Snæfell Mountain
About Snæfell Mountain
Snæfell is a 1,833-meter mountain in the eastern highlands of Iceland, inside Vatnajökull National Park and northeast of the Vatnajökull ice cap. It is the tallest mountain in Iceland outside the glaciers, and on a clear day its snowy summit can be seen from far across East Iceland. Don't confuse it with Snæfellsjökull in the west, a glacier-capped volcano on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Geologically, Snæfell is an old central volcano built up over more than 400,000 years of eruptions, most of them under glacial ice. Scientists still debate whether it is extinct or only dormant. The open plateau around its base is wild reindeer country, so keep an eye out on the drive in.
Getting to Snæfell takes a 4x4 and a summer trip. The shortest route from Egilsstaðir is 93 kilometers, 80 of them paved, heading south past Lake Lagarfljót and up into the highlands toward Kárahnjúkar before turning onto mountain road F910. The alternative, F909, has two river fords. The F-roads have usually opened in early July in recent years, and rangers stay at the Snæfellsskáli hut from opening until around September 20.
The Snæfell hike starts near the hut and climbs 6.2 kilometers one way to the summit, a challenging day that takes 4 to 7 hours. Snow and ice cover the upper slopes even in midsummer, and a crevasse has opened on the route in the past, so check conditions with the rangers before setting out and turn back if the weather closes in. Snæfellsskáli sleeps around 45 people, and the campsite next to it has flush toilets and showers.
July and August are the best time to visit Snæfell, when the roads are open and the summit route is at its most manageable. Even if you don't climb, the drive across the plateau and the view from the hut make the detour worthwhile, and it pairs well with a stop at the Kárahnjúkar dam on the same highland road.
Good to know
How high is Snæfell in Iceland?
Snæfell is 1,833 meters above sea level, the tallest mountain in Iceland outside the glaciers. It stands in the eastern highlands, inside Vatnajökull National Park.
Is Snæfell the same as Snæfellsjökull?
No. Snæfell is a highland mountain in East Iceland, while Snæfellsjökull is the glacier-topped volcano at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, hundreds of kilometers away.
How long does it take to hike Snæfell?
The summit route is 6.2 kilometers one way and takes 4 to 7 hours, rated challenging. Expect snow and ice on the upper slopes, and ask the rangers at Snæfellsskáli about conditions first.
How do you get to Snæfell?
From Egilsstaðir, drive south toward Kárahnjúkar and turn onto F910, a route of about 93 kilometers with 80 paved. F909 is the alternative but has two river fords, and either way you need a 4x4.
When is the road to Snæfell open?
The F-roads to Snæfell have usually opened in early July in recent years and close again in fall. Check the road conditions map before you go, since snow can delay the opening.
Is Snæfell a volcano?
Yes. Snæfell is an old central volcano built up over more than 400,000 years, mostly under glacial ice, and scientists still debate whether it is extinct or dormant.
Trip planning — free, no commitment
Put Snæfell Mountain on your route
Tell us your dates, pace and can’t-miss list — a local planner builds the route, stays and tours around it, and stays a text away while you travel.