Scramble Geitafellstindur and Photograph Hoffellsjökull
Hoffellsjökull, Iceland
Details
Distance
9.3 miles
Elevation Gain
3248 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by James Hueser
Geitafellstindur is the south peak of Geitafell and has a great scramble to its summit. The view from the summit includes the glacier Hoffellsjökull.
The trailhead can begin at the parking lot at the end of the Hoffellsjökull lake where there are information boards. The trail is very easy to follow as it is well defined, and typically has wooden stakes marking it. You'll head down from the parking lot and into a river valley. The trail follows an ATV trail to the northwest until it splits off to start heading up the ridge to the northeast.
The ridge is very easy to hike, and offers some great views of the glacier. You'll notice at the summit push, it gets pretty scrambley. Things to remember here are that the rock is pretty chossy, so foot and hand holds should be checked before putting too much faith in them; as well as the snow is a mixture of snow and ice, so one step can sink in and one step can slide right off. There's a lot of exposure if you try to scoot around the base of the cliff band to climber's right. You'll know you're at the summit because continuing on would be way too advanced without roping up.
The view from the peak of Geitafellstindur looks right in the valley of Hoffellsdalur, which is absolutely stunning - try grabbing a panoramic of it!
On your way back down, follow a branch of the trail to your right and try to get as close to the glacier as possible. Some of my favourite shots are of icebergs in the small glacial lake as the clouds reflect in the water.
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Scramble Geitafellstindur and Photograph Hoffellsjökull Reviews
Hoffellsjokul is honestly one of the most impressive glaciers I have ever seen. It goes as far as your eye will take you. Getting a glimpse of the scale of the glacier from Geitafellstindur is definitely a top recommendation of mine for things to do on the East coast of Iceland. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. However, this is no walk in the park. Loose rock, steep climb, freezing temperatures, and howling winds can make this a serious trek. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks/lunch.
5.0
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