Skaftafell: Morsárdalur Valley
Morsárdalur
A 15 km valley loop in Skaftafell up Morsárdalur to the tall birches of Bæjarstaðarskógur.
- Distance
- 15 km
- Loop
- Time
- 3.5–5 hours
- Ascent
- 130 m
- Max 270 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
The Morsárdalur hike is a long, gentle valley loop in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park in South Iceland. It covers 15 km in 3.5–5 hours, with only 130 m of ascent and a high point of 270 m. It is rated easy, although it is long; the walking is mostly flat on gravel and riverbed. Good shoes are enough in summer, and there are no technical sections.
The route leaves the busy Skaftafell visitor centre and heads up the wide, quiet Morsárdalur valley, with the glacier tongue of Morsárjökull at its head. It crosses the Morsá river on a footbridge and passes Bæjarstaðarskógur, a birch wood with some of the tallest native trees in Iceland. Reaching the glacier lagoon at the foot of Morsárjökull is a separate, longer route of about 19.5 km. This loop gives a calmer side of Skaftafell than the crowded Svartifoss path.
Highlights
- Morsárdalur valley, with Morsárjökull at its head
- Bæjarstaðarskógur, a woodland of unusually tall birch trees
- Footbridge over the braided Morsá river
- Quiet valley walking away from the Skaftafell crowds
The route
Visitor centre into Morsárdalur
From the Skaftafell visitor centre, the trail heads west and then north into Morsárdalur. The path follows the valley side over gravel and birch scrub, with steep mountains on both sides. The going is easy, and the valley quickly becomes quiet as you leave the main paths behind.
The Morsá river crossing
Deeper in the valley, the trail crosses the Morsá river on a footbridge. This loop does not go to the Morsárjökull lagoon; that is a longer route of about 19.5 km and 6–7 hours. If you do go near the glacier, do not approach the ice or the lagoon edge; glacier fronts can collapse without warning.
Bæjarstaðarskógur and the return
On the far side of the river, the trail passes Bæjarstaðarskógur, a sheltered birch woodland, before returning down the valley to the visitor centre. The return is long and flat, over gravel plains and riverbed. Leave enough daylight for the walk back.
Getting to the trailhead
Skaftafell is on Route 1, about 4.5 hours' drive from Reykjavík and around 2 hours west of Höfn. The trail starts at the Skaftafell visitor centre, where there is a large car park with parking fees. Long-distance buses along the south coast have stopped at Skaftafell in summer; check current schedules.
Where to stay
Skaftafell has a large campsite next to the visitor centre. Hotels and guesthouses are spread along Route 1 nearby, including in the Öræfi area to the east, but they are limited and book up fast in summer.
Best time to hike
The trail is possible all year, but late spring to early autumn is easiest, with long days and drier ground. In winter, check that the footbridge is in place and expect ice, snow and short days. Autumn birch colours are good in September.
Safety
Never approach the glacier front or walk on the ice; it can calve or collapse. Glacial rivers are fast and cold; cross only on the footbridge. Weather can change quickly, with strong winds off the glacier. In winter, check for closures. Check vedur.is and SafeTravel.is before setting out, and call 112 in an emergency.
Plan & book
Book your Skaftafell hike
CampingSkaftafell Campsite
The campsite right at the Svartifoss and Kristínartindar trailheads.
Vatnajökull National Park
Glacier hikeGlacier Hike in Skaftafell
Crampons, ice axe and helmet on a Vatnajökull outlet glacier. A certified guide is required on glaciers.
Certified glacier guides3–5 hours
Guided tourSouth Coast Tours
Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík and the glacier lagoon. Multi-day versions reach Skaftafell.
Licensed Icelandic operators1–3 days
Online booking opens soon. Press any button to get notified when it does.
Skaftafell FAQ
How long is the Morsárdalur hike?+
The loop is 15 km and takes 3.5–5 hours, with 130 m of ascent.
Is the Morsárdalur hike hard?+
It is rated easy, though its length takes stamina. The terrain is mostly flat and easy, but you need a few hours and decent stamina.
Does the Morsárdalur hike go to the glacier?+
No. This loop turns at Bæjarstaðarskógur. Reaching the Morsárjökull glacier lagoon is a longer route of about 19.5 km, taking 6–7 hours. Enjoy the glacier from a distance; do not approach the ice.
Can you hike Morsárdalur in winter?+
Often, yes, but conditions vary. Expect ice and snow, short days and possible closures. Check with the visitor centre and SafeTravel.is first.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
Private guide requests are coming soon
We are lining up licensed local guides. Sign up and we will let you know as soon as you can request a tailored quote.
