Outbound Collective logo

Hike Hvannárgil and Réttarfell

Þórsmerkurvegur, Iceland

Details

Distance

2.5 miles

Elevation Gain

492.1 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by James Hueser

A small loop that goes through a gorge and on top of a ridge that looks over the river valley in Þórsmörk. There's a lot of gorgeous colour and textures to be experienced here.

Starting at the Básar facilities, the loop can be completed clockwise and do Réttarfell to Hvannárgil, or counter-clockwise. We did it counter-clockwise which was nice as we made our way through gorge and ended on a high note.

The counter-clockwise loop follows the road until a sign and markers point out the path to Hvannárgil. It gains a bit of elevation and you get a great view down the gorge, as wells as across the river plain and over to other facilities on the other side of the valley.

Once at the high point, you'll actually drop into the gorge which was a pretty neat experience. The trail continues until you're on a small saddle between Réttarfell and another peak to the east. The climb up Réttarfell is a bit steep, but should be no problems for anybody. At the top of Réttarfell, you'll have an even better perspective of the view you had at the high point on the Hvannárgil trail. There's something about the colours in this valley that really take my breath away.

Head down the north side of the saddle and you'll end up back at Básar.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
River
Scenic

Hike Hvannárgil and Réttarfell Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Heidarhorn

Þórsmörk's Skógar Hike

Hike to the Summit of Valahnúkur

Hike Stakkholts Canyon (Stakkholtsgja)

Backpack the Laugavegur Trail: Þórsmörk to Skógar

Hike to and Swim at Seljavallalaug