Húsafell Forest Circle Route

Waterfalls, glacier views, volcanic fields and low woodlands define this hike in the West of Iceland.

Húsafell Forest Circle Route

Húsafell is a location popular with the locals. It's defined by the low sloping mountains and its green vegetation. The Husafell vacation area offers different places to stay.

Hiking around the Húsafell area in west Iceland is a popular activity that offers a wide range of scenic trails and challenging hikes through some of the country's most beautiful and rugged landscape. Located in the Borgarfjörður region of west Iceland, the Húsafell area is known for its forests, waterfalls, and hot springs. One popular hiking trail in the area is the trail to Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls that flow from beneath a lava field into the Hvítá river. The trail is relatively easy and offers beautiful views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape. Another popular hike in the area is the trail to the top of the nearby Eldborg crater, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

With this specific hike, you can explore the area: lush shrubs on what used to be a lava field, views into the highlands, sheep hiding between nooks of volcanic rock. It's an easy walk with almost no incline, but the path might be wet or muddy, especially after rain. For refreshments, there is a nice bistro at the Húsafell information center right at the parking lot.

When hiking in the Húsafell area, it is important to come prepared with the right gear and supplies, including proper clothing, water, and snacks.

hike

type

2-3 hours

duration

7 km

distance

2/5

difficulty

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temperature

Conditions

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Weather today

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Forecast

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Road conditions

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Details

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duration

2-3 hours

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distance

7 km

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difficulty

2/5 - Hike on even ground. Various path options on clearly visible paths.

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tourist density

low

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Nearby

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Food & Drink

Húsafell Bistró - Restaurant

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Toilets

Húsafell Bistró - Restaurant

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Supermarkets

Bónus, Digranesgötu 6, 310 Borgarnes, Iceland

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Supermarkets

Nettó, Borgarbraut 58-60, 310 Borgarnes, Iceland

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Hotels and camp grounds

Hotel Husafell

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Hotels and camp grounds

Guesthouse Gamli Bær

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Hotels and camp grounds

Bársar/ Stórarjóður, Húsafell, Iceland

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Hotels and camp grounds

Fossatún Country Hotel, Fossatún, 311 Borgarbyggd, Iceland

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Location

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(Nearest) address

Húsafell, Hálsasveitarvegur, Iceland

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Accessiblity

The road to the area is usually well maintained and easy to find.

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GPS Coordinates

64.698509, -20.866025

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Distance to Reykjavík

Reykjavík is 132 km away. It takes about 110 minutes (or 1.8 hours) to drive by car.

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Distance to nearest town

Borganes is the nearest city at 63 km distance. It takes about 50 minutes (or 0.8 hours) to drive by car.

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Parking

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Summary

Húsafell has a large parking ground that is available for day visitors to the area. Follow road 518 until you see a parking sign.

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Way to start of hike

Across the road, a few steps back down the road, almost directly opposite from the parking lot entrance.

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GPS Coordinates

64.699197, -20.866696

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Google Maps Plus Code

M4XJ+QM Húsafell, Iceland

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Capacity

around 300

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Security

none, but frequent pedestrians

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Alternative

none, but frequent pedestrians

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Costs

free

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Tips for visiting

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Recommended Car Type

normal car, no 4x4-drive needed

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Don't miss

The view toward the Langjökull and Eiriksjökull glaciers, seen in the east.

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Recommended Equipment

Sport shoes or hiking boots.

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Photo Opportunities

Especially the sun setting over the valley, mainly May - September.

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Animals to see

Free roaming sheep, birds

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Do's and don't

Stay on the paths. Take enough to drink and eat, don't leave trash behind. Don't damage the birch trees in the forest.

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Things to watch out for

Near the end of the hike, you have to walk on the road for some hundred meters, make sure to stay visible for the cars!

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