A Classic Icelandic Trail: Núpsstaðaskógar to Skaftafell

Itinerary

Day 1: Núpsstaðarskógar Valley to Sléttur

The first day commences at the entrance to the Núpsstaðarskógar valley, with the route tracing impressive cliffs and winding through dramatic side canyons. The group undertakes a 10-metre rock climb, assisted by a chain and rope for safety, leading to the striking double waterfall of Tvílitihylur, where two falls merge into a single powerful river.

Following the Núpsá river to another waterfall, the path then ascends a steep gulley, reaching the high plateau of Sléttur. Here, remarkable lava pillow formations await. The day concludes with an overnight camp at Sléttur after a seven-hour, 12-kilometre walk.

Day 2: Sléttur to the Edge of Skeiðarárjökull

The second day offers a shorter hike, allowing ample time to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. The morning features an ascent to the summit of Eggjar, granting panoramic views over Skeiðarárjökull, Iceland’s largest glacier outlet, which covers nearly 600 square kilometres.

The group establishes camp at the glacier’s edge and explores both the glacier’s periphery and the remnants of the once expansive Grænalón lake. This day involves a walk of five to six hours, covering 12 kilometres.

Day 3: Crossing the Glacier

On the third day, the highlight is the glacier crossing. After selecting a suitable place to access the ice, the group heads east across a surprisingly diverse landscape of creeks, streams, ice pyramids, and stretches of black volcanic sand. Progressing further eastward, large water cauldrons and broader streams appear, which are crossed with relative ease.

After about 10 kilometres, the group enters Norðurdalur—a valley dominated by ice—and carefully navigates around several crevasses before reaching solid ground. The day ends with camping at 'the Balcony', renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular campsites and offering superb views of the route just completed. This challenging day involves an eight-hour, 16-kilometre walk.

Day 4: The Balcony to Skaftafell

The final day begins with a climb along a narrow trail bordering the screes of Færneseggjar, ascending to a pass on the Kjósareggjar ridge. The scenery is breathtaking, boasting colourful rhyolite mountains, glacier-filled valleys, and sharp summits. From the 1,150-metre-high pass, the group enjoys vistas of Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, and the formidable Öræfajökul volcano.

The descent leads through a verdant valley adorned with a series of waterfalls, continues into the birch forest of Bæjarstaðarskógur, and finally crosses the black sands of Morsárdalur, concluding the journey at Skaftafell. This last section involves an eight-hour walk covering 16 kilometres.

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