Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland)

Written By Slower Hiking

This is a spectacular day walk on the south coast of Iceland, with a stunning mountain ascent between two glaciers.

We did the classic 20 km loop with an ascent/decent of 1075m (3525 ft) but within the 20 km loop, there is also a shorter 8 km loop that ascends just 300m.

The start of the walk is accessible by car or you can catch a bus from Reykavik - numerous reliable bus services are available.

The visitor centre at the Skaftafell campground (Skaftafell Camping - NAT) sells the 1:25,000 Skaftafell map sheet. Another useful resource is the book “Walking and Trekking in Iceland” by Paddy Dillon (Cicerone Press).

The walk leaves from a campground, so an early start is easy if you are a slow hiker. In fact, Iceland in summer is ideal for slow hikers because it doesn’t get dark until around 11.30pm in early June or 10.30pm in early July! You’ll have plenty of time to complete this 20 km walk!  

The walk is a steady ascent initially through scrubby woodland with wildflowers and berries, then over rocky hillsides with constant views of Skaftafellsjokull, to the very top of the mountain, with vistas across the plain to the sea. After this a descent through scree leads to grassy wildflower meadows and completely new views over Morsajokull. A complete delight from start to finish.

Grassy camp ground fringed with dense trees. There are 3 tents in foreground and snow capped mountains in background.

We leave the camp ground around 9 am and head off along well-trodden paths that remain good and distinct throughout the day.

There are many small flowers in the lower altitudes - Common twayblade, Listeria ovata

Start of Mt Krinstinatindur Hike

The path through the scrubby woodland is smooth and with steps in sections

Lots more wildflowers

The path soon opens up onto rocky slopes, and the views are already wonderful.

View across the flank of the mountains with the toe of the glacier emerging from the valley. Icy ponds are scattered throughout the wide flat floodplain. at the base of the glacier.

First views of the snout of Skaftafellsjokull

A single gravel track on a rounded slope with emerging views of the glacier .

Amazing glacier views. Through a strange trick of perspective, it appears much closer than it actually is.

Hiker walking along a single gravel track across bare rocky ground. The terrain in the foreground is gently sloping, steep sided hills are in the background to where the track is heading.

The ascent is still gentle, but, looking at the slopes on the left, this will soon change

No, we didn’t climb on top of the small rock knob for the selfie shot. It was quite perfect without us on it!

Hiker walking along a single track with other hikers furtehr along the track in th ebackground. The track is running along the contour of a very steep slope covered in grasses and mosses.

The smooth, well-trodden path follows the contour, for which are grateful!

A hiker looks tiny in the distance on top of a saddle, with a backdrop of gnarly mountains.. The is a track snaking up a steep spine on the right

Up and up

A pair of hiking boots and poles in the foreground on a flat stony area. AThe track can be seen snakign up a steep spine in the background with a massive glacier providing a backdrop.

Time for a breather and lunch before pushing to the top

Hiker walking along track with small rocks either side, heading towards a steep sided hill

And now it is STEEP

But we still have time to take in the sights - big and small

We get to the top - very happy campers! And still many daylight hours left, so we can take our time and enjoy the views!

Looking across from the top of the mountain. There is another glacier below, fringed by more rugged mountains.

Painted hillsides, snow, ice, water. Glorious.

And back down after soaking up the glorious views

Hikers in the distance walking across a steep sided scree slope..

The path is so well trodden that it is even smooth down the scree!

Hiker walking down and across a steep scree slope. A plateau area lies ahead with a wide flat floodplain further on again.

And into grassy flower-filled meadows

Hiker on scree slope that is covered with grassy mossy vegetation at this lower altitude.
View looking down at a glacier snaking its way out a rugged mountain range.

The views just keep on going!

Close up of short single stemmed plant with yellow and orange buds that are about to burst.

Common moonwort (Botrychia lunaria)

A small fast flowing stream flowing through a steep sided, well vegetated gully.

Back down through the forest, past small creeks and waterfalls …

what a walk!

Slower Hiking https://Slowerhiking.com
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