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Vatnajökull National Park

Alpine huts in Vatnajökull National Park

Icelandic Alpine Huts

These backcountry shelters and mountain huts are strategically located across Vatnajökull National Park and the surrounding Icelandic Highlands. Many, such as Dreki and Nýidalur, serve as essential bases for exploring volcanic regions like Askja or the Sprengisandur route. Managed primarily by regional hiking associations, these facilities range from basic emergency shelters to staffed huts with cooking facilities, providing critical refuge in the volatile subarctic climate of the interior.

Icelandic Alpine Huts — Map
Zairon / CC BY-SA 3.0
A

Dettifoss

A waterfall with a height of 44 meters and width of 100 meters, known for its powerful water flow and scenic natural surroundings.
B

Skálinn við Sveinstind;Sveinstindur

Located near the Skaftá river, this hut serves as a base for hiking the Sveinstindur peak, offering panoramic views over the Langisjór lake and the western edge of Vatnajökull.
C

Skælingar

A mountain hut situated in a lava field near the Skaftá river, known for its unique lava formations and proximity to the Laki craters.
D

Nyidalur

Situated on the Sprengisandur highland route, this staffed station offers two huts and a campsite, serving as a gateway to the Tungnafellsjökull glacier.
E

Þorsteinsskáli

Located at the Herðubreiðarlindir oasis, this hut provides access to hiking trails around the Herðubreið table mountain and the surrounding nature reserve.
F

Þorsteinsskáli

A remote mountain hut at the spring-fed oasis of Herðubreiðarlindir, offering basic accommodation and a campsite for trekkers in the Ódáðahraun lava field.
G

Breidá

A small mountain shelter located near the Breiðamerkurjökull glacial tongue, providing rustic accommodation in a remote setting.
H

Esjufjallaskáli

A remote research and hiking hut located on the Esjufjöll nunatak, an island of rock completely surrounded by the Vatnajökull ice cap.
I

Kverkfjallaskáli

Located at the foot of the Kverkfjöll mountains, this large hut provides access to ice caves and geothermal areas at the edge of the glacier.
J

Dreki

Situated at the mouth of the Drekagil canyon near Askja, this facility includes mountain huts, a ranger station, and a campsite.
K

Drekaskáli

A mountain hut in the Dyngjufjöll mountains, serving as the main base for visitors exploring the Askja caldera and the Víti geothermal crater.
L

Bræðrafell

A small, remote hut located on the circular hiking trail around Mount Herðubreið, situated within a vast lava field.
M

Bræðrafell

Remote hiking shelter located in the Ódáðahraun lava field, primarily used by trekkers on the trail between Herðubreiðarlindir and Askja.
N

Snæfell

A staffed mountain hut at the base of Mount Snæfell, offering facilities for hikers climbing the highest peak in Iceland outside the glacial regions.
O

Gæsavatnaskáli

A basic mountain hut located along the rugged Gæsavatnaleið highland track, south of the Tungnafellsjökull glacier.
P

Dyngjufell

A remote shelter located in the Dyngjufjöll mountains, providing a stopover for hikers on the route between Askja and Botni.
Q

Sigurðarskáli

Located in the Kverkfjöll area, this hut serves as a base for glacier tours and exploring the active geothermal zones of the northern Highlands.
R

Kistufell(Rettungshuette)

An emergency and mountain shelter located on the northern edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, positioned along historic highland trails.
S

Botni

A mountain hut located in the Suðurárbotnar area, often used by hikers trekking between Svartárkot and the Askja caldera.
T

Jökulheimar

A research and mountain station located at the western edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, used for glaciological studies and expeditions.
U

Réttarkot

A small, basic shelter located in the northern highlands, providing rustic accommodation for backcountry travelers.
V

Jöklasel

A mountain restaurant and hut located on the Skálafellsjökull glacier, serving as a hub for snowmobile tours and glacier excursions.
W

Halskofi

A remote wilderness hut located in the eastern highlands near the Snæfell area.
X

Hrakstrandarkofi

A basic wilderness shelter situated in the remote eastern highland region.
Riverside Hotel
Taxi · 8 min
Icelandic Alpine Huts
2h
Walk · 6 min
Corner Café
45 min
Walk · 18 min
Riverside Hotel

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