Grimannsfell Day Hike to Waterfall and Legacy

Reykjavik , Iceland

Grimannsfell Day Hike to Waterfall and Legacy

Active

(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

30 MINUTES DRIVE from Reykjavik city center
LENGTH: 11 km – 6,8 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 450 m – 1470 ft
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DURATION: 5,30hrs
AGE LIMIT: 16+

Embark on a thrilling hike to Grímannsfell, a hidden gem that promises both challenge and reward. Traverse a diverse terrain of lush fields, soft bogs, and rugged ditches that demand agility and a spirit of exploration. As you ascend, a steep and exhilarating slope awaits, pushing you to new heights—both physically and mentally.

Reach the peak of Stórhóll and be greeted by sweeping panoramic vistas stretching over Iceland’s rugged terrain, a sight that few get to witness up close.

Continue to the enchanting Helgufoss Waterfall, a secluded oasis where the cascading water creates a peaceful retreat in the midst of the wild.

After your hike, step into the world of Halldór Laxness, Iceland’s only Nobel Prize-winning author. His former home, now a museum, offers a fascinating look into his life and creative mind

Available options

Shared Hike (from 4 to 15)

9-seater 4x4 van<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Licensed and certified local guides

All Fees and Taxes

International Mountain Leader

Museum ticket

Detailed itinerary

Once you enter Helgadalsvegur, keep driving for about 2 minutes till you see the sign on your left (Vindholl), indicating the start of a trail. The sign has been uploaded as one of the pictures of this hike.
Your guide will be waiting for you and will make sure to stop you once you get there!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we embark on a thrilling hike to Grímmannsfell, a hidden gem that promises both challenge and reward. This wild, often unmarked trail is perfect for true adventurers, offering a raw and unspoiled experience of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, we’ll traverse a diverse terrain of lush fields, soft bogs, and rugged ditches that demand agility and a spirit of exploration. As we ascend, a steep and exhilarating slope awaits, pushing us to new heights—both physically and mentally (400m / 1315 ft elevation). But the reward? A summit that unveils some of Iceland’s most spectacular views, surrounded by lovely wilderness.

Reaching the peak of Stórhóll, we’ll be greeted by sweeping panoramic vistas stretching over Iceland’s rugged terrain, a sight that few get to witness up close. Here, you’ll have time to take in the crisp mountain air and capture the beauty of this remote and untouched landscape.

Our descent leads us to the enchanting Helgufoss Waterfall, a secluded oasis where the cascading water creates a peaceful retreat in the midst of the wild. This is the perfect spot to rest, take stunning photos, and soak in the tranquility of nature. The gentle sound of rushing water and the lush surroundings make this a truly magical stop on our journey.

The adventure continues! After our hike, we’ll step into the world of Halldór Laxness, Iceland’s only Nobel Prize-winning author. His former home, now a museum, offers a fascinating look into the life and creative mind of one of Iceland’s most celebrated literary figures. As you explore the house and stroll through the beautiful garden where Laxness found inspiration, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich literary heritage and its deep connection to the dramatic landscapes surrounding us. Imagine walking the same paths that once sparked the imagination of a literary giant!

What's not included

Lunch

Bottled water

Hiking shoes

Waterproof jacket and pants

Cap and gloves

Spare t-shirt

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

All participants are required to be over 16 years old

Weather can change rapidly, be prepared for all conditions

Meet at the designated starting point 10 minutes before departure

Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience (up to 15)

Please note that the tour requires a minimum of four participants. If this number isn’t reached, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund

Meeting point

Copy and paste the following GPS coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8eqdqNd8TTYgL6HH8

Enter Helgadalsvegur, keep driving for about 2 minutes till you see a sign on your left (Vindholl), start of a trail. The sign has been uploaded as one of the photos for this hike.
Your guide will be waiting!

Important notes

REMEMBER TO TAKE WITH YOU:

Hiking shoes
Waterproof jacket and pants
1 L of water
Packed lunch
Cap and (waterproof) gloves
Spare t-shirt

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and unique Icelandic charm. It offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient geothermal wonders, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic church is a landmark of Reykjavik, known for its distinctive architecture and towering spire. It offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1000 for the tower)

Harpa Concert Hall

A stunning modern concert hall with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of performances and events.

Architecture/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to enter, performance tickets vary

Blue Lagoon

A geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nature/Relaxation Half a day Expensive (ISK 49,900 and up)

Reykjavik Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international art. It's housed in a striking building with a glass facade.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1400)

Perlan Museum

A unique museum located in a glass dome that offers a variety of exhibits, including a glacier exhibit and a planetarium.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (ISK 3,990 and up)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed potatoes, white fish, onions, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional Icelandic delicacy known for its strong smell and taste.

Snack Contains fish

Skyr

A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Rúgbrauð

A dense, dark rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

Bread Vegan

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking and ice climbing Whale watching Snowmobiling on a glacier Caving and lava tunnel exploration Visiting geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Enjoying a traditional Icelandic massage or spa treatment Taking a leisurely walk around Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F) 46°F to 55°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Iceland is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and only use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas
• Research tour operators and rental companies before booking to ensure they are reputable and legitimate

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavik

By bus

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bustravel, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Reykjavik Hlemmur Vesturbær

Day trips

Golden Circle

230 km (143 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day

A popular day trip route that includes three of Iceland's most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast

150-200 km (93-124 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic drive along Iceland's south coast, offering a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

240 km (149 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic peninsula known as 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and beaches.

Festivals

Reykjavik Arts Festival • Late May to early June Iceland Airwaves • Early November Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience
Explore Reykjavik's street art and murals, which can be found throughout the city
Take a day trip to the Golden Circle or another nearby attraction for a taste of Iceland's natural wonders
Try traditional Icelandic food, such as lamb soup, fish stew, and fermented shark
Visit a local brewery or distillery and sample Icelandic craft beer or spirits