Hike to the South Summit of Mount Akrafjall

The roundtrip hike up the south summit takes 2-5 hours. The trail is flat and easy to follow at first, then farther up the mountain you'll encounter a more jagged path with some spongy grass areas. There are two false summits along the trail (the first is the only one you can see from the parking lot). After the first summit, the trail is very close to the edge of the mountain, and it can be easy to stumble during times of heavy rain and wind (common in Iceland).

For the most part, a beginner would be able to finish the hike in less than 6 hours; it takes closer to 3 for someone of a higher fitness level. There is also a waterfall worth exploring near the bottom of the mountain. Oftentimes, you may be the only one on either summit of this hike. Overall, a great hike to get a taste of Iceland only 40km from Reykjavik!

Getting there: From Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, drive east on Vesturlandsvegur (Hwy 41 / Hwy 1) as it leaves town. Follow this main road for 13.5km to where it becomes Þjóðvegur (Hwy 1). Continue north on Þjóðvegur (Hwy 1) for 14.5km to Hvalfjörður Tunnel (note that this is a toll road). Turn left and drive north through the 5km long tunnel. On the other side, turn left onto Kalmansbraut (Road 51) and proceed another 2 kilometers around the south side of Akrafjall. Turn right onto a gravel road which leads to the Vatnsból Reservoir in Fosskot. Park at Akranes Water Works car park near the dam, in the area of Fosskot. Trailhead is difficult to locate, however most residents in the nearby town of Akranes will be able to point you in the right direction.