Hvannadalshnjukur | Hike Iceland's Highest Peak

Join this expedition for the unique opportunity to ascend the highest peak in Iceland. This tour is perfect for an experienced hiker who would like to climb past the clouds to experience Iceland from above without your feet leaving the ground.

Standing at 2110-metres above sea level, Hvannadalshnjúkur is Iceland’s tallest elevation and it’s located on the glacier volcano, Öræfajökull which is a part of Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland.

If you opt for a pick-up, your guide will collect you from your accommodation in Reykjavík and drive you along Iceland’s South Coast to base camp. You can choose to meet your guide on location, in which case, you will make your way to Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Once your group is gathered, there will be a short drive to Sandfell where you will begin your hike. The first leg of the journey will take you from 50-metres to approximately 1100-metres. This stretch is a gravel trail dotted with many glacial streams on the way, providing the opportunity to refill your water bottles with pure glacial water.

After this journey across rocky terrain and mesmerising Icelandic nature, your group will make a stop once you meet the snow-line. At this point, you will break for some refreshments and take some photos of the countryside.

Once you have taken in the views and eaten some food, it’s time to put on your glacier gear such as crampons, a harness, an ice axe and ropes. You will be shown how to safely use this gear and how to put it on or carry it. If there is heavy snow, you will also be provided with snowshoes.

Your party will be connected by ropes with your guide leading at the front. Together, you will find a good pace and there will be multiple stops to rehydrate. On clear days, you will be able to marvel at astonishing views across Vatnajökull National Park.

Once your party reaches the plateau of Öræfajökull, you will make a stop to eat some food and take a break. From this point, you will cross the plateau to make it to Hvannadalshnjúkur peak. The push to the summit is absolutely beautiful and your efforts will be paying off.

The peak itself is littered with stunning crevasses, formed by the movement of the ice and your guide will point these out. At the summit, your group will take some time to revel in your achievement and enjoy the captivating views from the top. You will take the same route back down to the car and the total hike time is 10-14 hours.

Climb the highest peak in Iceland for an adventure to remember and book this tour. Check availability by choosing a date.