Hvannadalshnúkur - Iceland's Highest Summit

Hiking Hvannadalshnúkur is an Icelandic favourite, and Iceland's highest hike at 2110 m - (6900 feet).The peak is located on the north-western rim of the Öræfajökull volcano. It promises travellers and adventurers an unforgettable hike with breathtaking panoramic views, stretching over the rugged outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull glacier or over the vast sandy plains of the glaciated rivers that drain off that great glacier.

Distance: 22 km (14 miles) Elevation: 2000 meters (6500 feet) Estimated time: 12-15 hoursNo special technical skills are required, however, the hike is both physically and mentally challenging: Please note our low client-per-guide ratio, usually 6 people per guide.

It is important to be well-equipped for this tour.Please bring: - Boots and Clothing - Hiking Boots – Waterproof with good ankle support - Gaiters - Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic - Long Johns (early season – April / beginning of May) - Light sweater, wool or fleece (2nd layer) - Warm Jacket – Wool or fleece (3rd layer) - Pants – light and fast-drying – e.g. soft-shell - Jacket with a good hood – Waterproof and breathable - Rain pants – Waterproof and breathable material - Gloves – 2 pairs - different thickness - Mittens – insulated (early season climbs / April beginning of May) - Socks – Wool or synthetic - Warm hat– Wool or synthetic - Puffy jacket – down or fibre - Backpack – 30-40 litresOther gear: - Sunglasses – rated for glacier travel - Sun protection/face and lips. High SPF 30 or more - Camera - Headlamp (at times of the year when it gets dark) - Walking Pole(s) - Sun/rain Hat or a Baseball cap for sun protection - Ski goggles for ascents to the end of April - Lunch – Sandwiches, biscuits, power bars etc - Water – 3 Litres of water and/or sports drink - Warm drink – Tea, Hot-Chocolate or alternative

Meeting Point: Skaftafell Base Camp (Icelandic Mountain Guides sales cabin), next to the National Park Visitor Center. A safety and preparation briefing with your guide will be at Skaftafell Base Camp (Icelandic Mountain Guides sales cabin) at 18:00 the night prior to departure.Departure time in the early morning can vary, depending on conditions. A confirmed time of departure will be announced at the safety briefing the night before departure.

Please note: a minimum of two participants and a guide meets our standard of ascending and descending the summit in the safest way possible. We recommend that our customers leave a few days free before and after the scheduled departure date in the case we need to cancel or make changes to a departure due to lack of participation or weather conditions.