meeting time for you.
Although there is no technical climbing involved in the ascent to the
summit, it is both physically and mentally challenging and takes 12-15
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 snow covered 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.
The trip departs at 5 am, so it is advised to meet up with your guide at
04:45 am next to our eco friendly sales office in the Skaftafell
National Park, or if you choose to be picked up in your hotel be ready
at 04:30. All information regarding the departure time will be confirmed
on the preparation talk the night before the trip because sometimes the
weather conditions may cause the guide to choose to depart earlier or
later than usually.
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.
Included: pick up from Skaftafell campsite, Hotel Skaftafell and Svínafell campsite and glacier gear.
Distance from Reykjavik: 350 km.
Duration of hike: 10-15 hours.
Available: from May to September (depending on weather and snow conditions).
Minimum: 2 persons. 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.
