Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.03.2013, Side 25

1. Stóra-Kóngsfell (602 m)
From a small parking lot in front of the Eldborg crater close to the Bláfjöll skiing
area, follow a path between the crater and a small mountain called ‘Drottning.’ On
the other side of the mountain, you cross a lava flow to the bigger ‘Stóra-Kóngsfell.’
The path is hard to find, but the crossing can be made safely if you walk carefully.
Follow the base of the mountain until you reach a cairn, which marks a path that
winds its way upwards across scree-slopes to the top. This hike can be done in two
to three hours, both ways. It is a short and moderate, but rewarding outing.
2. The Hengill Circuit (805 m)
Start in the small valley behind the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant. Directions
there lead you to a parking lot below the Sleggjubeinsskarð pass. The route, which
is marked by wooden pegs, takes you to this pass, into Innstidalur valley, up steep
ridges past the lively high-temperature geothermal area Hveragil, and finally into
another but smaller and shallower valley high up on the central Hengill volcano.
From there you take the left fork in the path, climbing towards a small summit
called Skeggi. For the return, retrace your steps or take another path some five to
seven minutes short of the summit, which leads you along the western edges of
the mountain, back to the pass. With the exception of two sections, the hike is not
very steep. It is, however, long and demands endurance for five to six hours both
ways.
3. Hafnarfjall (844 m)
The mountain overlooks Borgarfjörður and the town of Borgarnes. It is a good al-
ternative to the trodden paths of Esja. Turn off from Road 1 onto an old road shortly
before the Borgarfjörður bridge. Drive one to two kilometres along this road until
you reach a circular valley surrounded by four summits. You start by ascending the
long right-hand ridge (a more or less clear path). High up, the path turns left in a big
semicircle leading to the sharp summit Gildalshnúkur. It is the highest of this com-
plex of peaks that make up the ruins of an old volcanic crater (there is another quite
demanding route, which takes you to three of the peaks). Trace the same route
back. Allow two to three hours for the ascent and somewhat less for the descent.
Three Recommended
Summer Hikes Not Far
From Reykjavík
By Ari Trausti Guðmundsson
25
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