Skip to content
S11

Snæfellshringurinn

Follow route S9, through Þjófadalir valley, to begin with. Then follow the high ground of Snæfellsháls, staying above Þófagilsá river until reaching the ruins of Hálskofi hut. Keep near the bottom of the Snæfell slopes until you approach the Hafursá river. Follow the river on a marked trail through Vatnsdalur valley and continue past the Tiutíu foothill („Ten-ten“, i.e. 1010m) and then onto the marked trail to Snæfell hut. Highlights: Scenic view, wetland area, vegetation and wildlife and folk tales.

Distance
28-30 km
Estimated time
7-8 hours
Trail difficulty factor
Challenging
Type
Circle
Starting point
Snæfellsskáli hut

Connected hikes

S1

Snæfell

6,2 km one way
4-7 hours
Challenging

This route starts slightly south of the Snæfell hut and ascending from the west, it is marked with posts until the glacier is reached. Highlights: Magnificent view from the highest of any Icelandic mountain (1833 (m a.s.l.) outside of the major glaciers, geology, vegetation in a high elevation and wildlife. Some parts of the hiking trail are over loose material. Good footwear is important for hikers, and to wear warm and waterproof clothing, the summit is cold. Crampons are advisable on the mountain, and a GPS device is required when the summit is above cloud level. Let rangers in Snæfell hut know about your travel plan. Warning: The hike crosses glacier terrain special equipment and skills are required.

S2

Snæfell hut – Þjófadalir valley

7 km, one way
4-5 hours
Challenging

Starting at the parking area slightly south of Snæfell hut. Unmarked trail branches off the Snæfell trail (marked with posts), southwards into Þjófadalir. Highlights: Vegetation, wildlife, folk tales and the view over Eyjabakkar area.

S6/S7

Vatnsdalur

5,2 km
5-6 hours
Challenging

Vatnsdalur west side: From the parking area by Hölkná to the valleys eastern entrance is 3,8 km but 5,2 km all the way to the car parking by Hafursá. Please follow the marked trail, the fountain apple-moss is fragile. Highlights: Vegetation change, bright green fountain apple-moss and view. Vatnsdalur east side

S9

Snæfell hut – Laugarfell hut (through Þjófadalir Valleys)

30 km one way
6-7 hours
Challenging

Walk south from the Snæfell hut through the Þjófadalir Valleys, follow the horse trail to the ruins of Hálskofi hut. Continue north to Snæfellsnes and over the Hafursárufs bank, then cross Hafursá river and proceed north to Laugarfell hut. Highlights: Scenic view, wetland area, vegetation and wildlife, folk tales and hot spring.

S10

Snæfellsskáli - Laugarfell (um Vatnsdal)

20 km
6-7 h
Challenging

Walk north from the Snæfell hut alongst a marked trail on the side of the Tíutíu foothill („Ten-ten“ i.e.1010 m) to the river Hölkná and through Vatnsdalur. From there down to Hafursárufs bank and cross Hafursá river and proceed north to Laugarfell hut. Highlights: Vegetation changes, bright green fountain apple-moss, scenic view and hot spring.

Hiking map