
Borgarfjörður eystri: Hike to the Summit of Mt. Svartfell
Borgarfjörður eystri: Hike to the Summit of Mt. Svartfell
This tour sets the top of one of the most iconic mountains in the area as its goal. From the vantage point of the average visitor in Borgarfjörður eystri, Svartfell looks like a formidable challenge. However, when the right route is used, it becomes simply a fun, adventurous and only moderately challenging hike with an amazing panoramic view.
We start from the Breiðavík trailhead and make our way up the slopes toward Fagrihóll, or Beautiful Hill. This section of the tour is on a wide doubletrack trail with a nice stable hiking surface, albeit with a couple of moderately steep sections where the trail surface can be loose. From Fagrihóll we get great views of our surroundings. The Fjord, the majestic Dyrfjöll mountain range, the regal Mt. Staðarfjall, winding rivers and the valley to the south.
From Fagrihóll, the journey takes us off-trail and onto the rugged slopes of Mt. Svartfell. As we ascend, the landscape changes from rolling slopes into sharp rocky crags and boulders. We traverse the east flank of the mountain and make our way onto the north shoulder. From there is a minorly technical scramble with some exposure up the north face, so be prepared to use both hands and feet. After the scramble you’re rewarded with mind-blowing views of the surrounding area, the mountains of the Víknaslóðir Wilderness, the Dyrfjöll mountain range, the sea and a host of other beautiful features. After taking pictures and admiring the sublime view, we descend back down the same way, ending the tour at the Breiðavík trailhead.
This hike takes place on an uneven rocky surface. The route used makes the experience easier but there are still some off-trail steep portions. To reach the summit there are mandatory sections with light scrambling (you ascend using hands & feet). There are steep cliff drop-offs where falling is deadly. Heed the guide's instructions at all times. The guide reserves the right to stop and turn around for any reason, including but not limited to: Weather, client skill, client preparedness and snow conditions.
- A 100% charge applies if canceled within 1 days of the start time.
- A 50% charge applies if canceled within 2 days of the start time.
- Meet up at the Svartfell trailhead
- Break at Þrándarkofi Gallery
- Starting the climb up to the summit
- The Summit!
- Safely back at the trailhead
Essential equipment
- Hiking Boots
- Warm hiking clothing
- Rain jacket and pants in case of rain
- Gloves
- Hat
- Water
- Lunch & Snacks
Additional equipment
- Microspikes in early season (April, May)
- Hiking poles
- Sunglasses
A short break for water & snacks at the old Þrándarkofi Gallery. Here you can sometimes see exhibitions of art from the local school.
Here we take pictures and look at the (hopefully) glorious view. Be careful of the edge!
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
- Duration:
- 3 hours and 30 minutes















