Iceland rewards those who wander beyond the obvious. This private Þríhyrningur hike from Hvolsvöllur is a half-day ascent that swaps groomed paths for sheep trails, delivering vast views and a powerful brush with saga history.
Set just 10 km inland on Iceland’s South Coast, Þríhyrningur is a local favourite—short, steep, and wonderfully quiet. On clear days, the panorama stretches across Þórsmörk, Fjallabak and out to the Atlantic, a reminder that true wilderness is never far from the Ring Road.
Overview
This is hiking in Iceland at its most intimate: raw ridgelines, resilient moss, and the sound of your steps over volcanic earth. You’ll trace ancient paths used for generations, guided safely away from the tourist circuit into a landscape that feels both welcoming and wild.
Quick facts
- Location: Hvolsvöllur, South Coast, Iceland (approx. 10 km inland)
- Distance: 5 km return
- Elevation gain: 512 m
- Duration: Around 4 hours door to door, pace dependent
- Terrain: Steep, rocky, uneven; exposed to wind on the upper ridge
- Difficulty: Moderate (short and steep)
- Minimum age: 8 (for adventurous, sure-footed kids)
What to Expect
Trail and terrain
Þríhyrningur rises abruptly from the lowlands, and you’ll feel that gradient early. The route follows timeworn sheep trails rather than formal waymarking, which adds a sense of discovery as the ridge unfolds. Underfoot, expect rough, sometimes loose ground that rewards steady pacing and attentive footwork.
Views and storyscape
With elevation, the scenery opens fast: glacial valleys towards Þórsmörk, the colourful highlands of Fjallabak, and, on a good day, a silver seam of South Coast surf. This is more than a viewpoint, though—it’s a story-laden hill.
Sagas underfoot
Þríhyrningur and nearby Flosadalur valley are key settings in Njáls Saga. Here, Flosi Þórðarson gathered his men before the burning of Bergþórshvoll—one of the most dramatic turns in Icelandic literature. Hiking these ridges means walking in the footsteps of heroes and outlaws, where every fold in the landscape carries echoes of the past.
Pace, guidance, and safety
This private hike moves at your rhythm, with ample pauses for photos, snacks and storytelling. Your guide manages the route, wind exposure and weather windows, ensuring a safe, unhurried ascent and descent. In Iceland, conditions change quickly; a flexible approach is part of the pleasure.
Back on the coast or in Reykjavík, carry the momentum of your Play onto the water. Swap boots for boat decks and look for minke and humpback whales on the serene Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching, or balance your birding list with a close-up cruise on Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching.
Best Time to Visit
Seasons and daylight
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the most reliable conditions for a Þríhyrningur hike, with long days and clearer ridges. Early and late season can feel deliciously quiet—bring warm layers and be prepared for gusty winds. Winter ascents are possible only when conditions allow, and always with local expertise.
For official travel advice and seasonal highlights across the country, consult Visit Iceland. For broader planning inspiration and regional context, explore Lonely Planet’s Iceland guide.
What to pack
Even half-day hiking in Iceland demands thoughtful layers. Aim for quick-drying, windproof and waterproof kit, plus reliable grip underfoot.
- Waterproof-breathable shell and windproof trousers (a robust hardshell from Arc'teryx is ideal in squalls)
- Supportive hiking boots or agile trail shoes (consider trail-focused designs from Salomon)
- Lightweight thermal and fleece mid-layers
- 20–30 L daypack (comfortably framed options from Osprey carry layers and water well)
- Trekking poles, gloves, warm hat and neck gaiter
- Water, snacks and a thermos—hot tea tastes better with a view
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: even overcast days reflect brightness off snow patches and pale rock
Why Choose This Experience
Wild, not remote
Þríhyrningur sits close to Hvolsvöllur yet feels worlds away from the tour bus circuit. In just a few hours you’ll gain solitude, elevation and story-rich context—perfect for travellers seeking a meaningful Play without a full-day commitment.
Scenic certainty (on the right day)
With 512 m of ascent in 5 km, this hike delivers a steady payoff: ever-wider views towards Þórsmörk, Fjallabak and the South Coast. On clear days the panorama is vast; on moody days the atmosphere is unforgettable.
Culture layered into every step
This landscape is alive with the Icelandic sagas. Your guide helps bring Njáls Saga to life, making the hike as intellectually engaging as it is physically satisfying.
Family-friendly for adventurers
Short, steep and supervised, this route suits fit, curious kids aged 8+ who enjoy a little scramble and a big horizon. The private format keeps the day flexible for family rhythms.
Effortless to pair with other Plays and Stays
Use Hvolsvöllur as a calm base for South Coast discoveries, or build a Reykjavík Stay & Play that stitches together mountain and sea. If multi-day trekking calls, take inspiration from our editorial on Iceland’s classic highland traverse in Hidden Trails: Reykjavík Stay & Play on Laugavegur.
Responsible Travel Notes
Iceland’s moss and soils are fragile. Stay on established lines, avoid stepping on fresh moss, and pack out everything you bring. Weather can turn swiftly—if conditions deteriorate, turning back is wise judgement, not failure.
The Epanoui Way
Our premium Plays emphasise calm competence, safety and soul-stirring scenery. On Þríhyrningur, that means an unhurried, privately guided hike that matches your pace—and leaves you with a sense of Iceland that lingers long after the clouds clear.
Ready to trade the crowds for a hill with its own heartbeat? Join us in Hvolsvöllur for a private Þríhyrningur hike that’s short on distance, long on reward, and perfectly placed in a refined Iceland Stay & Play.