Our guides at North Ice Expeditions have put together four glacier covered mountains in Iceland that we recommend to climb, hike or ski. Iceland is the land of fire and ice, so there is no shortage of mountains and glaciers.
People don’t think of Iceland as being a big mountaineering destination but this country has a lot to offer in the mountaineering scene – everything from small basalt mountains to incredibly high glacier covered volcanoes.
So, if you are looking for a mountain to climb in Iceland then you are in the right place. It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, you have mountains close by. Your location won’t stop you from chasing summits.
However, we don’t recommend people take on these experiences without having the right skills and knowledge, or a certified mountain guide. Below you will find our top 4 picks for a mountain adventure in Iceland.
1. Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, South Iceland
Our first pick for this mountaineering list in Iceland is Eyjafjallajokull. This 1,600+ meter glacier covered volcano is a decent challenge for most people. Big crevasses, moulins and ash pyramids make their mark on this glacier.
Eyjafjallajokull rises over the south coast of Iceland. On a clear day you have one of the best views in the country. Many people will remember this mountain from the 2010 eruption that stopped air traffic over the Atlantic.
2. Snaefellsjokull Mountain, West Iceland
One of the most famous mountains in Iceland and the one we summit the most. This is the easiest peak on this list to climb. Snaefellsjokull is a glacier covered volcano located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in west Iceland.
A 1,400+ meter peak giving you the only 360 view of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This mountain was made famous in the book Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. It’s the perfect day tour from Reykjavik.
3. Hrutfjallstindar, Southeast Iceland
Looking for a big alpine feeling? This mountain is for you! Hrutfjallstindar is a big mountain on the southeast coast, right next to the highest peak in the country. Big outlet glaciers shape the surroundings, and steep ridges and hills make you feel very small in comparison with nature.
Hrutfjallstindar rises 1,800+ meters above the coastline to the southeast. If you are looking for a peak with very few people around this is an ideal spot.
4. Hvannadalshnukur, South Coast Iceland
Our final and top recommendation for this Iceland mountaineering and hiking list is the highest peak in the country: Hvannadalshnukur. This mountain rises 2,110 meters above the south coast of Iceland. This icy giant is a great challenge for both mountaineers and hikers alike.
If you are looking for a mountain to train for bigger peaks like Mont Blanc or Mount Rainier then this is a fantastic option. No one gets disappointed after summiting the highest peak in Iceland! Hvannadalshnukur is located in Skaftafell National Park and is part of the Vatnajokull ice cap. This is also the longest ski slope in Iceland with around 1,500 meters of pure skiing fun!
