Suðurnámur and the Hot Stream: an Extended Walk from the Western Junction: hiking in Iceland
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Suðurnámur and the Hot Stream: an Extended Walk from the Western Junction

Distance
16.3 km
Time
5 h 29 min
Elevation gain
420 m
Difficulty
Hard
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Route description

Beginning at the western junction above Landmannalaugar, this extended version combines lava paths, return passages beside the hot stream and the Suðurnámur ridge. The ascent changes the view of the rhyolite slopes: valleys and dark lava remain below while the walk follows an exposed crest. The descent brings you back to river deposits and the road side of the area. This is a more involved Suðurnámur outing than the usual walk from camp, with an upper departure, repeated visits to some places and a separate northeastern finish.

Route status

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Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

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

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Suðurnámur reveals Landmannalaugar from its upper ridge before the walk returns to the valley’s smaller features: streams and the boardwalk beside warm water. The changes between coloured mountain slopes, lava and lower river ground give the outing its character. Choose this version for a substantial mountain day with an agreed order of passages.
Length
16.3 km
Elevation gain
420 m
Surface
Dirt 87%
Suðurnámur and the Hot Stream: an Extended Walk from the Western Junction: route photo 7 in Iceland

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: With caution With a dog: No data By bike: No With a stroller: No Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

Bláhnúkur, the Brennisteinsalda summit and Ljótipollur are separate hikes beyond this version. The hot stream beside camp should not be confused with an ascent of Brennisteinsalda. Confirm hut operation and accommodation separately. Soap and glass containers are prohibited beside the warm water; use the existing boardwalk.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
The 2026 summer Highland Bus season to Landmannalaugar runs from 13 June to 20 September. Arrival requires a separate approach to the western departure junction. The usual interval before the return service is short for the complete extended walk; arrange another departure or accommodation beforehand. This timetable does not establish regular October service.
By car
The northern approach follows F208 and then F224, requiring a suitable 4x4 and open roads. Park at P1 before the two river crossings and continue over the footbridge if necessary. Add the approach to the upper departure and the connection from the separate finish. Check road conditions; an ordinary rental 4x4 does not provide winter access.
Parking
P1 by Námskvísl allows parking before the river crossings. For summer 2026, advance reservations apply from 20 June to 13 September when arriving between 09:00 and 16:00; a service fee also applies outside that window. Recheck current rules and road access before travelling. Parking is separate from the western departure, so allow additional approach and return time.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Suðurnámur Ridge the upper mountain crest and descent towards the valley.
Háöldukvísl Stream the western stream crossing.
Landmannalaugar Hot Stream the bank reached by the wooden boardwalk.
Námskvísl Stream the watercourse on the lower passage.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 420 м.
SurfaceDirt 87%, Gravel 8%, Improved surface 5%.
Риски Suðurnámur includes steep climbs, narrow ridge sections, stony ground and strong wind. The western ford is not passable at every water level. Parts of the older northeastern continuation require comparison with current paths and the warden’s advice. Allow extra time in fog and wet conditions. Stay on the boardwalk and follow local visiting rules beside the hot stream.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 5 h 29 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
The complete duration of this extended version is not established. Standard timing for the shorter Suðurnámur circuit excludes these return passages and separate departure and finish. Agree the visiting order, usable connections and return deadline with the warden beforehand. Plan a full mountain day, with transport and additional approaches arranged separately from the short interval between summer services.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose summer conditions after mountain roads open, with passable fords and a favourable forecast. Access usually improves towards late June, depending on snow and ground conditions. Autumn services finish before full winter conditions arrive. Winter travel on this ridge requires separate experience and arrangements; summer access does not carry over.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain boots with reliable grip
Windproof and waterproof clothing
Warm layer, hat and gloves
Poles, water and food for a full day
Map and charged phone
Daylight margin
Checked arrival and return arrangements
Order of passages agreed with the warden

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

The 2026 summer Highland Bus season to Landmannalaugar runs from 13 June to 20 September. Arrival requires a separate approach to the western departure junction. The usual interval before the return service is short for the complete extended walk; arrange another departure or accommodation beforehand. This timetable does not establish regular October service

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 16.3 km, hard.

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