Snækollur Hike

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.

Remarks

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.

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.

Hike technical sheet

Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: ModerateiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 3 h 15iFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 5.1 km
Type of route: Out and back
Elevation gain: 600 m
Maximum altitude: 1488 m
Vertiginous: SlightlyiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: Yes
Popularity: Low
Region: Highlands
Start point: 64.65008, -19.26094

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Snækollur Hike