Heinaberg / Hjallanes

Three impressive glacier tongues characterise the area that consist of Heinaberg and Hjallanes. Heinaberg is a perfect setting for a relaxing stroll along a newly formed glacial lagoon in front of Heinabergsjökull glacier or the basalt columns at Heinar.

For more detailed information contact Hólmur or Skálafell which are information offices co-working with Vatnajökull National Park.

Reaching the area

Hjallanes and the Heinaberg area are located between Skaftafell and Höfn. To visit Hjallanes, turn off road nr. 1 towards Skálafell.

To visit the Heinaberg area, use the following instructions:

When traveling on road number 1, the Ring road, from west to east, turn left 1,5 km after you cross the bridge over river Kolgríma. Or when traveling from east to west, turn right about 3 km after you pass the farm Flatey. The road leading to the Heinabergs area is indicated with a couple of signs: one saying „Heinabergsjökull“, the other one „Heinaberg“.

The road to the Heinaberg area is a gravel road, passable for most vehicles (low clearance sports cars being the main exception).  But it‘s made out of gravel so it‘s best to be careful and limit the speed. The road leads to a car park in front of Heinabergsjökull glacier, and you will also find a try toilet which you are welcome to use.

Another option is to turn right onto a sideroad, shortly before you reach the car park at Heinabergsjökull. The sideroad will take you to car parks at Heinaberg (remains of an old farm), Heinar (a small mound characterised by basalt columns) and Bólstaðarfoss (a small waterfall in beautiful surroundings).

Distances and estimated travel time are as follows:

Road nr. 1 – Heinabergsjökull: 7,7 km, 15 minutes.
Road nr. 1 – Heinaberg: 7,2 km, 14 minutes.
Road nr. 1 – Heinar: 8,4 km, 16 minutes.
Road nr. 1 – Bólstaðafoss: 9,4 km, minutes.
Road nr. 1 – all the car parks – back to road nr. 1: 24,6 km minutes.

Hiking in the area

The Hjallanes loop is a hiking route which goes from the farm in Skálafell towards Skálafellsjökull glacier and back to Skálafell. Hjallanes is within the boundaries of Vatnajökull National Park; a remarkable area due to both glaciology and plants. The loop is about 7 km so estimate 2 hours for the hike.