Heinabergslón Kayak and Hike: Icebergs, Glaciers and a Hidden Mountain
Paddle among icebergs on a remote glacial lake, then hike to a viewpoint that almost no one else can reach.
This six-hour expedition combines glacier lake kayaking in Iceland with a hike onto an island mountain that is accessible only by water or by crossing a glacier itself. The result is an experience shaped entirely by raw wilderness, with no roads, no crowds, and no shortcuts to the scenery.
Heinabergslón sits at the foot of Heinabergsjökull, one of the many outlet glaciers that flow from the Vatnajökull ice cap in southeast Iceland. The lake is studded with drifting icebergs calved directly from the glacier, and the surrounding valley has changed dramatically over recent decades as the ice has retreated, exposing bare rock and newly forming ecosystems.
The mountain of Hafrafell rises at the southern end of the lake, completely cut off from any road network by a river, two lakes, and the glacier itself. Reaching it requires crossing the lake by kayak, making this a genuinely remote destination that sees very few visitors each year.
Wildlife is part of the landscape here. Reindeer graze on the mossy pastures that have developed where the glacier once stood, and the absence of human infrastructure means the land evolves on its own terms. The hike to the summit viewpoint brings the full sweep of an outlet glacier descending from Vatnajökull into clear view.
Tour Highlights
Kayak across a glacial lake filled with drifting icebergs at a relaxed, exploratory pace.
Reach a remote mountain viewpoint overlooking an outlet glacier that very few visitors ever see.
Walk through land that was buried under glacial ice less than twenty years ago and witness active geological change.
Observe reindeer and natural succession in a valley shaped entirely by glacial retreat.
Access Hafrafell, an island mountain with no road connection, reachable only by kayak or glacier crossing.
Wear dry suits throughout the kayaking portion for safety and comfort on the cold glacial water.
Travel from Smyrlabjörg Hotel to the lake edge in a 4x4 vehicle, covering remote gravel terrain.
How the Day Unfolds
The group gathers at the meeting point for a briefing covering weather conditions, safety on the water, and what to expect during both the kayaking and hiking portions of the day.
Depart by 4x4 vehicle along a gravel road toward Heinabergsjökull. The drive takes roughly twenty minutes and ends with a short walk to the edge of the lake, where the boats are inflated and prepared.
Spend approximately ninety minutes paddling across the lake in dry suits, navigating between icebergs and absorbing the scale of the glacier and surrounding peaks. The pace is unhurried to allow time for observation.
Bring the kayaks ashore at the southern end of the lake. Swap dry suits for hiking boots in preparation for the ascent of Hafrafell, which rises directly from the lakeshore.
Follow the mountain trail for one to two hours at a leisurely pace, passing through former glacial terrain and emerging at a viewpoint with a direct line of sight to an outlet glacier descending from the Vatnajökull ice cap.
Hike back down to the boats, re-suit, and paddle back across Heinabergslón to the launch point. The group then returns by 4x4 to Smyrlabjörg Hotel.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional guide throughout kayaking and hiking
- Dry suit and all kayaking equipment
- Inflatable kayaks
- Hiking guidance on Hafrafell
- 4x4 transfer to and from the lake
- Safety briefing and equipment fitting
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Food and drinks
- Hiking boots (must be brought by the participant)
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Ready to Explore Heinabergslón?
This is one of the few ways to reach a completely road-free mountain in southeast Iceland, combining kayaking and hiking into a single day that very few travellers experience. Availability is limited by the small group format.
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