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Hvannadalshnúkur the Great White One

(5)
Skaftafell, Iceland
Adventure ToursGlacier HikingHiking ToursNature Tours
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About this activity

Climb Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland's highest peak (2,110 m) on Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. This non-technical but stamina-demanding expedition combines glacier hiking with panoramic views across Iceland's interior, guided by experienced mountaineers who tailor pace to your experience level.

About the tour

Hvannadalshnjúkur is a magnificent place, this expedition takes you to the highest peak in Iceland and on the biggest glacier in Europe. Hiking up to the peak is not a technical climb but it requires good stamina.

We’ll meet up the day before the hike to make sure you know what the summit day is going to be like. Our guides will also go over how the glacier gear works. We also want to know your experience in mountains to set the starting time right. If you are beginner we start earlier so we can do this on a nice pace, but if you are a good hiker and used to mountaineering we can start later in the morning, the main purpose is to be on the summit around 13:00 a clock (1pm).

The trip starts early in the morning, our guides will meet you at Sandfell (Sand hill) which is the beginning of the hike. The first part is a steep gravel hill that take us from 20 meters up to 700m. The good thing about this first hill is that you can refill your water bottle in a spring around 500 meters, so you don’t need to bring a lot of water for the first 1-2 hours, this is also a nice place to grab some snack.

We will continue on gravel, rocks and snow up to 1100m. This place is called Skerið or (the reef) at this point we put on harnesses and rope up for the hills ahead. This is another good place to eat and drink something so it’s nice to stop and take in the nature and view the area.

Next part we will go from 1100m up to 1800m that is a long snow hill and will lead us to the plateau of Öræfajökull glacier. On a clear day the view can be beautiful in this area so it’s nice to break up this hill with some stops to drink and take some photos. The main danger on this part are crevasses, that our guides will navigate through.

When we get to the plateau it's a perfect place to have some lunch and enjoy the view and the achievements of the morning. After lunch we start to cross the plateau to the summit itself. The peak rise about 200m above the plateau. We make a short break below the summit and put on crampons this is the final push to the summit of the highest peak in Iceland. On clear days the view from the top is stunning, you can see Hrútfellstindar, Þumall and part of Vatnajökull ice cap.
Next we’ll hike back down the same way, this will not take as long as the hike up but we will move slowly due to tired muscles and we still have rope between us. After Skerið (the reef) we can move a lot faster back to the car.

Highlights

  • ✓Summit Iceland's tallest mountain with 360° views across glaciers and highlands
  • ✓Hike Europe's biggest glacier (Vatnajökull) in a UNESCO-listed landscape
  • ✓Refuel at natural mountain springs and scenic rest points en route
  • ✓Rope up for safety on snow slopes and glacier terrain above 1,100 m
  • ✓Flexible start times based on your fitness level to reach summit around 1 pm

Insider tips

  • ★Bring extra snacks and electrolytes; you'll refill water at a spring around 500 m elevation, but the climb is long and energy-intensive
  • ★Wear layers you can shed — the first steep gravel section generates heat quickly, but glacier altitudes stay cold
  • ★Tell guides honestly about your mountain experience during the pre-hike briefing; it directly determines your start time and pacing

Good to know

  • •14-hour total duration includes early start, summit attempt, and descent; physical fitness essential
  • •Pre-hike meeting the day before covers glacier equipment use and acclimatises you to the terrain
  • •Guides provide harnesses and rope for steep sections above 1,100 m; no prior technical climbing experience required
  • •Start point is Sandfell (Sand hill) at the base; meet your guide there on summit day

Who it's for

Experienced hikers seeking Europe's highest-altitude glacier adventureOutdoor enthusiasts comfortable with full-day mountain exertion and exposure to altitudePhotographers and nature lovers wanting dramatic Icelandic highland sceneryTravellers combining multiple Skaftafell-area activities (Svartifoss waterfall, ice-cave tours)

Best time to visit

Summer (June–August) offers longest daylight and most stable snow conditions. Aim for a clear-weather day when visibility is high; afternoon clouds often obscure the summit views, so an early-morning start maximises your chances of reaching the peak in optimal light.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€45
per person