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Suðurnámur 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
3h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
10.1km
Elevation gain
510m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
920 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Moderately
Marked
Yes
Popularity
Low
Region
Highlands
Start point
63.99055, -19.06025
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

Discover Suðurnámur, a 920-meter-high mountain located in the heart of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland. Though it is much less frequented than the iconic peaks of Bláhnúkur or Brennisteinsalda, this hike offers equally spectacular panoramic views.

The trail winds through lava fields and vast plains before climbing up to a ridge that offers 360-degree views of the Highlands.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Suðurnámur Hike

Difficulties of the hike

As with all Landmannalaugar hikes, this trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. The route is relatively easy except for a few steep and slippery slopes, especially during wet weather and on the initial ascent.

For an even more memorable experience, it is easy to combine this hike with the Brennisteinsalda hike, as part of the routes are shared.

What you'll love

  • The exceptional panoramic views from the Suðurnámur ridge. From there, you can see the entire Landmannalaugar region, the lava fields, the multicolored rhyolite mountains, and the intertwining rivers.
  • Crossing the wild Vondugil Valley, which has wildflower meadows that contrast with the surrounding rock formations.
  • The peaceful atmosphere, which is a welcome change from the bustle of other popular peaks in Landmannalaugar.
  • Relaxing bath: opportunity to relax in the natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar, perfect for soothing your muscles after the hike.

Practical information

Getting to Landmannalaugar

The roads in the highlands are only open in the summer. Several bus companies provide connections to Reykjavik. If you prefer to drive, you will need a 4WD vehicle to travel on F-roads. There are three options available to you:

  • The F208 road from the north: the easiest option, with no river crossings.
  • The F225 road: more picturesque but requires crossing several shallow rivers.
  • The F208 road from the south: crosses several medium-depth rivers.

See my dedicated page on driving in the Highlands for more information.

Parking

It is now necessary to reserve a parking space before your arrival.

Hiking in Landmannalaugar

Check out my Landmannalaugar guide to help you choose your hikes.

Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar
Laugarhaun lava field
Laugarhaun lava field
Greenery, unusual for the region
Greenery, unusual for the region
Blahnúkúr reflection
Blahnúkúr reflection
Landmannalaugar, Laugahraun and Bláhnúkur
Landmannalaugar, Laugahraun and Bláhnúkur
Panorama from Suðurnámur ridge
Panorama from Suðurnámur ridge
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river
Landmannalaugar, Laugahraun
Landmannalaugar, Laugahraun
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river
Landmannalaugar at sunset
Landmannalaugar at sunset
Panorama from Suðurnámur
Panorama from Suðurnámur
Laugahraun
Laugahraun
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river
Landmannalaugar, Jokulgilskvisl river

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Bláhnúkur

Easy2 h 30 · 6.3 km · 400 m D+

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Brennisteinsalda

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Laugahraun

Easy1 h 30 · 4.7 km · 160 m D+

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Skalli

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Grænihryggur

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