Incredible 15-Hour Hiking Tour of Iceland's Highest Summit at Hvannadalshnukur

Hvannadalshnukur is located in Vatnajokull National Park and is the highest peak in Iceland.
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Skaftafell, Iceland
Duration
15 hours
Difficulty
Demanding
Languages
English
Minimum age
16 years old

Description

Complete a bucket list activity with this day-tour hike to the summit of Hvannadalshnukur, the highest peak in Iceland. Travelers looking for a real adventure and physically demanding excursion should book this tour today. 

The Hvannadalshnukur mountain peak in East Iceland is the tallest mountain in the country, rising to an impressive 6,952 feet (2110 meters). Located on the Oraefajokull glacier in Vatnajokull National Park, this is a truly incredible destination that tourists rarely visit. 

On this tour, you can expect a mentally and physically demanding hike of around 14 miles (22 kilometers) with a fantastic payoff at the summit. It will take between 12 and 15 hours to complete the journey, depending on the group and weather conditions. 

Your tour starts at 16:00, the day before your scheduled departure, when you meet your guide for a briefing meeting at their Skaftafell base. This brief is mandatory and is when you receive essential instructions for the hike and get fitted for your gear.

The morning of your tour arrives bright and early, and you can expect to depart before 05:00, depending on the conditions. Your guides will keep you informed of the scheduled departure time. 

As you begin your ascent, you will be in awe of the natural beauty and peace surrounding you. Since this is a considerably difficult hike, you will find that the number of fellow hikers is few to none, giving you and your group the mountain to yourself.

After a long and sometimes grueling hike, you will be appropriately rewarded once you reach the summit. This is truly an unforgettable moment with unbelievable views of the Vatnajokull glacier and vast river plains stretching for miles around you.  

Take a break here as you soak up the beauty of the moment. Have a rejuvenating snack, rest your feet, and take plenty of pictures before you begin your descent. 

With the tough part over, your descent will feel like a breeze in comparison. Chat with your guide and enjoy your surroundings before arriving back at the base at Skaftafell. 

Due to the difficult nature of this hike, proper preparation and gear are essential. While all safety gear is provided, you must be appropriately dressed in warm, waterproof, non-cotton layers, sturdy and waterproof hiking boots, and wool socks. 

Ensure you pack enough food and water to stay satiated throughout the day. You will need hearty snacks such as nuts, power bars, and sandwiches, and at least three liters of water. A thermos with a warm drink like coffee or tea will be appreciated when you reach the summit. 

Have the adventure of a lifetime when you book this exciting hiking tour to the summit of Hvannadalshnukur, the highest peak in Iceland. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Expert hiking guide
Ice gear
Safety equipment
Safety briefing and equipment fitting

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Hiking

What to bring

 Warm, waterproof layers
Rain gear
Good hiking boots
Synthetic or wool base layers
Lunch, energy bars, and drinks

Good to know

A minimum of two guests is required for a safe hike. It is recommended to have a flexible schedule for the days before and after your scheduled departure in case the date has to be changed for lack of guests or weather conditions.

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