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Available for your dates

Hjörleifshöfði Hike

timer icon1h
Historic tag iconHistoric
Roman Iceland expertCurated by Roman, Iceland expert

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    Highlights
    checkmark grey iconHiking
    checkmark grey iconEpic views
    checkmark grey iconBlack sand beaches
    checkmark grey iconAlpine valleys
    checkmark grey iconPanoramic views

    Word from curator

    Roman fyno curator photo
    verification icon
    Roman
    Iceland expert
    30+ destinations visited
    18 curated trips

    Hjörleifshöfði is a historic, isolated rocky promontory located on the Mýrdalssandur black sand plains. It stands out dramatically against the surrounding flat landscape and holds significant historical importance as the burial place of Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, one of the first Norse settlers in Iceland.

    The hike is a moderate loop trail that takes about an hour to complete. Starting from the base of the promontory, the trail leads you up a gentle slope to the top, where you can explore Hjörleifur’s burial mound and the ruins of a farmhouse abandoned in the early 20th century. As you hike, you'll also be rewarded with sweeping views over the black sands, the ocean, and even glimpses of the distant glaciers. The trail is well-marked and suitable for most hikers, though the winds can be strong at the summit.

    The hike up Hjörleifshöfði offers panoramic views of the surrounding black sand desert, glaciers, and the coastline, providing a unique blend of history and nature.

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