Mountains

Baula is a volcanic mountain of a very special pyramidic form. It measures 934 m in height. The mountain is a 3 million years old intrusion, consisting of liparit stone. For people in good shape, it is well possible to hike up on the mountain from Bjarnardalur, road number 60. But its sides are very steep and there are big and loose stones on the way. On the other hand, the view of the top is very rewarding and you can write into a guestbook there.

Since 1990, the Icelandic Forestry Association has engaged in Christmas tree cultivation in Brynjudalur in Hvalfjörður, an indispensable part of Christmas celebrations tradition. In Brynjudalsskógur, wood has been used for the construction of shelters and paths. There are two shelters in the forest, several resting places and a puzzle track. There are numerous walking paths in the forrest along with paths that can be used as a starting or finishing point for hiker going the traditional hike over Leggjabrjótur, over to Þingvellir or up to Botnsúlur.  Into Brynjudalur you will find great tranquility and proximity to an immensely beautiful mountain range, where Botnssúlur mountain range loom over the area. The area is busy during the Christmas season, where Christmas tree sales take place there every year. The forest itself is well-kept and is very neat. A hiking trail through Brynjudalsskógur offers guests tranquility and beautiful surroundings. The mountainous terrain around the forestry gives a great impression on the environment and the forestry is a quiet place to enjoy and experience. The area has different hiking trails as well as numerous resting stops. Hiking paths can be found in the forest and some of them are used as starting or ending routes for traditional hiking trails on Leggbrjót over to Þingvellir or up to Botnsúlum. Area: Kjósahreppur.  Road number to the starting point: Hvalfjarðarvegur (nr. 47). Drive into Ingunnarstaðaveg.  Difficulty level: Easy  Length: 3.2km/ 1.98 miles  Elevation: 103 meters/ 337.92 ft elevation.  Markings: Some parts of the hiking trail are marked.  Duration: 1 hour.  Route type: Some rocks and grass.  Obstacles on the way: Steps on the way.  Services in the area: No services in the area.  Illumination: No illumination.  Season: The hiking trail is open all year round.  GPS coordinates to the starting point: N 64°21.8068 W 021°18.1513  GPS coordinates to the finishing point: N 64°21.8068 W 021°18.1513 

The largest of three craters in a short volcanic fissure.  Beautiful scenery over Borgarfjordur is  from the top of the Grabrok crater. Mt. Grabrok can be ascended by a marked trail from the main Ring road no. 1.

From the mountan Klofningur is a panoramic view over Breidafjordur Bay, Snaefellsnes Peninsula  and Bardaströnd. Viewing dial. It is possible to hike up the mountain from the farm Stakkaberg.

Hafratindur is one of the highest mountain peaks in Dalir Region with an elevation of 642 meters. It is considered to be one of the best hiking trails in Dalir and has a panoramic view from the top. 

The Snæfellsjökull glacier at Snaefellsnes peninsula is 1446m above sea level. The glacier is an active volcano, having been built up through numerous eruptions during the last 800,000 years. Many believe the glacier to be one of the seven main energy centres of the earth and its mystique is noticed by many. The glacier plays big role as the Center of the Earth in the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) by Jules Verne. Snæfellsjökull is a part of the Snæfellsjökull National Park which  was established on June 28, 2001. The Park's purpose is to protect and conserve the areas unique landscape, indigenous plant and animal life as well as important historical relics. At the same time, the Park is meant to allow visitors easier as well as improved opportunities to get to know the area. Driving on the Glacier is prohibited except with a permission from the park ranger.  

Drapuhlidarfjall Mountain is beautifully colourful. It is composed of sulphur, basalt, jasper, rhyolite and lignite. As usual with lignite deposits, fossiled plants and petrified wood can be found. Drapuhlidarfjall is 527 m high.

Stapafell is a volcanic mountain on the south side of Snæfellsjökull. This palagonitic pyramide is 526 m in height og rather eroded at the sides. On the top of the mountain is Fellskross, which was a sign of holy powers at the times of the vikings. It is said that the mountain is home of hidden people, also called elves.

Saxhóll Crater is located in the Snaefellsjokull National Park. It´s easy to climb and the view from the top is spectacular. A low-set metal stair follows the path´s course to the top. The stair is made up of modules three meters long and 1,5 meters wide that hold seven treads each between solid stingers with open risers. The units join together like a necklace on the slope. The stairs were awarded Rosa Barba International Landscape Prize 2018 which are the fourth awards the project achieves since 2017. 

Akrafjall is a picturesque mountain close to Akranes. The mountain offers one of the best views in West Iceland across Faxafloi Bay and a panoramic view from Reykjanes to Snaefellsjokull Glacier. The mountain was smoothed on the top by a glacier and surrounded by water during the Ice Age. It is easy to ascend the mountain from the Akranes Water Works car park, where a sign points the way to Haihnukur (555m), the shoulder on the right side of the mountain seen from Akranes. A visitor's book is at the top. A somewhat longer hike takes you to the highest peak in the range, Geirmundartindur (643m).

The mountain Hafnarfjall near Borgarnes is part of the same extinguished central volcano as Skardsheidi and is also about 4 million years old. The mountain is 844 m in height and its sides are rather eroded. Most of the mountain consists of basalt, but on the north side there is a small crag, which is made of granofyr. The name "flatfish" indicates its form. Let the children discover it! On the foot of the mountain is a small forest of birch trees where the authorities of Iceland practice reforestation. It is possible to hike up the mountain beginning near the bridge over the fjord at Borgarnes.

Hafnarfjall in Hvalfjörd is a popular outdoor spot where walking and running enthusiasts take advantage of it. The mountain offers the possibility of different hiking trails, whether it is hiking up to "Steini", hiking to the top and back or going seven peaks. With the presence of the Borgarfjörður Touring Association, access to parking has been greatly improved and markings have been installed on top of the mountain. An information sign has been put up at the parking lot showing different walking paths, what to watch out for and so on. Hafnarfjall has been best known for the strong winds that road users on the Vesturland road have felt over the years. The hiking trails around the area are well known by Borgarfjörður locals. Many people use the old highway that runs from the parking lot down to road no. 50 that runs on the Hvitá River. The possibilities for a large group of outdoor enthusiasts are great, as you can walk on level ground, hike up the steep slopes of Hafnarfjal, but also enjoy outdoor activities into the canyons and along the rivers found in the area. The view at the "Stein" and the view at the higher point is spectacular, but at seven peaks hiking the view is varied and the person can see widely the fantastic surroundings. Area: Hvalfjörður.  Road number to the starting point: By the highway nr. 1.   Difficulty level: Hard/difficult. Length: 15.31 km/ 9,51 miles.  Elevation: 1010 meters /3313 ft elevation.  Markings: The first part of the route has been marked, from the parking lot up to the first part.  Duration: 4hours and 30 minutes.  Route type: Small and big rocks, grass and mixed substrate.  Obstacles on the way: Steps and wades.  Services in the area: There are trash bins at the parking area.  Illumination: No illumination.  Season: Temporary closures (due to being closed during the winter months).   GPS coordinates to the starting pointupphaf: N64°30.8785 W021°53.4740  GPS coordinates to the ending point: N64°30.8785 W021°53.4740 

Síldarmannagötur is an old national route that is in a protected area in the settlement in Skorradals valley, which is part of maintaining the paths of the past. The hike can be start at Vatnshorn in Skorradalur valley or deep inside the Hvalfjörður bay.   Síldarmannagötur, a hiking trail that connects Skorradalur valley and Hvalfjörður bay, is a popular outdoor route, that can be enjoyed by a wide range of groups. Markings can be found at the beginning and end of the route but volunteers have been diligent in maintaining signs along the way to help hikers along the way. Hikers need to cross Bláskeggsá rivertwice on the way, and the trail´s surface varies, from small/big rocks to dirt trails. The views on the trail is magnificent but hikers can enjoy the views from Hvalfjörður bay, Skorradalur valley, glaciers and the magestic Botnssúlur.Síldarmannagötur have been and will be one of the most popluar outdoor hiking trail in the west, and it is important to maintain it and distribute information about the trail.   Area: Hvalfjörður bay /Skorradalur valley  Road number to the starting point: Hvalfjarðarvegur (nr. 47) and road in Skorradalur (nr. 508)  Difficulty level: Hard/Challenging  Length: 15.56 km  Elevation: 500 meters.  Markings: Stiks and rock markings.  Duration: 4 hours.  Route type: Small and large rocks, grass, wetlands and meadows.  Obstacles on the way: Bláskeggsá river but hikers need to cross it twice.  Service in the area: No service.  Illumination: No illumination.  Season: The route is closed from november until may, due to weather and conditions on the route.  GPS coordinates to the starting point: N64°28.4501 W021°19.1845. At Vatnshorn in Skorradlur valley.  GPS coordinates to the finishing point: N64°23.2899 W021°21.5792. In Hvalfjörður bay.  

Skessu­horn in Borgarfjord  (967 m) is a particularly impressive and outstanding peak when the range is viewed from the North. Skessu­horn is located in Borgarfjörður. It has often been called Matterhorn of Iceland because of its' special triangular shape.   The path up the peak is not marked and climbing is only for well trained hikers.  The name of the mountain refers to an Icelandic legend about a female troll (skessa) that lived close by. She used to sit on the top, searching for people that she wanted to catch. 

Grundarfjörður's beautiful landmark is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Its isolated position jutting out into the sea makes it a focal point for tourists and seamen alike. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) is 463 meters high and visible from all angles in town. Grundarfjörður is the ideal place to enjoy the amazing colours of the sunset behind the mountain. Climbing and walking the steep terrain and slippery rocks on the mountain is dangerous and may lead to SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH! Climbing the mountain between November 1st - June 15th is prohibited due to extremely dangerous conditions!

Holy Mountain, 73 m with a breathtaking panoramic view across Breiðafjordur Bay. A viewing dial is at the top.   Folklore advises anyone climbing the mountain for the first time to walk straight up without looking back or speaking and three wishes will be granted. The wishes have to be of good intent and the wisher tells no one and faces east when making them.  A small remnant of a wall on the mountain top is dated 1184 and was a part of a nearby monastery built at this time. 

In Stálpastaða forestry you will find numerous tree species and hiking trails throughout the forestry. But the most popular resting place is at the concrete cowshed that can be found at Stálpastöðum. There you can enjoy the view over Lake Skorradalvatn and write in a guest book inside the barn. Locals have been putting on various exhibitions at the barn, such as photo exhibitions, art exhibitions and more. An outdoor area around Stálpstaðir is in the middle of the residential/summer house area in Skorradalur. The area is greatly used by the many visitors and residents of Skorradalur. At Lake Skorradalsvatn there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and there is a large target group that can benefit from it. The forestry association has been working hard over the years in trimming and making the paths easily accessible, which makes this trail a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. A hiking trail through Stálpastaða forestry is a fun hiking trail that can be used by a wide group of visitors. Accessibility is very good, as walking paths are wide and markings are well visible. The area around the barn is beautiful as the forest service and the residents of Skorradalur have done very well to maintain and present such a diamond. Area: Skorradalur.  Road number to the starting point: Into road nr. 508 (Skorradalsvegur).  Difficulty level: Easy way (the route is a combination of forest road, mountain route and old town. It should be noted that trucks sometimes pass through the forest road on weekdays).  Length: 1.6 km/ 0.99 miles.  Elevation: 0-50 meters / 0- 164ft elevation.  Markings: Some markings.  Duration: 23 minutes.  Route type: Small rocks and grass.  Obstacles on the way: No obstacles.  Services in the area: There is a brochure about hiking trails throughout the forest.  Illumination: Illumination.  Season: The hiking trail is open all year round.   GPS coordinates to the starting point: N 64°31.2295 W 021°26.3108  GPS coordinates to the ending point: N 64°31.2295 W 021°26.3108 

Fossatún is a well-known destination in Borgarfjörður, where you can find hiking trails related to folklore heritageand troll books, written by the local keeper, where the stories are set in west Iceland. Fossatún is located in between large summer house areas, where Skorradalur and Húsafell lie on either side of Fossatún. Grímsá river runs nextto Fossatún and you can also find spectacular views of the mountain range of Borgarfjörður at Fossatún.   Fossatún is located about 90 km from Reykjavík, on road no.50, halfway between Borgarnes and Reykholt in Borgarfjörður. Different accommodation facilities are available at Fossatún, from campsites, cottages, guesthouses and country hotel. There is a restaurant as well as facilities for guests to cook, and everyone has access to hot tubs. Fossatún is located on the banks of Grímsá river and has hiking trails along the riverside area, but there is also a hiking trail to Blundsvatn lake, where you can find diverse bird life and a beautiful view of Borgarfjörður´s mountain range.  You can walk from the service area at Fossatún and walk along Grímsá river, where you can find information signs, including sign about the saga´s, legends and trolls. The trail is very visable and accessible for a wide range of guests. The trail to Blundsvatn lake is quite visable but the accessibility is not for as wide range of guests. Grass paths with someparts on gravel is located on the trails but the trail connects the Blundsvatn lake to the Fossatún area.   Area: Fossatún, Borgarbyggð.  Road number to the starting point: Borgarfjarðarbraut (nr. 50).  Level of difficulty: Easy.  Length: 1.75km trail at Fossatún and 3.13km at Blundsvatn lake. Together: 4.8 km  Elevation: 47 meters at Blundsvatn lake and 60 meters at Fossatún. .  Markings: Markings are visable, with information signs and rock formations plentiful.  Duration: At Fossatún is 32 minuets and Blundsvatn lake 40 minuets. Together: 1.2 hours.  Route type: Small rocks and mixed materials.   Obstacles on the way: No obstacles on theroute.   Service in the area: The main service/information house at Fossatún.  Illumination: No illumination.  Season: The route is open except when temporary closed due to bad weather over the winter time or due to bird nestingtime.  GPS coordinates to the staring-andfinishing point: N64°35.5672 W021°34.6263   

Langjokull Glacier is the second largest glacier in Iceland, and is approximately 18 km from Husafell (tourist resort). Excursions onto the glacier are offered from the base of the glacier. On a clear day the view from the glacier is beyond compare.

A beautifully-formed crater rising 60m above the surrounding lava. The spatter cone is the largest crater along a short volcanic rift, 200 m in diameter and 50 m deep. Its last eruption was about 5000-6000 years ago. According to medieval chronics there was also one around the time of the colonisation of Iceland about 1000 years ago, but today it is known that it came from another of the many craters of the valley Hnappadalur which are part of the volcanic system Ljosufjoll, the mountains of the light. It is easiest to approach Eldborg from Snorrastadir on its southern side, walking 2,5 km through the shrub-covered lava field. It is possible to walk all the way around the crater as well as up it.