Tucked into a green burn-carved pocket of lava in the Eldgjá & Langisjór wilderness, Skælingar (along the Sveinstindur–Skælingar trail) offers a rare oasis of quiet, moss, and ancient geology. It’s a peaceful stop for hikers or travelers with high-clearance 4×4 vehicles cruising Iceland’s highland routes.
Location & Access
- Restored by Útivist in 1996–97 from an old sheep roundup shelter, the stone hut lies at ~480 m above sea level, surrounded by large lava outcrops and lush vegetation that resemble a hidden garden.
- Reachable via F208 → a rugged 4×4 track off Eldgjá, passing the unbridged Nyrðri-Ófæra river crossing — only well-equipped 4×4 vehicles should attempt it.
Accommodation & Price 2025
- Hut beds: 9,600 ISK per person (cloth sleeping-bag needed); bookings are mandatory via Útivist. Up to 16 people across 32 m². Children 7–15 get 50% discount.
- Campsite: 2,400 ISK per person + 400 ISK tent fee. No reservations needed—operates first-come, first-served. Open: 15 June – 31 August for hut, and 20 June – 31 August for camping.
Facilities
- Hut Amenities: Simple bunks with comfortable mattresses, gas stove, oil heater, and some kitchen utensils. No insulation, so it’s warm only in summer.
- Restroom: Flush toilet located outside. No showers or Wi‑Fi.
- Drinking water: Collected from spring-fed Skaftá river (water must be boiled).
- No warden on site—wardens from Strútur and Hólaskjól visit periodically.
Trails & Nearby Hikes
- Sveinstindur–Skælingar Trail (E6): One of Iceland’s most scenic hikes—30–40 km of lava cliffs, rivers, and highland views. This hut serves as one of the primary shelters along it.
- Day-Hikes from Hut: Summit Mount Gjátíndur or Uxatindar for panoramic views.
Why Visit Skælingar?
- Remote garden-esque setting: Lush, mossy clearings rarely seen in Iceland’s highlands.
- Cultural heritage: Historic stone structure rooted in Icelandic traditions (sheep roundup shelter).
- Trail central: Quiet except for hikers on the Sveinstindur–Skælingar corridor.
- Ideal for 4×4 travellers: Next stop before crossing Eldgjá or heading toward Langisjór.
Pro Tips Before You Go
- Use super-grippers or large pegs—the ground can be rock-hard.
- Always check daily river status at Skaftá, especially before crossing the deep Ófæra river.
- Pack all trash out—no garbage service onsite.
- No vehicular access to the hut—park up and trek in on foot once the crossing looks questionable.
- Cash or online payment only—no shop or electricity.
- No dogs or pets allowed inside the hut.
Skælingar is a highland gem built on lava and legends, nestled quietly east of Eldgjá when the land wore moss like a soft cloak. With just a gas stove, good boots, and a map, you’ll find solace and solitude in untouched scenery—perfect if your next stop is Langisjór, or just the night beneath unpolluted northern stars.
Tucked into a green burn-carved pocket of lava in the Eldgjá & Langisjór wilderness, Skælingar (along the Sveinstindur–Skælingar trail) offers a rare oasis of quiet, moss, and ancient geology. It’s a peaceful stop for hikers or travelers with high-clearance 4×4 vehicles cruising Iceland’s highland routes.
Location & Access
- Restored by Útivist in 1996–97 from an old sheep roundup shelter, the stone hut lies at ~480 m above sea level, surrounded by large lava outcrops and lush vegetation that resemble a hidden garden.
- Reachable via F208 → a rugged 4×4 track off Eldgjá, passing the unbridged Nyrðri-Ófæra river crossing — only well-equipped 4×4 vehicles should attempt it.
Accommodation & Price 2025
- Hut beds: 9,600 ISK per person (cloth sleeping-bag needed); bookings are mandatory via Útivist. Up to 16 people across 32 m². Children 7–15 get 50% discount.
- Campsite: 2,400 ISK per person + 400 ISK tent fee. No reservations needed—operates first-come, first-served. Open: 15 June – 31 August for hut, and 20 June – 31 August for camping.
Facilities
- Hut Amenities: Simple bunks with comfortable mattresses, gas stove, oil heater, and some kitchen utensils. No insulation, so it’s warm only in summer.
- Restroom: Flush toilet located outside. No showers or Wi‑Fi.
- Drinking water: Collected from spring-fed Skaftá river (water must be boiled).
- No warden on site—wardens from Strútur and Hólaskjól visit periodically.
Trails & Nearby Hikes
- Sveinstindur–Skælingar Trail (E6): One of Iceland’s most scenic hikes—30–40 km of lava cliffs, rivers, and highland views. This hut serves as one of the primary shelters along it.
- Day-Hikes from Hut: Summit Mount Gjátíndur or Uxatindar for panoramic views.
Why Visit Skælingar?
- Remote garden-esque setting: Lush, mossy clearings rarely seen in Iceland’s highlands.
- Cultural heritage: Historic stone structure rooted in Icelandic traditions (sheep roundup shelter).
- Trail central: Quiet except for hikers on the Sveinstindur–Skælingar corridor.
- Ideal for 4×4 travellers: Next stop before crossing Eldgjá or heading toward Langisjór.
Pro Tips Before You Go
- Use super-grippers or large pegs—the ground can be rock-hard.
- Always check daily river status at Skaftá, especially before crossing the deep Ófæra river.
- Pack all trash out—no garbage service onsite.
- No vehicular access to the hut—park up and trek in on foot once the crossing looks questionable.
- Cash or online payment only—no shop or electricity.
- No dogs or pets allowed inside the hut.
Skælingar is a highland gem built on lava and legends, nestled quietly east of Eldgjá when the land wore moss like a soft cloak. With just a gas stove, good boots, and a map, you’ll find solace and solitude in untouched scenery—perfect if your next stop is Langisjór, or just the night beneath unpolluted northern stars.
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