Hike Hvannárgil and Réttarfell
Details
Distance
2.5 miles
Elevation Gain
492.1 ft
Route Type
Loop
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.
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Details
Distance
2.5 miles
Elevation Gain
492.1 ft
Route Type
Loop
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