Stórurð - Njardhvik

Le S.

Ein schöner See der mittig am Fuße eines alten Gletscher liegt. Der Weg dorthin kann für eine unsportliche Person anstrengend sein, ist aber auf jeden Fall machbar. Um den See herum ist ein kleiner Rundweg, dort kann man viele schöne und neue Facetten des Sees sehen. Man sollte auf jeden Fall dort einen Halt anstreben.

emanuelle R.

Absolument incroyable comme endroit!! La randonnée pour se rendre était magnifique, plusieurs rivières et chutes d’eau avec vu sur des montagnes. La fin pour arriver dans la vallée est à pic, attention pour cette partie. Je vous recommande fortement, le détour en vaut la peine!!

Frederic

Very nice hike with a parking place. We went in May and there was too much snow to see Stórurð. Anyway the hike itself was great. Would try it again in the summer.

Gal B.

One of the best hikes we did in Iceland! So worth it. We did the circular route (took the middle path returned on the Eastern one and cought a ride back to our car).

Olivier V. D.

The valley offered an amazing view and was in pristine condition, however a word of warning should be given for the hiking routes towards it.

As of now, the easier route 2 (often referred to in the past as 8) is closed indefinitely. I took route 1 (9) from Vatnsskarth, which I would classify as intermediate. It starts with a steep climb with rocky terrain. During my ascent the conditions quickly changed and I was greeted by a cold and thick mist for most of the route, making it difficult to make out the path, although the sticks are usually sufficiently close to each other. On later parts, the terrain changes to very rocky and sometimes you are walking on rather steep sides of the mountain. I would not classify it as really dangerous, but it can be easy to sprain your ankle if one is not careful. There is some melting ice this period of the year, so you have to watch your step not to crack through and get your feet wet. The final descent for the valley is very steep and has some snow, I went down crawling as a precaution.

I took route 3 (10) back, which was mainly descending but the rocky terrain, and misty and wet conditions made it very technical. I would actually recommend going up this route to go into the valley, as that provides you better control on the terrain. You will still need to do the same final descent as route 1.

I was greeted by clearing mist going into the valley and a breathtaking view of the lake.

In any case, you should come prepared and pack enough water and food for 5 hours, and prepare for quickly changing weather (scorching hot sun and freezing cold mists following closely). I don't have a lot of experience with (mountainous) hiking and I don't think you really need much experience for this trail, but you should have a relatively good fitness before you start this hike. It is definitely not family friendly or for the unprepared, although I'm sure experienced hikers doing 20km+ hikes all the time will find no difficulties with this trail.

Radek

Amazing place, I was there two times. In summer it looks much more amazing than in winter, but it's also beautyfull and worth to visit it. I have used two routes, from Vatnsskarðsvegur and Vatnsskarð both are pretty easy, like normal walk.

Sveindís ?.

Gorgeous hike to Stórurð in wonderful weather. We took the Njarðvík-route (marked with yellow sticks in the ground) both ways but were afterwards recommended by a local to go the vatnsskarð way to Stórurð and then Njarðvík-route back. Be prepared for a magnificent hike but do go in good weather, with proper shoes and outerwear and don't forget a water bottle and some snacks. Hike is about 2-4 hours each way depending on your fitness level.

Noam O.

One of the most beautiful trails we did. We choose to go to the crater with road 9 and back with 8. Road 9 is a bit difficult but amazing crossing snow and rocks. The only problem is getting back to the car from the end of road 8- going up the main road for approximately 2 km. So if you can get a pick up it will be great for you!