Reykjavík Grapevine - 15.07.2016, Page 66

The pretty triangle-shaped sum-
mit opposite a small fjord from the
picturesque town of Siglufjörður
is not a common climb, but it is a
fine one indeed. The cirque facing
the fjord contains snow until late
summer each year. (An enormous,
fatal avalanche started there in
1919 and obliterated a coastal her-
ring processing factory. The ruins
are still visible.) The Hestskarð
pass south of Hestskarðshnjúkur
was once the landward gateway to
the small farming community in
Héðinsfjörður, but nowadays that
fjord (now abandoned) is acces-
sible from the short road linking
the two road tunnels that con-
nect the towns of Siglufjörður and
Ólafsfjörður, both with numerous
attractions and facilities for trav-
ellers.
Hestskarðshnjúkur: Hestur (horse),
skarð (mountain pass), hnjúkur
(peak).
The route character
An interesting, steep route that
meanders through low cliff bands
and steep scree slopes (no hand-
on climbing necessary).
Route description
Begin the hike to the left of where
the main road enters the tunnel
in the Skútudalur valley, at the
southeastern end of the fjord. As-
cend the southwest slopes, bear-
ing somewhat right as the slant-
ing rock bands are a bit lower
there. Turn left and right to sur-
mount them without having to
climb the steps. Take care when
walking across steep scree slopes
with loose rocks on top of solid
rock. Turn north (left) when you
approach the summit and aim for
the highest point. The highlands
to the west, south and east are vast
(this is the interior of the Tröl-
laskagi peninsula), with higher
peaks as one looks farther south,
but most of these are hidden from
view by nearby mountains.
Difficulty rating: 4
Overall rating: 5
SHARE & LINKS: gpv.is/hi10
Hestskarðs-
hnjúkur: Unique
Fjord Scenery
Words ARI TRAUSTI GUÐMUNDSSON
Photo MAXIM PANTELEYEV
Elevation:
855m
Ascent time:
1.5-2.5 hrs
Length:
2-2.5 km
Map no.:
61
Elevation diff-
erence: 735 m
HUMANS OF REYKJAVÍK
What brings her to Iceland
“My friend Joy and me traveled
here all the way from Australia.
Actually we were visiting her
daughter-in-law in Norway and
we decided to come to Iceland
as it is nearby. We are staying
here for two weeks.”
Differences with Australia
“Everything is different! The
main differences are of course
climate and architecture. I
actually thought it was colder
here. Also the history—there’s
no other history like Iceland’s.
And also the fact that you
simply just walk through
customs in the airport. What’s
more, people are so friendly
and it’s so safe to walk on the
streets here.”
Words & Photo GEIDI RAUD
Ruth Pope
The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 10 — 2016
66
North Worn
available in all main
tourist shops