9-Hour Private Guided Mountain Climbing Tour of Hraundrangi from Akureyri

Scale one of the most breathtaking peaks in Iceland on this private hiking and climbing adventure on Hraundrangi from Akureyri. Avid climbers eager for an unforgettably rewarding ascent up a unique lava formation should not hesitate to book this full-day tour.

This excursion begins when you are picked up from your accommodation in the town of Akureyri. As this is a private tour, you’ll have your guide’s full attention as they drive you across the beautiful landscapes of North Iceland and will not need to pick up any other guests. The journey lasts around 40 minutes, and you’ll disembark at the foot of a dramatic mountain range in the valley of Oxnadalur.

In clear weather, you may already see Hraundrangi, a conical pillar of basalt pointing to the sky nicknamed ‘the Steeple Rock.’ It stands 3,527 feet (1,075 meters) above sea level, and its stark formation led many to claim it was unclimbable until two Icelanders and an American finally achieved the feat in 1956. 

The first leg of your journey will have you hike through a wilderness of rolling hills, stony slopes, and volcanic wonder, taking two to three hours, depending on the pace of your group. The views will get increasingly beautiful as you ascend, and you are welcome to take plenty of photographs.

You’ll then reach the base of Hraundrangi, where you’ll stop to rest and eat. You’ll be at the 2,296 feet (700 meters) mark, although you still have 263 feet (80 meters) up the sheer wall of lava to go. As soon as you are ready, you’ll dress in the safety equipment provided, clip in, and start your climb.

You’ll do this leg of the journey in two parts, allowing you to take a short break to admire the incredible panoramas. The higher you get, the thinner the peak will become, and at its summit, you’ll find there is room for just one of you at a time. Once you reach it, you’ll be overwhelmed by your sense of accomplishment and the spectacular views beneath you.

After soaking up this unforgettable moment, you’ll continue the adventure with an exciting abseil down to the foot of the formation. You’ll then enjoy the easier trek to the vehicle for the drive back to Akureyri, no doubt still in wonder at your fantastic experience. 

Climb to the top of the magnificent Hraundrangi lava formation on this full-day private adventure from Akureyri. Check availability by choosing a date.