Elevation
2,110m (6,923 ft)
Iceland's highest point on the Öræfajökull volcano.
Hvannadalshnukur (Hvannadalshnjúkur): Iceland's Highest Peak
Iceland's highest peak at 2,110m, a summit ridge on the Öræfajökull volcano within Vatnajökull glacier. Requires glacier travel with crampons and a guide.
Region
South Iceland (Vatnajökull)
2,110m (6,923 ft) · Iceland's highest peak
Hvannadalshnjúkur is Iceland's highest peak at 2,110 meters, a summit ridge on the Öræfajökull volcano within the Vatnajökull glacier. First climbed in 1813, the ascent is a serious mountaineering undertaking: a 12-15 hour round trip from Skaftafell. The route crosses active glacial terrain with crevasse danger year-round, so you need crampons, ice axes, ropes, and an experienced guide.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Hvannadalshnjúkur is a serious glacial climb with crevasse danger. Never attempt without proper equipment and an experienced guide. Check volcanic activity alerts.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Best for
Mountaineering
Serious glacier climb for experienced mountaineers.
Duration
12–15 hours
Round trip from Skaftafell. Guide required.
What to Expect on Hvannadalshnjúkur
- Summit elevation of 2,110m (6,923 ft), Iceland's highest point with a prominence of 2,110m (topographic isolation as the national high point)
- First ascent on August 16, 1813, by a team of local farmers and the Danish merchant Jón Árnason
- Full-day glacier climb of 12-15 hours round trip across active crevassed terrain on the Öræfajökull caldera rim
- Total elevation gain of approximately 2,000m from the Skaftafell trailhead to the summit
- Technical glacier navigation requiring crampons, ropes, ice axes, and harness (provided by guide companies)
- On clear days, 360-degree views stretching to the Westman Islands, Grímsvötn, and the highlands beyond
Nearby Attractions
- Skaftafell wilderness area and visitor center
- Svartifoss basalt column waterfall
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Diamond Beach with glacial ice fragments on black sand
- Falljökull and Svinafellsjökull outlet glaciers for ice walks
How to Get to Hvannadalshnjúkur
- Starting point is Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, directly off Route 1 (Ring Road)
- Drive from Reykjavik is approximately 330 km (4.5 hours) east along Route 1; no 4WD required
- Guided tours depart from Skaftafell visitor center; booking essential weeks in advance for spring season
- The climb begins from the Skaftafell parking area (60m elevation) and follows the Öræfajökull glacier upward
- Most guide companies (e.g., Icelandic Mountain Guides, Glacier Guides) provide all technical glacier equipment
- Accommodation available at Skaftafell campsite, Hótel Skaftafell, or farmstays along Route 1 near Freysnes
Best Time to Climb Hvannadalshnjúkur
- April–May: Prime climbing season with the most stable snow bridges over crevasses and 16-20 hours of daylight
- June: Longest daylight (near 24 hours) but increasing crevasse exposure as snow melts; still viable
- July–August: Significant crevasse exposure; many guide companies stop offering summit tours
- September–March: Extremely dangerous due to darkness, storms, and unstable glacier conditions; not recommended
- Clear weather windows are essential; all reputable guides will postpone if forecasts are poor
- Book guided tours by January/February for the April–June season; trips fill up quickly
Planning help
Hvannadalshnjúkur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.