Nestled at 820 m above sea level, Nýidalur (also known as Jökuldalur) offers a stunning highland camping experience in Iceland’s central highlands between Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. The site serves as both a scenic pit stop and a trailhead for adventure routes like Vonarskarð Pass and glacier hikes.
Where It Is & Why It’s Special
- Located directly on the historic Sprengisandsleið (F 26), halfway between Hrauneyjar and Kistufell, Nýidalur feels like a lush island in the volcanic desert, marked by green meadows and the dramatic Tungnafellsjökull glacier in the distance.
- As one of Vatnajökull National Park’s ranger bases, it offers reliable information on conditions, trail updates, and wilderness safety.
Access & Season
- Only accessible in summer and early fall (typically mid-June to late September) and requires a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle due to unbridged river crossings along F 26.
- Hikers walking Sprengisandur or crossing via F 26/F 910 can reach the site on foot, and day-users can take quick breaks without camping.
Hut & Camping Facilities
- Two two-storey huts, together sleeping up to ~80 persons—the older building from 1967 and a newer addition—all equipped with basic kitchens, dormitories, and bunks or floor mattresses. Oil stoves and pot/pan sets are available, though no personal utensils are supplied. Showers and flush toilets are located in a separate building nearby.
- The camping area sits behind the shower block and includes space per person in open meadow terrain. Camping spots are first-come, first-served.
Rates & Booking 2025
- Hut bed: ~14,000 ISK per adult (first-come summer service); half-price for ages 7–15. Pre-booking essential.
- Camping fee: ~3,200 ISK per person per night. Booking not required.
- Water is available via taps; basic hygiene facilities are free to use.
Hiking & Nearby Trails
- Several trailheads begin here:
- Vonarskarð Pass crossing the Mjóhafs mountain ridge.
- Ascent to Tungnafellsjökull glacier for clear-day summit views.
- Day hikes to Mjöhalssandur’s eastern plateau, Þvermóð ridge, and Mjóháls gorge crossing routes.
Why Choose Nýidalur?
- A green sanctuary amid highland desert—a welcome break from the barren vastness of Iceland’s interior.
- Reliable services: ranger presence, showers, and toilets—rare in most highland campsites.
- Roadside convenience: no side-tracks or river crossings right at the site.
- Trail access point: ideal for east-west crossings or looping routes like Sprengisandur to Askja or the Laugavegur trail.
Visitor Recommendations
- Inland west route to Askja or Sprengisandur east may cross rivers first—check conditions at ranger desk beforehand.
- Bring your own cooking supplies, trash bags, first-aid gear.
- Practice Leave No Trace, especially in fragile highland vegetation zones.
Nestled at 820 m above sea level, Nýidalur (also known as Jökuldalur) offers a stunning highland camping experience in Iceland’s central highlands between Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. The site serves as both a scenic pit stop and a trailhead for adventure routes like Vonarskarð Pass and glacier hikes.
Where It Is & Why It’s Special
- Located directly on the historic Sprengisandsleið (F 26), halfway between Hrauneyjar and Kistufell, Nýidalur feels like a lush island in the volcanic desert, marked by green meadows and the dramatic Tungnafellsjökull glacier in the distance.
- As one of Vatnajökull National Park’s ranger bases, it offers reliable information on conditions, trail updates, and wilderness safety.
Access & Season
- Only accessible in summer and early fall (typically mid-June to late September) and requires a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle due to unbridged river crossings along F 26.
- Hikers walking Sprengisandur or crossing via F 26/F 910 can reach the site on foot, and day-users can take quick breaks without camping.
Hut & Camping Facilities
- Two two-storey huts, together sleeping up to ~80 persons—the older building from 1967 and a newer addition—all equipped with basic kitchens, dormitories, and bunks or floor mattresses. Oil stoves and pot/pan sets are available, though no personal utensils are supplied. Showers and flush toilets are located in a separate building nearby.
- The camping area sits behind the shower block and includes space per person in open meadow terrain. Camping spots are first-come, first-served.
Rates & Booking 2025
- Hut bed: ~14,000 ISK per adult (first-come summer service); half-price for ages 7–15. Pre-booking essential.
- Camping fee: ~3,200 ISK per person per night. Booking not required.
- Water is available via taps; basic hygiene facilities are free to use.
Hiking & Nearby Trails
- Several trailheads begin here:
- Vonarskarð Pass crossing the Mjóhafs mountain ridge.
- Ascent to Tungnafellsjökull glacier for clear-day summit views.
- Day hikes to Mjöhalssandur’s eastern plateau, Þvermóð ridge, and Mjóháls gorge crossing routes.
Why Choose Nýidalur?
- A green sanctuary amid highland desert—a welcome break from the barren vastness of Iceland’s interior.
- Reliable services: ranger presence, showers, and toilets—rare in most highland campsites.
- Roadside convenience: no side-tracks or river crossings right at the site.
- Trail access point: ideal for east-west crossings or looping routes like Sprengisandur to Askja or the Laugavegur trail.
Visitor Recommendations
- Inland west route to Askja or Sprengisandur east may cross rivers first—check conditions at ranger desk beforehand.
- Bring your own cooking supplies, trash bags, first-aid gear.
- Practice Leave No Trace, especially in fragile highland vegetation zones.
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