Take a Look at Some Itineraries & Guides below: Iceland Itineraries: 10 Day Ring Road Itinerary | 7 Day Southern Coast Itinerary | 5 Day Iceland Itinerary, Iceland Hiking Guides: Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike | Glymur Waterfall Hike | Hiking the Skogafoss Trail, Other Iceland Guides: One Day in Reykjavik | The Golden Circle Route. Distance: 12 km (24 km round-trip)  Walking time: 8 hrs.  Route difficulty: 2 (challenging)Â. For further information check this website: www.straeto.is. The list includes several different essentials such as: As you arrive at the base of Skaftafell you are to see a bunch of boards with maps of the area. The map below can give you a better sense of where it is relative to the rest of the country. The map of Skaftafell comes in the form of a double sided sheet, one with a map to the scale of 1:100,000, the other with a map of 1:25,000. Your email address will not be published. The easy one is to walk the path around the mountain peaks where you will come onto the walking route again. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "triptins05-20"; The distance from Reykjavík is 319 km or 198.2 mi. If not, there are a bunch of small hotels and guesthouses nearby. Along this trek up you will continuously see this amazing glacier to your right and greenery in every other direction you look. Hope you enjoy it! Skaftafell geology; Jökulfell – the oldest tillite in Iceland? When arriving at the foot of Kristínartindar you have two options. The hiking and walking trails vary in length and level of difficulty in Skaftafell. Well sign up and join the TripTins community to receive monthly newsletters that will recap everything you need to know to make that trip as memorable as can be. This fantastic trail will show you several waterfalls in Skaftafell. Skaftafell National Park is located on the southeastern portion of Iceland. The route to Kristínartindar goes from Skaftafell Visitor Centre through the campsite and up into the mountain heath as if you were going to Svartifoss. A close-up map of the area near the visitor centre and the main hiking trails Skaftafell National Park is located on the southeastern portion of Iceland. We stayed overnight in Skaftafell and were able to scope out all the hikes and tours in the area. Even better option is to skip the second signpost also and choose the third one which is located right before Svartifoss. If you are going to Skaftafell National Park odds are you will be heading there from nearby rather than a day trip from Reykjavik. As you make your way to the point where S5 meets S6 you will get an incredible view of the Skaftafellsjokull glacier (the point on the map above is called Sjonarnipa). As the name suggests, this comprehensive tour combines ice climbing and glacier hiking. Trail Map Trails Kristínartindar Mountain. Scenic nature, favorable weather conditions and a network of hiking trails make Skaftafell an ideal destination to enjoy outdoor activities in Icelandic nature. After 450 meters another ‘Sjónarnípa signpost’ appears. Skaftafell is a located in between the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur (Klaustur) and the town Höfn in Hornarfjörður in the preservation area in Öræfi, South East Iceland. The Visitor's Center has lots of excellent information and trail maps posted outside. Another option is to stay about an hour away in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, which is a larger town with some restaurant options. Distance: 7,2 km (15 km round-trip)  Walking time: 5 hrs.  Route difficulty: 2 (challenging)Â. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Have fun out there! The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Adventure. Geology of Svartifoss area; Rauðhellrar geology; Kjós central volcano; Svínafell´s geology; Hafrafell´s geology; The skerry in the Skaftafell glacier; Age dating – dr. Robert Duncan; Handheld magnetometers and geology; Legend for geology; Hot and cold spots . Check out the guide for more! When visibility is good It is recommended to do a little extra loop to the viewpoint at Sjónarnípa on the way down. The hike starts at Skaftafell Visitor Centre where you can start on the Svartifoss trail or any of the other trails heading upwards. The distance to Höfn is 136 km and the distance to … Hiking tour on remote trail of Iceland’s most unique landscapes along canyons, glacier lagoons, mountains and into Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. The Skaftafell Ice Climbing and Glacier Hike tour is a great addition to a day in Skaftafell. For safety reasons, do not take the longer trail routes in the winter. The most incredible part of this experience was the absolutely insane winds that were coming down the glacier towards the edge of the hike. We did an all-day hike – I think we covered about 10 miles – and packed lunch with us as well as lots of snacks. Find your adventure in the land of fire and ice with Troll Expeditions. Explore breathtaking ice formations, tall snowy peaks of the surrounding national park, and the best of Iceland's frozen nature. There is a vide selection of glacier tours from Skaftafell; you can chose from easy 2 hour hikes or longer hikes with ice climbing. amzn_assoc_linkid = "f3f43cc79de5da5cff80f0ee54e5d85c"; The Skaftafell Visitor Centre can provide all the necessary information about Vatnajökull National Park and its surrounding areas such as hiking trails, history, nature, services, and activities. The centre has an exhibition room with a film about the soutside of Vatnajökull National Park. The nearest towns to Skaftafell are Kirkjubæjarklaustur, 69km … We have detailed road and hiking maps of all areas of Iceland. Also do not forget to bring layers on layers and those hiking boats! After passing the ravines it is relatively easy to walk across the sands back towards Skaftafell. Planning a Trip to Iceland? Skaftafellsstofa is an information and education centre where visitors can find answers to their questions about the Skaftafell area, along with information about hiking trails, accommodation and nearby recreational options. It is one of very few places in Iceland that is known for good weather, and especially so in the summer. Hiking maps for Skaftafell are available in visitor centres, information offices and from park rangers. You can’t really blame them; the Land of Fire and Ice is one of the most spectacular, breathtaking places on Earth. Everyone is super friendly and can help point you in the right direction. Here you can find maps of Skaftafell (JPEGs): A map of the Skaftafell area. The trailheads to both of these easy, short hikes start from the Skaftafell Visitor Center. Now, if you have more time on your hands and want to get a bit more technical there are plenty of hikes to choose from. On the return you take the same path towards Grjóthóll and continue across the walking bridge on Morsá river. For example, on the west side of Skaftafell you will find the Morsádalur river valley … The path continues through the woods and past two beautiful ravines that are worth a closer look. It is possible to go all the way to Svartifoss and then head on to Sjónarsker, but the shortest way is to cross the river on the walking bridge next to Magnúsarfoss and from there head to Sjónarsker. The route goes from the camp site in Skaftafell across the mountain heath to Grjóthóll in Morsárdalur. You can also use the ones here on the right; click on each picture for enlarged version. As you can see highlighted in red and blue are the 9 different trails that are located within Skaftafell, The hike is about 17km in length (~10 miles) and can take anywhere from 4-6 hours depending on fitness level. PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE AND READ CAREFULLY IF YOU ARE VISITING IN WINTERTIME. The same route will take you back towards Grjóthóll but instead of crossing the bridge you should continue on the trail next to the river all the way down to another walking bridge by Götugil. The last section of this guide goes into more detail about some of the accommodation options to choose from. From Grjóthóll continue across the walking bridge over Morsá river and straight on the marked path that leads to the woods in Baejarstaðarskógur. Cross the bridge on follow the marked path that leads to the camp site. S1: Skaftafellsjökull 4. Check out the best trails in Iceland here. That path will take down towards Gláma where the paths meet again. If you are heading to Skaftafell you are most likely doing so from right nearby or a town/city not too far away such as Vik, Kirkjuaejarklaustur or Hofn. Hiking maps for Skaftafell are available in visitor centres, information offices and from park rangers. Also note that distance and walking times are for reference only. amzn_assoc_asins = "1631218131,B06X99W1L6,1566955343,1628871806"; Once you reach the top portion of the hike, you will then make your way around the mountain following that “U” shape before crossing over and making your way back down. - Skaftafell is located around 4 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavík 327km (203 miles). Whether you just have a couple hours or a full day, Skaftafell will have something for you. If you are wondering what to bring along when taking part of hikes in general take a look at the comprehensive Hiking Packing List that I put together. They can inform you of the conditions of the trail and the expected weather conditions Maps of Iceland from the best publisher are available. The route goes from the camp site in Skaftafell across the mountain heath to Grjóthóll in Morsárdalur. Required fields are marked *, Join our mailing list to receive the latest iTINeraries, guides & helpful tips to plan your next trip, TripTins is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Skaftafell is located within Vatnajökull National Park along the southeastern coast of the country and it’s known around the world for its incredible sights and hiking opportunities. At the base of the park you will find a visitor center, cafeteria, restrooms and some food trucks. You could spend days here checking out the different trails and taking in the incredible landscape. As you can see highlighted in red and blue are the 9 different trails that are located within Skaftafell. If you want to use your tech devices on a long hike, download an offline map beforehand. To get a better overview of the technical hikes see below in the next section which goes over the longer S3 Skaftafell hike. Here you’ll find stunning glaciers, interspersed with lush areas, waterfalls and … There are longer circular routes that offer an amazing view of the highly scenic Skaftafellsjökull glacier. There are numerous trails to choose from so depending on how much time you have you can pick the trail that is best for you. This Skaftafell hiking guide will go over what the park has to offer and will provide a more in depth review of one of the main hikes to take part of. The hike is about 17km in length (~10 miles) and can take anywhere from 4-6 hours depending on fitness level (and stopping numerous times along the way for photo ops). To go down you return the same way as you came up, with the exception of that when you arrive at the shoulder between the mountain peaks you take the path that goes to the left. A trip along the southern coast of Iceland is not complete without a stop at Skaftafell National Park to take part of some hiking opportunities. Located in Skaftafell, this waterfall is close to glacier hikes, marks the starting point of Kristinartindar Mountain, camping, and other beautiful waterfalls. For the most part after reaching the top portion it is a lot of down hill but there are some valleys that you must climb up as well during the descent. After enjoying the waterfall and its surroundings you should walk up the basalt column steps on the other side of the ravine and follow that path all the way down to the campsite via Lambhagi. After enjoying the view you should walk back the same gravel path and then take another gravel path on the left which will lead you to Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Backpacking for 5 days in Iceland - Núpsstaðarskógar to Skaftafell Trek. Take a look at our other Iceland itineraries and guides to help out with any other trip planning. Trail Map. Please be ready 30 minutes before departure time of the tour. On this 5 hour tour, you will hike and climb on the majestic Falljökull glacier. Feel free to comment below with any questions! Hope you enjoy your hiking experience in Skaftafell National Park. https://triptins.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Skaftafell.mp4. If you are based in Reykjavik you can probably make a very long day trip out of it but it would entail around 8 hours of driving round trip. If you want to see the map in more detail check it out here. According to Skaftafell’s hiking route overview, two of the routes are marked easy, one difficult, and six challenging. The Road 998 (2 km) leads up to the visitor centre in Skaftafell. As mentioned the weather can change drastically in Iceland and you should be prepared for all conditions. Trails. A marked path goes from Grjóthóll towards Morsárjökull. If you are planning on going all along the Ring Road or just exploring the Southern Coast, there are a few towns nearby that could work for you. This 20 meter tall fall has water pouring over black columnar basalt, giving it a stunning structure that is so commonly photographed. A marked path goes from Grjóthóll towards Morsárjökull and the glacial lagoon in front of it. The park is farther east in Iceland, near the town of Hof. The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Adventure tour is designed for those who are looking for a challenging adventure. Guests should contact the service desk at the visitor centre prior to camping. A decade ago, no one was talking about this tiny Nordic island in the North Atlantic.  And now it seems to be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. There are several hiking routes around Skaftafell, and each has it’s own appeal. From Sjónarsker the path goes all the way towards Kristínartindar. PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE AND READ CAREFULLY IF YOU ARE VISITING IN WINTERTIME. But if you are only doing the Svartifoss walk, do not worry it is properly indicated. The park is full of regular hiking trails of various difficulties. Skaftafell is a Nature Reserve set in the Vatnajokull National Park, a protected wilderness hosting snowy mountain peaks, ice caves, and active geothermal areas. The setting is Svínafellsjökull glacier, which is part of the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull glacier. There is no marked path on this route but aim for the lower end of the Skaftafellsheiði mountain heath and you should arrive at the walking bridge by Götugil. Short and easy trails lead to the waterfall Svartifoss and Skaftafellsjökull glacier, but for those who want to reach further out Morsárdalur valley and Kristínartindar mountain peaks are perfect in terms of distance and labour. The weather can be unpredictable as it can be raining and windy at one moment but the sun can be shining the next, so be prepared for anything. Read Up On Some Top Rated Iceland Guide Books Before Your Trip. Road 1 continues to the east from Skaftafell. Some of the trails are nice and easy while others can get more technical. A restaurant can be found in Freysnes which is 5 km to the east from Skaftafell (opposite Hotel Skaftafell). There’s enough in this one area of the country to plan a week-long trip full of outdoor adventures. All the signage on the trails is extremely good. Skaftafell Glaceir via Jökulslód Trail is a 2.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Skaftárhreppur, Southern, Iceland that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Hiking routes in Skaftafell – Getting there By car: Road 1 goes from Reykjavík to Skaftafell (326 km). The Skaftafell Ice Climbing and Glacier Hike. Please note that there is no proper path or way marking. - Hiking boots should be tight around the ankle and have a hard sole. Following are suggestions for a few of the more popular hiking routes in Skaftafell. Skaftafell is located 57 km (about 50 minutes) west of Jökulsárlón Lagoon and offers a number of hiking trails for all skill levels. Road 1 goes from Reykjavík to Skaftafell (326 km). Skaftafell, the jewel in the crown of Vatnajökull National Park, encompasses a breathtaking collection of peaks and glaciers. The route will soon turn technical as you begin to walk on dirt, grass, rocks and a whole lot of mountain. A larger grocery store is in Kirkjubæjarklaustur (70 km to west) and yet another one in Höfn (136 km to east). Your email address will not be published. The closest place would be right outside of the the national park itself. One of the longer hiking trails in Skaftafell is the one leading to the top of Kristínartindar mountain. Check out this video and take a listen. Whenever possible the suggestion is a circular route. From the end of the paved section a gravel path leads to a point where there is a good view towards this impressive outlet glacier and its roots in Vatnajökull ice cap. First you go in direction of Lambhagi to reach the Svartifoss waterfall. Skaftafell is a nature reserve within the larger Vatnajökull glacier National Park. You then continue on the trail next to the river all the way down to another walking bridge by Götugil. The other option is to walk the path that goes through the rock scree all the way to the top of the mountain. A couple top hotel options there would be Hotel Laki and Hotel Geirland. Only elves live under a rock! The unique Svartifoss waterfall is pretty central to the park and there are a few hiking routes that pass through it. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; More soon on the essential items to carry along on your hike! … This will require signing up through a local company as you cannot just do it on your own. A marked path goes from Grjóthóll towards Morsárjökull. However, if you do choose to go hiking in Skaftafell during this season, the visitors center suggests the trail to Skaftafellsjökull glacier rather than the Svartifoss trail. Skaftafell Glacier Hike in Vatnajokull National Park 24 spots available for 3 Oct 2020 Step your way through the icy world of the legendary Vatnajokull for phenomenal views of Europe's largest glacier. Svartifoss is surrounded by dark lava columns which gave rise to his name. Distance: 2 km (4 km round-trip)  Walking time: 1½ hrs.  Route difficulty: 1 (easy)Â. Walk over the bridge on follow the marked path that leads to the camp site. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Driving time to Skaftafell from Reykjavík is around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Hiking maps for Skaftafell are available in visitor centres, information offices and from park rangers. Skaftafell also has a terrific visitor center where visitors can acquire practical information concerning all activities and accommodations in the area. As you get closer to the bottom of the hike you will have the option to make a pit stop at Svartifoss, which is one waterfall not to miss out on. Skip the first signpost for Sjónarnípa. The key is to follow the trail signs to Sjonarsker, where there are 360 degree views, and clear trail markers to Kristínartindar. The hike starts at the base of the park where you can head straight towards Svartifoss before veering right towards S6. Distance: 10 km (20 km round-trip)  Walking time: 6 hrs.  Route difficulty: 2 (challenging)Â. Then instead of walking into the woods you should turn right and walk on the gravel bank of Kjósarlaekur. I have a Skaftafell Hiking Guide if you want to learn more. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; You can use the search box above to see accommodation options all around the area that would be the best fit for you. You can snap some photos from a distance and have the option to get pretty up close to it as well. Distance: 2 km (4 km round-trip)  Walking time: 2 hrs.  Route difficulty: 1 (easy)Â. Below is a map of the hiking area where you can see the different routes highlighted. After a long day of hiking you can take a rest at the visitor center and grab some food from the cafeteria or nearby food trucks for a well deserved recovery. GPS coordinates of Skaftafell: 64.0704° N, 16.9752° W You can take a look at Hotel Skaftafell and some places nearby it. Falljökull is a glacier tongue of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Road 1 continues to the east from Skaftafell. Hiking on one of the glacier tongues or exploring the constantly reforming ice caves is one of the best experiences you can find in Iceland. It offers hot soups, sandwiches, cakes and coffee, along with some basic dairy products, bread, biscuits and fruits, to mention some. Looking for a longer, multi-day hike? From Grjóthóll continue across the walking bridge over Morsá river and straight on the marked path that leads to the woods in Baejarstaðarskógur. If you are one on a budget or feeling outdoorsy, there is also a great camping ground right near the base of the park where you can pitch a tent alongside other hikers to get the true Skaftafell experience. Late arrivers should make contact first thing in the morning. Vatnajökull National Park does not offer any equipment rental. The map below can give you a better sense of where it is relative to the rest of the country. From glaciers and waterfalls to greenery and spectacular views, Skaftafell has it all. Iceland is a destination that has blossomed in popularity in recent years. It includes everything I bring along on day hikes, and it will have you better prepared when taking part of trails all over Iceland. If you have any questions when you arrive, feel free to ask those that work there or even those who work at the glacier guides shop to help you out. Fantastic basalt Columnar next to the waterfall. Now Skaftafell is not just about glacier hiking. Information on accommodation near Skaftafell can be found on the website of the regional tourism organisation. The campground in Skaftafell is in full service from 1 May to 30 September. The Skaftafell visitor centre has many interesting displays and sells a hiking map. Continue until you arrive in Kjós. A cafeteria is operated in Skaftafell during the summer. » You can also take part of a Skaftafell Glacier Hike, where you will have the chance to hike on a nearby glacier. For that hike it is strongly recommended that you have good boots and trekking poles. Please note that these are only suggestions; in most cases it is possible to use alternative paths, return the same way, do a reverse circle etc. S1: Skaftafellsjökull You can also use the ones here on the right; click on each picture for enlarged version. It is operated all year round and also has a small-scale food store. This is about 1.7 km from the visitor center (1 … If you arrive early, you can visit Skaftafell Visitor Center, which has a gift shop, cafe, and restrooms. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; The Road 998 (2 km) leads up to the visitor centre in Skaftafell. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Guests are permitted to camp outside the service season but must take notice of limited services. Do you want to stay up to date and receive the latest travel iTINeraries, guides and tips to better plan your next trip around the world? A paved path goes from Skaftafell Visitor Centre towards Skaftafell glacier. You can also use the ones here on the right; click on each picture for enlarged version. Length 2.8 mi Elevation gain 396 ft Route type Out & Back The hike will take about 1–1.5 hours (3.7km round trip). Distance: 16 km  Walking time: 7 hrs.  Route difficulty: 3 (difficult)Â. A scheduled bus goes between Reykjavík and Höfn via Skaftafell. Once you start your way north up the mountain you will really feel the legs burning as it is a straight shot to the top of the mountain. We created this Iceland travel blog to help you discover what to see and do in Iceland. Do not miss any of our freshly baked posts!. There are plenty of trails to choose from depending on fitness level, all of which will have some incredible viewpoints to take in. Including hiking trails like Laugavegur (Landmannalaugar - Thorsmörk), The Highlands, Skaftafell, Hornstrandir, Myvatn, Ásbyrgi...Topographic maps are a valuable tool for hikers and campers. Then continue back towards the camp site via Austurbrekkur. Walk over the bridge on follow the marked path that leads to the camp site. Choose that path towards Sjónarnípa. by CharlesJan 18, 2020Blog, Iceland, Iceland Blog. From the Svartifoss waterfall to the never ending glacier views, this hike has it all. Distance: 3,5 km (6,5 km round-trip)  Walking time: 2 hrs.  Route difficulty: 2 (challenging)Â. The S3 hike takes you all throughout the trails of Skaftafell. You can rent shoes during the booking process. From Gláma the path takes you down to Sjónarnípa and then onwards to the visitor centre/camp site via Austurbrekkur. From that point the path will take you down into the ravine below the waterfall). There are short, easy hikes over paved roads and a fairly comfortable gravel surface. The route goes from the camp site in Skaftafell across the mountain heath to Grjóthóll in Morsárdalur. If you just have a couple hours you should probably take a look at the two easy routes – S1 and S2 – the first being a nice walk towards the glacier on the lower right hand side of the park and the second being one of those blue lines at the beginning of the park that just ends up at Svartifoss (a beautiful waterfall). From the camp site walk up towards Svartifoss. The hike we did in Skaftafell, which is a wilderness area in Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park, was one of our favorites of the trip. Skaftafell ​is filled with plenty of hiking options. The distance to Höfn is 136 km and the distance to the Glacial Lagoon is 56 km. After walking 250 meters from the visitor centre through the campsite take you slightly upwards into the mountain heath in Skaftafell (elevation is 140 meters in 1.5 kilometers). If you have some additional time around the area I highly recommend exploring the national park a bit and take part of some of those great trails.
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