Day Hike to Moskardshnjukar: The Knife's Edge

by Hikers of Iceland · Hiking & trekking · Drive yourself there · Reykjavík

5.00· 51 Google reviews of the operator

Fine on your own
Adults only
Eco-certified

from €88 per person

Next departure: Sun 25 Oct

Book Sun 25 Oct · €88 Other dates

Day Hike to Moskardshnjukar: The Knife's Edge — Hikers of Iceland

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7 photos from Hikers of Iceland. Tap any one for the full-size original.

Duration
5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Season
All year
Pickup
Hotel pickup available at extra cost, or meet at the start point
Starts at
Moskardshnukar Parking
64.223112, -21.551730, Near Svinaskardsleid
Guide
Guided in English, Spanish, Italian
Departs
10:30
Minimum age
16
Cancellation
Free until 24 hours before

Meeting point, in Hikers of Iceland's words: Type "Moskardshnukar Parking" on Maps or copy and paste these GPS coordinates, and find us 10 minutes before the departure to a great adventure beyond the tourist crowds! 64.223112, -21.551730

Our take on this one

Eight kilometres and 600 metres of climbing on the ridge at Móskarðshnjúkar, forty minutes' drive from central Reykjavík — a proper mountain day that starts and finishes inside office hours, 10:30 to 15:30. Hikers of Iceland cap the group at fifteen and send a certified international mountain leader with it, which is what you are paying €88 for on a route that is exposed enough to punish a wrong decision in bad weather. Bring your own lunch, a litre of water, waterproofs and boots. Age 16 and over. They run one tour a day, so if this date shows nothing, look at their other hikes rather than assuming it is full.

Book it if: Fit walkers based in Reykjavík who want a summit and a ridge without giving up a whole day to driving.
Skip it if: 600 metres of ascent on rough ground with no turning point — this is not a scenic stroll, and under-16s cannot come.

Written by us, from the operator's own details and what we know of the route. We don't take a fee for a good word.

About this experience

IF THIS ONE SHOWS UNAVAILABLE, CHECK OUR OTHER DAY TOURS as we run one tour per day.Hike Iceland for a short day.

40 MINUTES DRIVE from Reykjavik city center
LENGTH: 8 km – 5 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 600 m – 1960 ft
DIFFICULTY: moderate
DURATION: 5hrs (plus driving time)
STARTING time 10.30 (plus pick-up time)
ENDING time: 15.30 (plus drop-off time)
GROUP: up to 15 participants
AGE LIMIT: 16+

Embark on an Unforgettable Day Hike to Moskardshnjukar

Embark on an unforgettable day hike to Moskardshnjukar, a remarkable mountain in Iceland celebrated for its striking features and breathtaking natural surroundings. This iconic hike showcases dramatic cliffs, craters, and expansive lava fields, vividly illustrating Iceland’s rich volcanic heritage. With each step, you’ll encounter landscapes shaped by nature’s incredible forces, from ancient lava flows to rugged ridgelines, making this an adventure you won’t soon forget. The experience offers unmatched opportunities to truly immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Panoramic Views Await

As you ascend to the summit of Moskardshnjukar, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. From the summit, the vast, unspoiled wilderness stretches out before you, offering an incredible vista of a huge unspoiled valley, volcanic craters, and the beautiful Icelandic landscape. The sight is truly awe-inspiring and provides a perfect moment for reflection, photography, and simply soaking in the grandeur of nature. The sweeping views are an ideal reward for your efforts as you stand atop one of Iceland’s most striking peaks.

Traverse the Peaks

After reaching the summit, our adventure continues as we traverse across several peaks, offering exhilarating experiences as we maintain our position along the rugged ridgelines. The terrain is diverse, with rocky outcrops and dramatic drops that make the hike exciting and unforgettable. As we descend into the valley below, each peak provides a new perspective of the surrounding land, with spectacular views of the highlands and beyond. The feeling of walking from peak to peak, with vast Icelandic landscapes unfolding beneath you, will leave you in awe of the sheer beauty and grandeur of this untouched land. It’s a rare opportunity to truly experience Iceland’s wild side.

Expert Guidance for a Safe and Informative Journey

Guided by an expert mountain leader with extensive knowledge of the Icelandic terrain, you will gain valuable insights into the geology and history of the region. Our guides are committed to ensuring a safe and enriching experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this extraordinary environment. Their deep passion for the land and its history will enrich your hike, sharing stories that bring the landscape to life. Along the way, you’ll learn about the mountain’s volcanic origins, Iceland’s unique geology, and the fascinating history behind the lava fields. The guidance will give you a deeper connection to the land, making every step meaningful. You’ll walk away with lasting memories of this awe-inspiring adventure.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Day Hike.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or an adventure seeker eager to explore Iceland’s magnificent landscapes, the day hike to Moskardshnjukar promises a captivating journey filled with stunning scenery, geological marvels, and the opportunity to connect with nature. Book your spot today and prepare for a day of exploration and discovery. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore one of Iceland’s most captivating mountain adventures, offering a perfect blend of outdoor thrill and natural wonder. It’s an experience you’ll treasure forever, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, rich natural history, and unforgettable memories.

REMEMBER TO TAKE WITH YOU:

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

Description from the operator, Hikers of Iceland. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Included

Licenced and certified local guides

International Mountain Leader

Good to know

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

Weather can change rapidly, be prepared for all conditions

Meet at the designated starting point 15 minutes before departure

Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience

Cancellation for this tour

Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

If the weather cancels this tour

Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is wind above the treeline and river levels after rain — the guide decides on the day. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.

1Hikers of Iceland decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.

What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 1 day before departure, the operator's policy after that.

Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →

Why this one and not the cheaper one?

The nearest cheaper Reykjavik Walking Tour small group - CityWalk from CityWalk Reykjavik is €40 — €48 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.

	Hikers of Iceland · €88	CityWalk Reykjavik · €40
How long it runs	5 hours	2.5 hours
How hard it is	Moderate	Very easy

The €48 buys you 2.5 more hours out. Whether that is worth it is your call — but that is what the difference is.

Who this is not for

Not for families with children under 16 — the operator will not take them, even with a parent.

Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.

Why we list it

Hikers of Iceland is one of 207 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

What travellers say about Hikers of Iceland

Read all 51 reviews on Google →

Operator rating 5.0/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.

Candace Marbury
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
Must see and do! I am not an avid hiker or adventurer and this kickstarted a whole new exploration for me. This was my first 4 day trek and I can’t wait to do it again! Roberto was an amazing guide that offered the perfect blend of adventure with security, freedom with direction and fun with agenda. I saw amazing waterfalls, glaciers, natural hot springs, wildlife, and of course, mountains. Iceland offers an incredibly diverse landscape and Roberto orchestrated the perfect blend. Even if you’ve already visited Iceland 100 times, I am confident you will uncover more gems. I will remember this trip forever. Highly recommend taking a hike or trek with Hikers of Iceland.
Luigi Fornaro
★★★★★ · a year ago
Where can i even start from? The tour with the best guide Roberto has been just amazing. As soon as we arrived at the airport Roberto welcomed us kindly and reassuringly and made us start this awesome experience in his van!! I was a bit anxious on the tracking parts, but Roberto made them be comfortable, exciting and really funny. Every little problem encountered was solved with positivity and lots of laughter. Roberto took us to the most suggestive and marvellous places of Iceland, also the even the lesser known ones, accompanying us to the complete discovery of a culture rich in traditions and nature. At the end of the 10 days, we were all satisfied and so happy (a little sad to be leaving 😂). He made us love Iceland one waterfall at time! We saw almost the whole country, starting from Reykjavik, going into lagoons, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, caves, beaches, volcanos, mountains, farms, canyons, forests, ocean, admiring starry skies and a lot of cute animals! A must for the ones who love travelling and exploring new countries, where you can see the 4 natural elements (water earth fire air)in their maximum expression, in a place where the man didn’t change or ruin them. Hikers of Iceland is the TOP, and Roberto is of course the best!
Jasmine Garside
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
We had a fantastic trip in Iceland — Roberto took us off the beaten track to give us an authentic adventure while keeping us safe and entertained. A professional guide who gives great guidance to suit hikers of all levels. Highly recommend! Thank you, Roberto for a memorable trip trekking, glacier hiking, ice climbing, waterfall hunting, hot pool dunking and all your tips, jokes and stories.
Riccardo Luciani
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
As the Tour Leader of "Avventure nel Mondo" group trip, I couldn't be happier with our experience. Roberto guided us on the Sólheimajökull glacier and gave us a truly magnificent day. He is an extremely passionate and knowledgeable guide, and—just as importantly—always kind and smiling. The organization was impeccable: perfect punctuality, total respect for our agreements, and he provided all the necessary equipment to let us enjoy the hike in complete safety and comfort. He managed our large group with incredible ease, and his work was appreciated by every single member of the team. Ciao Roberto!

Reviews from Google · updated 23 Oct 2026

Read before you book

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Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Hiking & trekking — questions people ask

When can you hike in Landmannalaugar?

Late June to September. The highland roads to Landmannalaugar are closed by snow the rest of the year, and the opening date shifts with the weather each summer. In season, day tours from Reykjavík (/experience/16823/) run about fourteen hours with a three- to five-hour guided hike and a soak in the hot river. If you have your own 4x4, the meet-on-location hike (/experience/254326/) skips the bus.

How hard is the Laugavegur trek?

Moderate to hard. It is 55 kilometres over four days from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, with river crossings, snow patches in July and weather that can turn to sleet in August. You do not need technical skills, but you need to carry a pack and walk five to eight hours a day. Guided treks (/experience/738812/) handle logistics and camping gear; the luggage transfer (/experience/1036525/) lets self-guided walkers carry a day pack only.

Can you hike to the volcano near Reykjavík?

Yes, when it is safe. The Reykjanes eruption sites at Fagradalsfjall and around Grindavík have drawn hikers since 2021, and guided tours (/experience/629086/, /experience/620679/) follow the routes the Civil Protection authority has open. If there is an active eruption, access changes daily and tours adapt or pause. The lava is usually cooled and crusted; you see fresh black rock and steam, not flowing lava. Wear boots; the ground is rough.

What should I pack for a day hike in Iceland?

Waterproof jacket and trousers, not a poncho; the wind will shred it. Hiking boots with ankle support, wool or synthetic layers, hat, gloves, sunglasses and a packed lunch with two litres of water. In the highlands add a warm mid-layer even in July. Guides carry first aid and route knowledge, not your rain gear. Cotton jeans and trainers are the most common reason people have a miserable day.

Hotels

Where to stay for this tour

From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.

All hotels in Reykjavík →

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from

€88 per person

Hikers of Iceland's own price. 3% off the whole trip when you book two or more tours together, in one checkout.

Your date

The next departure we can see — change it if this tour is for another day.

Pick a date to check departures.

Departs10:30

Reykjavík: light 08:46–17:38, 8 h 52 min of daylight.

✓ Free cancellation until 24 hours before
✓ Instant confirmation by email
✓ If Hikers of Iceland cancels for weather or safety: a full refund, or another date
✓ Card — Apple Pay or Google Pay where your device offers it — through Stripe; the charge is made in Icelandic krónur
✓ Price promise: Hikers of Iceland's own price, or we refund the difference
✓ One checkout, even with tours from several operators
✓ Vetted operator — the six checks every operator passes

Pairs well with

Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €5 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.