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Snækollur Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Moderate Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
3h15 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
5.1km
out and back
Elevation gain
600m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
1,488 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
Yes
Popularity
Low
Region
Highlands
Start point
64.65008, -19.26094
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

Snækollur (1,488 m) is the highest peak in the Kerlingarfjöll volcano and mountain range in the Icelandic highlands. From the summit and along the ridge, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views with an unobstructed horizon for dozens of kilometers. Despite its beautiful orange volcanic landscapes, this hike remains a hidden gem of Kerlingarfjöll, rarely visited by hikers.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Snækollur Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The hike follows a well-marked trail. The first part is particularly steep up to the ridge, so hiking poles are highly recommended. The terrain can be slippery in places due to persistent snowfields. Before setting off, be sure to check the snow conditions. Generally, the trail is passable without specific equipment (crampons or an ice axe) from mid-July to mid-September.

What you'll love

  • Exceptional panoramas: Unforgettable views from the summit of Kerlingarfjöll and the surrounding glaciers, which offer a unique perspective on the Icelandic Highlands.
  • Unique volcanic landscapes: Discover the orange rhyolite mountains contrasting with the surrounding snow.

Practical information

Access

Take Route 35 (formerly F35), then follow F347. These F-roads are only accessible in the summer and require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The route is straightforward with no fords, so it is accessible to any 4WD vehicle.

See the Driving in the Highlands section for more information.

Start of the hike to Snækollur
Start of the hike to Snækollur
Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll
Langjökull ice cap
Langjökull ice cap
Beautiful colors
Beautiful colors
Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll
Snækollur ridge
Snækollur ridge
Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll
Storm approaching
Storm approaching
Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll
Snækollur ridge
Snækollur ridge
Unfortunately, there was no visibility from the summit...
Unfortunately, there was no visibility from the summit...

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/iceland/snaekollur/