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A kéktúrázás napja
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Junction of the hiking path S3.Photo: Herbert Raab, Alpenverein Linz
During this varied circular route, we first look down onto the mighty glacier tongue of Skaftafellsjökull. At the foot of Kristínartindar, we cross over to the glacier valley Morsárdalur. Finally, the path leads to the waterfall Svartifoss, framed by basalt columns.
Through a forest of bushes and stunted birch trees, we first ascend to the viewpoint Sjónarnípa, from where we look down onto the glacier tongue Skaftafellsjökull and its glacier lake. If the clouds are not hanging too low, we can also see in the distance the snow- and ice-covered summit of Hvannadalshnúkur, with 2110 m the highest mountain in Iceland. The path then leads to the viewpoint Gláma. At a striking, mushroom-shaped rock, we look down once again at the mighty Skaftafellsjökull.
At the foot of Kristínartindar, we cross to the other side of the ridge Flár and cross the trench Gemludalur, which the brook Stórilækur, later feeding the Svartifoss, has cut into the volcanic rock. Shortly afterwards, there is a view deep into the glacier valley Morsárdalur. At the end of the valley, we can see the Morsárfoss, the highest waterfall in Iceland, which plunges from the ice cap of Vatnajökull over an approximately 230 m high, vertical rock face down onto the glacier tongue Morsárjökull.
After bypassing the summit of Skerhóll, we cross the heath and marshland Skaftafellsheiði. Finally, the efforts of the extensive hike are rewarded by a visit to the waterfall Svartifoss, partly framed by overhanging basalt columns, and the smaller Hundafoss.
Author’s recommendation
In good, stable weather, with sufficient fitness and sure footing, the ascent of Kristínartindar (1126 m) can be integrated into the route. For this, follow path S4 from the junction Gláma, ascend to the summit of the mountain, and return to the described path again at the junction Gimludalur. The route will only be just under 1 km longer, but an additional 450 meters of elevation gain must be overcome. Additional walking time about 1½ to 2 hours.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Tips and suggestions
Roadbook
Starting from the visitor center Skaftafell (approx. 110 m), first follow the wide path briefly in the direction of Svartifoss. Soon a narrow trail branches off to the right in a bend: Through this trail, across a forest of stunted birch trees, partly over steps, to the tree line and further to the viewpoint Sjónarnípa (approx. 310 m), which we reach after about an hour of walking. Continue on the path marked with yellow posts S3, always parallel to the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue, for another 1½ hours to the viewpoint Gláma (approx. 670 m).
From Gláma, bypass the foot of Kristínartindar in a wide arc on path S3, over grass and moss on the ridge Flár in a little over ¾ hour to the junction Gimludalur (approx. 790 m). The path now leads to the glacier valley Morsárdalur, always gently descending parallel to it, until the mountain Skerhóll is bypassed on the left. Over the heath and marshland Skaftafellsheiði, partly over boardwalks, to the junction Sjónarsker (approx. 285 m). Walking time from Gimludalur to here about 1¾ hours.
Shortly after the junction Sjónarsker, the path S2 branches off to the left, which leads down to Svartifoss in just under ¼ hour. Past Hundafoss, the path finally leads back to the visitor center Skaftafell. Walking time from Svartifoss to the endpoint about ¾ hour.
Sjónarnípa
Gláma
Gimludalur
Sjónarsker
Svartifoss
Hundafoss
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
By bus line 51 from Reykjavík-Mjódd via Selfoss and Vik to the visitor center Skaftafell.
Directions
Via the Ring Road (Hringvegur, No. 1) to the visitor center of Vatnajökull National Park in Skaftafell, 139 km from Vik or 134 km from Höfn.
Parking
Paid parking lot at the visitor center Skaftafell.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Rother hiking guide Iceland by Gabriele and Christian Handl (ISBN 978-3-7633-4005-7)
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Hiking gear, sturdy footwear, sufficient provisions (no refreshment options during the route).
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions