An ascent of Hvannadalshnjukur is bound to be the high point on any trip to Iceland - excusing another pun! When you walk across the blues and whites of the sky and ice-covered mountains, it feels as if you’re floating high above the Earth, the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland at your feet.
Hvannadalshnjukur, the tallest mountain in Iceland, is increasingly the go-to mountain for visitors with a desire for a thrilling adventure with some high-level hiking experience under their belt. But whether you want to conquer Hvannadalshnjukur’s summit, admire it from a distance or hike its lower slopes and surrounding paths, Iceland’s highest mountain offers something for everyone.
Questions and answers about Iceland's highest peak
Still have some questions about Iceland’s highest summits and high-level hikes? Here’s an at-a-glance Q&A of common queries.
What is the tallest mountain near Reykjavik?
Visible from many parts of Reykjavik, Mount Esja, at 914 m (2999 ft), is the highest local mountain. Esja provides many beautiful hiking trails around its base, and a rewarding summit climb with a view over Reykjavík and Faxaflói bay.
How tall is the highest mountain in Iceland?
At 2,110 m (6,923 ft) Hvannadalshnjukur is the highest mountain in Iceland, with Bárðarbunga coming in second at 2,000 m (6,562 ft).
Is Iceland at a high elevation?
The highlands of Iceland cover about 40% of the country - areas over 500 m generally. On average, Iceland lies at an elevation of 557 m (1,827 ft). These wilderness areas, mostly uninhabited, make for thrilling hiking and climbing.
Do you get altitude sickness in Iceland?
That’s the beauty of Iceland: the elevations of its highest glaciers and mountains are still too low to cause altitude sickness, but the country still provides world-rate hiking and climbing experiences.
What are the three highest peaks in Iceland?
After Hvannadalshnjukur and Bárðarbunga, Kverkfjöll comes in third at 1,764 m (5,787 ft).
What is Iceland’s most famous trail?
The 55 km (34 mile) long Laugavegur Trek is Iceland's most famous hiking trail. No wonder: it meanders through landscapes of black lava fields, hot springs, colourful rhyolite mountains, bright green valleys of moss and jagged peaks.
What is the hardest climb in Iceland?
It may not be the most technically difficult climb in Iceland, but Hvannadalshnjukur certainly requires hardcore stamina and fitness. Starting from sea level, there’s a more than 2,000 m brutal ascent of the mountain - 12 hours of up and down over difficult terrain.
If you want to combine some of Iceland’s most challenging mountains, how about Iceland’s very own ‘Three Peaks Challenge’? Tackle three of Iceland’s most iconic mountains: Vörðuskeggi at 805 m, Eyjafjallajökull at 1651 m, and, of course, Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjukur.
What is the most difficult hike in Iceland?
Again the multi-day Laugavegur Trek demands stamina and fitness to tackle the high-level hike through challenging terrain. There are lots of ascents and descents to contend with. Factor in the ever-changing and challenging weather conditions of Iceland’s highlands and you get the picture. But with spectacular vistas, the rewards more than outweigh the challenges.
