Kristínartindar over Skaftafellsheiði

From the visitor centre take the Svartifoss path, cross the Stórilækur near Magnúsarfoss and climb to the Sjónarsker viewpoint, then north up the open west side of Skaftafellsheiði. Near the top of the heath the path bends east to a crossroads below the peaks: turn left up a steep, loose scree path to the saddle, then left again up a short, very steep scree slope to the summit. Back at the saddle, take the other path south along the east edge of the heath, past Gláma and high above Skaftafellsjökull, to Sjónarnípa and down Austurbrekkur.

It is 18.2 km round with 1,098 m of ascent; allow about 8 hours. The grade is Strenuous: a long day with a big climb, ending in steep scree.

The park rates it difficult, for experienced walkers only. The final slope is very steep, loose scree on a marked path, which the park says must be clambered up; slippery when wet. Turn back at the saddle if in doubt. The paths close in the spring thaw, sometimes until late June, and the park shuts the summit whenever snow or ice makes it dangerous: from autumn ask at the visitor centre.

Vatnajökull National Park charges a day fee for parking at Skaftafell, 1,110 ISK for a car, paid through Parka or at the machines. Strætó route 52 stops here on some days of the week.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.