View of the highest mountain in Iceland - Hvannadalshnjúkur.
Kristínartindar (1126 m above sea level) is a mountain rising between the slides of the glaciers Vatnajökull, Skaftafellsjökull and Morsárjökull. From the Sjónarnípa lookout point, a beautiful view of Iceland's highest mountain – Hvannadalshnjúkur – opens up. Elevation gain about 1100 m. Starting point – camp Skaftafell.
Our goal in the distance ...
The ascent begins and ends at the campsite and then leads along a path through the Skaftafell National Park. We stick to the „Sjórnarnípa“ indicator.
The first views.
At the beginning, the trail climbs only slightly, through a birch forest and then continues through the open landscape. We have the first view of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier slide.
Viewpoint Sjórnarnípa
Through the heathland and low willow stands, we get to the first viewpoint, from which there is a wonderful view of the lagoon under the glacial slide.
View across the valley to the sea
Lagoon under the glacial slide of Skaftafellsjökull. It's raining in the distance.
Viewpoint Gláma
The trail begins to rise to the north, after about an hour we find ourselves at another lookout – Gláma, at an altitude of 650 m
Viewpoint Gláma
In front of us to the north rises a mountain with two protruding noses.
We keep climbing.
The views of the deep gorge and the Hvannadalshnjúkur volcano are breathtaking.
We continue to climb ...
And another view to the south to the sea. Here you can see the strength of glacial rivers during melting.
The last section.
The last section leads straight up and traverses the slope above the abyss. Behind this section you can see the saddle between the pre-peak and the main peak. Then just down the ridge to the highest point.
Views from the top
Views of the colorful Kyoto mountains and alluvial cones in the Morsá River Valley.
Views from the top
Here you can see the southern part of the huge Vatnajökull glacier.
Top photo
We take photos and take photos.
We're starting the descent
We descend to the saddle in the same way and then keep right along the stream.
Way down
On the way back we continue through green meadows to the viewpoint Nyrdrihnaukur.
View of Nyrdrihnaukur.
From here it is best to see the gorge, which was modeled by the Morsárjökull glacier.
Svartifoss
Following the path around the „black“ waterfall, we get back to the camp.
The end of the journey
Finally, a brief photo pause.
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