Nestled inside a wind-sheltering lava field, Hvanngil offers hikers and campers a tranquil highland stop roughly halfway through the iconic Laugavegur Trail, situated between Álftavatn and Þórsmörk.
Location & Access
- Lands inside Fjallabak Nature Reserve, approximately 5 km south of Álftavatn and 12 km north of Emstrur (Botnar), all part of the 55 km Laugavegur route.
- For drivers, accessible by Fjallabaksleið syðri (F210) from Rangárvellir near Mýrdalsjökull—requires 4×4 vehicles and confidence with unbridged river crossings, especially Bláfjallakvísl near the hut.
Hut Facilities (by FÍ – Iceland Touring Association)
- Capacity for up to 60 people across four rooms: ground-floor dorms with double bunks and a loft with mattress sleeping-bag stations.
- Kitchen with gas stoves, cooking utensils, and cold running water, plus grills and picnic benches outside.
- A small warden’s hut, nearby stable with secondary kitchen and extra sleeping loft for 20—ideal during unexpected rain.
- Separate toilet building with showers available for a fee; campers also use these facilities.
Campground — Lava Fields with Shelter
- The campground sits amid broken lava slabs, forming natural windbreaks—uncommon comfort in the open highlands.
- An additional grassy area is located near the stable, though more exposed to wind.
- No reservations required—campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and showers (1,000 ISK for 5 min) and utilities fee (700 ISK) are paid on arrival.
Onward Trails & Surroundings
- From Hvanngil, the next watercrossing at Bláfjallakvísl follows the trail before the sweeping black sands of Mælifellssandur desert toward Emstrur.
- Side paths lead into lava escarpments or toward plains at the edge of Mýrdalsjökull’s ice cap—popular with photographers and trail users.
Why Choose Hvanngil?
- Sheltered campsites in hard-to-beat weather: lava formations act as natural windbreaks.
- Modern hut-services tucked in minimalism: kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a small warden team
- Logically placed on the trail: a strategic rest point between exposed Álftavatn and the descent into Thórsmörk.
Tips for Hvanngil Visitors
- Pack hard-ground tent stakes and consider rocks for additional anchoring—campground soil is firm and wind can be strong.
- Check river conditions daily, especially the Bláfjallakvísl crossing—best avoided post-rain due to flash flooding potential.
- Walk-in campers should carry gear: camping guests may not use hut kitchens; utensils/water must be self-supplied.
- Leave no trace: all litter and biodegradable items must be carried out—mandatory policy along the Laugavegur route.
Nestled inside a wind-sheltering lava field, Hvanngil offers hikers and campers a tranquil highland stop roughly halfway through the iconic Laugavegur Trail, situated between Álftavatn and Þórsmörk.
Location & Access
- Lands inside Fjallabak Nature Reserve, approximately 5 km south of Álftavatn and 12 km north of Emstrur (Botnar), all part of the 55 km Laugavegur route.
- For drivers, accessible by Fjallabaksleið syðri (F210) from Rangárvellir near Mýrdalsjökull—requires 4×4 vehicles and confidence with unbridged river crossings, especially Bláfjallakvísl near the hut.
Hut Facilities (by FÍ – Iceland Touring Association)
- Capacity for up to 60 people across four rooms: ground-floor dorms with double bunks and a loft with mattress sleeping-bag stations.
- Kitchen with gas stoves, cooking utensils, and cold running water, plus grills and picnic benches outside.
- A small warden’s hut, nearby stable with secondary kitchen and extra sleeping loft for 20—ideal during unexpected rain.
- Separate toilet building with showers available for a fee; campers also use these facilities.
Campground — Lava Fields with Shelter
- The campground sits amid broken lava slabs, forming natural windbreaks—uncommon comfort in the open highlands.
- An additional grassy area is located near the stable, though more exposed to wind.
- No reservations required—campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and showers (1,000 ISK for 5 min) and utilities fee (700 ISK) are paid on arrival.
Onward Trails & Surroundings
- From Hvanngil, the next watercrossing at Bláfjallakvísl follows the trail before the sweeping black sands of Mælifellssandur desert toward Emstrur.
- Side paths lead into lava escarpments or toward plains at the edge of Mýrdalsjökull’s ice cap—popular with photographers and trail users.
Why Choose Hvanngil?
- Sheltered campsites in hard-to-beat weather: lava formations act as natural windbreaks.
- Modern hut-services tucked in minimalism: kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a small warden team
- Logically placed on the trail: a strategic rest point between exposed Álftavatn and the descent into Thórsmörk.
Tips for Hvanngil Visitors
- Pack hard-ground tent stakes and consider rocks for additional anchoring—campground soil is firm and wind can be strong.
- Check river conditions daily, especially the Bláfjallakvísl crossing—best avoided post-rain due to flash flooding potential.
- Walk-in campers should carry gear: camping guests may not use hut kitchens; utensils/water must be self-supplied.
- Leave no trace: all litter and biodegradable items must be carried out—mandatory policy along the Laugavegur route.
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