Hiking in the National Park

Experience the mystical powers of the glacier!

Weekly guided hikes / special events and hikes National Park Snaefellsjökull

Park Rangers offer guided hikes and events on a weekly schedule between June and August. The hikes are rather easy and free of charge. The special events and hikes are also under the guidance of Park Rangers and free of charge. More information can be obtained from the Visitor Centre at Hellnar.

Contact :
Visitor Centre Hellnar
Tel : (+354) 433 2254 or (+354) 436 6888
e-mail : snaefellsjokull@ust.is

Snaefellsjokull Glacier

The peak of the Snaefellsjokull glacier can be reached by foot from Jokulhals in less than four hours. Anyone considering going onto the glacier should seek information about conditions and routes before setting off, and proceed at all times with the greatest of caution. Existing large crevasses widen as summer progresses and the glacier becomes non-traversable. Organized skidoo and snow-tractor trips onto the glacier are seasonably available.

Historical Tracks

In times past there were a large number of paths in the area around the glacier, some of which still exist and are still passable. One trail follows the coastline and remains in reasonable condition, although some boulders have intruded onto parts of the track. This track is long and best followed in several stages. A second track, known as Efstivegur, lies at the foot of the glacier.

Gufuskalar

Around Gufuskalar, in the lava field, there are a number of presumed fish-drying stone structures. They are just a 10-minute walk from the road. On the opposite side of the present-day road is a track leading to Irskrabrunnur (Irish well). A short, clearly marked path leads from Irskrabrunnur to Gufuskalavor landing, where trails remain from the keels of boats dragged up onto land after fishing.

Moduvor – Skardsvik – Ondverdarnes (4 km/2.5 miles)

This is a pleasant footpath that passes through Skardsvik, an attractive sheltered little bay with light-coloured sand. On Ondverdarnes are relics of fishing and domestic occupation. An ancient well named Falki was a water source for the residents of Ondverdarnes.

Ondverdarnesholar

From the road to Ondverdarnes there are several paths leading to hillocks. The walk to Vatnsborgarholl and nearby crater Vatnsborg is 2 km/1.5 miles and the walk to Grasholl is another 1 km/0.6 miles. There are delightful paths from the hillocks leading down to Skalasnagi and Ondverdarnes, or into Beruvik.

Klofningsrett in Beruvik – Litlalon – Holaholar (4 km/2.5 miles)

This is an attractive coastal path. Coastline features are varied and the path is easy on the feet, passing mostly over grassland. Beruvik was once a lively community while Holaholar was a large homestead.

Djupalonssandur – Dritvik (1 km/0.6 miles)

The path from Djupalonssandur to Dritvik is easy and popular. On Djupalonssandur there are some large boulders fishermen lifted to show off their strength. On Sudurbardi there is an old labyrinth, made by fishermen for amusement. In the 18th century Dritvik was a bustling community of up to 600 people during fishing season. It is possible to continue from Dritvik along the old fishermen’s track past Beruvikuhraun to Sandholar. The entire route from Djupalonssandur to Dritvik and on to Sandholar is 4 km (2.5 miles).

Svalthufa – Malarrif (2 km/1.5 miles)

A short path winds along the coast, passing by the lava pillars of Londrangar.

Eysteinsdalur

The road up the Eysteinsdalur valley runs alongside Modulaekur, towards the Snaefellsjokull glacier. Beautiful short walks from the road include Raudholl and Sjonarholl. The dolerite-capped hill Klukka and the waterfall Klukkufoss are just a short distance from the road. Blagil is a deep ravine that is easily reached. An abundance of peaks await visitors. Hreggnasi (469m/1539 ft) is quite an easy climb, while Bardarkista (668m/2192 ft) and West Geldingafell (830m/2723 ft) are the highest of the glacier's foothills and have summits that are more challenging.