Skaftafell: Kristínartindar Loop

Among Skaftafell hiking trails, the Kristínartindar loop is the big one: an 18 km circuit to a 1,126 m summit between two outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland. From the top you look down on the crevassed tongues of Skaftafellsjökull and Morsárjökull, across to Hvannadalshnúkur, the country's highest peak, and out over the black outwash plains of Skeiðarársandur to the Atlantic.

The loop starts at the Skaftafell visitor centre in Vatnajökull National Park and takes six to eight hours with around 1,150 m of ascent. The lower part shares the path to Svartifoss, the middle section crosses the open heath of Skaftafellsheiði, and the final climb to the summit is steep and rocky. The return via Sjónarnípa gives a superb view straight down onto Skaftafellsjökull.

It is one of the best day hikes in the country, but it is a proper mountain day rather than a walk. Save it for a clear, calm day, because in cloud the summit view simply disappears. Carry layers, waterproofs, food and plenty of water, and be ready to settle for the lower viewpoints if the top is in fog or the wind picks up on the exposed upper ridge.

Highlights

• Summit views over two glaciers and Hvannadalshnúkur
• Svartifoss and its basalt columns on the way up
• The Sjónarnípa viewpoint above Skaftafellsjökull
• Wide-open heathland with views to the coast
• Far quieter than the short Skaftafell trails

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Skaftafell is on the Ring Road in southeast Iceland, around four and a half hours' drive from Reykjavík and roughly 50 minutes west of Jökulsárlón. There is a large car park at the visitor centre, where a national park parking fee applies. Public buses along the south coast typically stop at Skaftafell in summer, and many south coast tours visit the park. No 4x4 is needed.

Where to stay

The large Skaftafell campsite beside the visitor centre is the most convenient base, with showers and space for tents and campervans. Hotels and guesthouses are found a short drive away at Freysnes, Svínafell and Hof. Wild camping is not allowed in the national park.

Best time to hike

The summit is usually snow-free enough for normal hiking gear from late June to September; early in the season there can still be snow and ice on the upper slopes, and the national park often closes the trail during the spring thaw, sometimes into June, so check before you go. July and August offer the most settled weather and long daylight, which gives you plenty of margin for a long day. The visitor centre area is busy all summer, but the Kristínartindar trail is far quieter than the paths to Svartifoss.

Safety

The final summit section is steep, loose and exposed; turn back in strong wind, rain, snow or poor visibility. Summit weather can be much colder and windier than at the visitor centre. Carry enough water for the day, as there is little on the upper route. Check vedur.is, leave a travel plan at safetravel.is, and never step onto the glaciers without a guide and proper equipment. Call 112 in an emergency.