Iceland Highlands Trail: Suðurnámur

Route at a glance

At about 16.3 km, this is not just a viewpoint stop but a complete route through Icelandic highlands. Expect lava fields, snow patches, ridges and remote valleys; the elevation profile should be checked on a relief map before the trip. It suits a prepared day out: not necessarily technically difficult, but more enjoyable when transport and timing are clear.

Route suitability

Without a car Hard

With children With caution

With a dog With caution

By bike No

With a stroller No

Signal Patchy

Information status

Page status Проверенный маршрут

When checked Not specified

How it was checked По данным трека

Editorial review Reviewed by editors

Getting there

Without a car

Use seasonal highland buses or arranged transfers to the hut or valley used as a start.

By car

Only suitable high-clearance vehicles should use highland roads, and many roads are seasonal.

Parking

Park only at huts, official trailheads or agreed highland access points.

What to expect

Suðurnámur

Thorsmork

highland valleys

volcanic ridges

lava fields

Difficult sections and safety

The main risks around Thorsmork are wind, cold rain, fog and long gaps between services. Carry warm layers and do not rely on mobile signal everywhere.

How much time to allow

Day route 4-7 h

With viewpoints and breaks up to a full day

Best time to go

The most reliable season around Thorsmork is usually July to September

Early in the season, snow and wet ground are possible

Wind, fog and cold rain can change the difficulty quickly

What to bring

comfortable broken-in shoes

water and snacks

windbreaker or rain jacket

charged phone

offline map

small first-aid kit

warm layer

hat and gloves even in summer

Elevation profile

There is no elevation data in the track for the chart.

Surface

Dirt 87% · Gravel 8% · Improved surface 5%

Surface is defined for 100% of the route.

Dirt 87% · 14.2 km

Gravel 8% · 1.25 km

Improved surface 5% · 0.81 km