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Hiking in Hvannagil – The Golden Valley: A Complete Guide

Hvannagil, also known as the Golden Valley, is a hidden gem in Iceland’s Eastern Region.

Ola and I visited Hvannagil back in spring 2024 and we were really impressed by the beauty of the canyon and surrounding areas, not to speak of meeting very few tourists there, so ideal for those looking to spend time aside from crowds.

If you are willing to explore off the beaten path, hiking in The Golden Valley could be a truly serene and rewarding experience.

Interesting Facts

A Historical Haven
Hvannagil’s history stretches back centuries. In the 9th century, Icelandic farmers built huts here as a base for gathering their sheep in the autumn. One such hut, a yellow structure, still stands today and can be found directly at the site.

Geological Marvel
Formed from volcanic rhyolite, Hvannagil’s rocks boast vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. These colors come from iron oxide deposits after
volcanic eruptions. Erosion over time has sculpted the rhyolite into
pillars, ridges, and other formations, creating a very unique landscape.

Flora and Fauna
Hvannagil boasts surprising biodiversity, look for hardy wildflowers like moss campion and purple saxifrage, often clinging to the rocky slopes. Birdwatchers might spot ptarmigans, ravens, and even gyrfalcon soaring overhead.

Getting There

Hvannagil is located in the eastern region near the Settlement called Staffafell and Lónsöræfi nature reserve. The closest city is Höfn, about a 25-minute drive from The Golden Valley in the direction to Reykjavik.

Here is the location on Google Maps

The site is reachable by car on a semi-paved and quite narrow road, but we would recommend a 4×4 vehicle as you have to overcome a few steeper sections.

If you have a 2-wheel drive only, you can still make it quite far, just park the car before the last stretch and walk 2 kilometers to reach the site. There is no river crossing involved.

When it comes to parking, it´s available on-site and it´s for free.

***Rental cars in Iceland are often in high demand, especially during peak season so make sure to book your car well in advance***

The alternative to a car is a bus, but be aware that bus services in the Eastern Region are limited and no buses are going directly to the trailhead so you might need to walk a bit.

If you still prefer a bus over a car, you can check bus schedules at Strateo.is

Another way how to travel in Iceland is to hitchhike. I did it myself back in 2021 when traveling the Iceland solo on a low budget and it was relatively easy (waiting time up to 1 hour. If you have enough patience you can move around the Iceland for free.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Golden Valley is June to August, but you can go there in other months as well. Ola and I visited Hvanagil in May and we had good hiking conditions.

Here is the reel from the hike:

Zobrazit příspěvek na Instagramu

Příspěvek sdílel uživatel @goandxploreworld

However, be aware that in September you can already have some snow.

Planning Your Hike

Hvannagil offers hikes in different experience levels so you can easily adapt hiking to your personal needs.

The first option is the moderately challenging Hvannagil-Raftagil loop (8.2 km) which is not overly strenuous but still offers stunning views.

The second option is the longer Hvannagil Canyon Loop (15.3km), recommended for more experienced hikers.

If you consider the main hiking trails too long, you can go for shorter hikes as the area is relatively easy to navigate, just remember to carry a map.

Finding a hiking map for Hvannagil:

1) Web Resources:
Search online for “Hvannagil loop map” or “Hvannagil Canyon loop map” or you can try resources below:

Arcticshorex.com (The Icelandic Environmental Agency)

Alltrails.com (User-generated trail maps and reviews

Local Icelandic tourism websites for the Eastern Region (These might be in Icelandic, so you may need to use a translation tool)

2) Mobile Apps
Consider using a mobile app like Gaia GPS, Wikiloc, or AllTrails that provides downloadable hiking maps for offline use.

Accommodation

If you are planning to visit Hvannagil, don’t count on luxury accommodation near the trailhead. You won’t find it there.
Here is where to stay when visiting Golden Valley.

Camping
The most popular option for Hvannagil visitors is camping. You will find several campsites close to the trailhead, all offering basic services like restrooms and picnic tables.
Huts
For those seeking more cozy accommodation traditional rustic Icelandic huts are available. If you are planning a visit during peak season (mid-July to late August), make sure to book beforehand.
Guesthouses
If camping and huts don’t match your standards and you prefer more comfort, guesthouses in nearby towns like Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður offer more comfortable accommodation. The only problem is towns are roughly a 1-1.5 hour drive from Hvannagil.

Important Tips

The Golden Valley is located in the Icelandic highlands, known for unpredictable weather.

Before you go, make sure to check the forecast on Vedur.is and for possible closures Road.is

Be prepared for chilly temperatures, strong winds, and rain, even in summertime. Proper hiking gear, including sturdy footwear, hardshell clothing, and layers, is crucial.