Rock climbing at Hnappavellir

Know the area

Hnappavellir is a useful starting point when researching a climbing trip through southeast Iceland. The climbing is spread between named sectors rather than one small face. Hádegishamar, Miðskjól and Vatnsból are among the sectors in the local database.

Local area record and route database ↗

Access and local responsibilities

The local guide asks drivers not to continue beyond the campsite. Confirm the final approach with the climbing club before travelling; an old description of a river crossing is not evidence that it is passable today.

Selected routes

Choose a sector and a current topo before choosing a route. A few easier grades in the list do not establish the suitability of the anchors, landing or protection for your party.

Grades follow the cited records. They are not conversions or safety ratings. Missing lengths are left unspecified. This is a selection, not a complete route list. Confirm the line, equipment, protection, descent and current condition before climbing.

Photos and route lines

The Reykjavík climbing club supplies an updated Hnappavellir topo through its bolting fund. It asks recipients not to redistribute it. Use the club’s own instructions to obtain your copy.

Open original topo and guide information ↗

Route diagrams remain on the original publisher’s website. We have not verified permission to reproduce them here. Our landscape photographs are not navigation aids, and we have not drawn speculative lines over them.

Fit it into your trip

Keep a flexible alternative for a wet or unsuitable day. Choose an objective that suits your whole party’s experience and leave time for the approach and return, not just the climbing.

Plan time around Skaftafell →