Stórurð - Njardhvik

Olivier V. D.

The valley offered an amazing view and was in pristine condition, however a word of warning should be given for the hiking routes towards it.

As of now, the easier route 2 (often referred to in the past as 8) is closed indefinitely. I took route 1 (9) from Vatnsskarth, which I would classify as intermediate. It starts with a steep climb with rocky terrain. During my ascent the conditions quickly changed and I was greeted by a cold and thick mist for most of the route, making it difficult to make out the path, although the sticks are usually sufficiently close to each other. On later parts, the terrain changes to very rocky and sometimes you are walking on rather steep sides of the mountain. I would not classify it as really dangerous, but it can be easy to sprain your ankle if one is not careful. There is some melting ice this period of the year, so you have to watch your step not to crack through and get your feet wet. The final descent for the valley is very steep and has some snow, I went down crawling as a precaution.

I took route 3 (10) back, which was mainly descending but the rocky terrain, and misty and wet conditions made it very technical. I would actually recommend going up this route to go into the valley, as that provides you better control on the terrain. You will still need to do the same final descent as route 1.

I was greeted by clearing mist going into the valley and a breathtaking view of the lake.

In any case, you should come prepared and pack enough water and food for 5 hours, and prepare for quickly changing weather (scorching hot sun and freezing cold mists following closely). I don't have a lot of experience with (mountainous) hiking and I don't think you really need much experience for this trail, but you should have a relatively good fitness before you start this hike. It is definitely not family friendly or for the unprepared, although I'm sure experienced hikers doing 20km+ hikes all the time will find no difficulties with this trail.

Sveindís ?.

Gorgeous hike to Stórurð in wonderful weather. We took the Njarðvík-route (marked with yellow sticks in the ground) both ways but were afterwards recommended by a local to go the vatnsskarð way to Stórurð and then Njarðvík-route back. Be prepared for a magnificent hike but do go in good weather, with proper shoes and outerwear and don't forget a water bottle and some snacks. Hike is about 2-4 hours each way depending on your fitness level.

Noam O.

One of the most beautiful trails we did. We choose to go to the crater with road 9 and back with 8. Road 9 is a bit difficult but amazing crossing snow and rocks. The only problem is getting back to the car from the end of road 8- going up the main road for approximately 2 km. So if you can get a pick up it will be great for you!

Linda W. T. (.

We took route 10, 5km each way. You have to hike up the mountain the whole way there, so it’s not an easy hike, but IT’S SO WORTH IT!
The photos are not edited.
June 30

Lewis

The place is incredible, calm and very beautiful. We took route number 10 from the main road which is actually the shortest. It took us 3 1/2 hours to go there and back. The path is well marked so make sure that you follow the markers from the car park near the car park because many people (including us) get lost at the start.

廖阿健（阿健廖）

儘管在夏天人不多，抵達到山谷你會發現一條蜿蜒的溪流，像是在夢境裡

Liutauras U.

I wanted to make a review-warning for hikers at any level.

We went with route 10 (4,5km forward and back) and we believe the hike is beautiful and with a lot of picturesque views of ponds, streams, mountains and valleys. However, we started at 19:30 and soon the fog setlled on to the valley and trail that we were taking. There was also a light drizzle, but we didn't think much of it at the start. The hike itself is definitely manageable even for an average hiker - what makes it hard and even scary is the conditions. What we didn't realise at first is how fast the sky and surroundings become dark. After 2h we finally reached Stórurð at 21:30 (its location is actually 65.5148308, -13.9924571) and turned arround to go back to our car (was parked in Njarðvik) the valley faded into shadows and soon into darkness. The fog, darkness and now proper rain mushed into one big disaster. The fog and darkness diminished the visibility by a few meters from you even with a flashlight and the rain made the previous innocent tracks into slippery mud. We cannot stress enough how scary it was going back for hours, searching with all of our hope for those little yellow wooden posts to guide us through the track and being in the middle of nowhere all cold, wet and exhausted - this was my most mentally challenging hike that I've been on - and I've done a considerate amount. We went downhill for almost 3 hours! And only then finally arrived at our car.

So what we would say is if:
1) Go much earlier than 19:00
2) if you see fog and rain - reconsider your decisions - it is definitelly not worth all of the worry afterwards.

The lesson is simple - don't let your ego take over - common sense and weighing your possibilities is key in this case. Be wise and learn from other fellow hikers' mistakes.

Rovena M.

Sehr schöne und einfache Wanderung,
Total 3Std. Wenn die Sonne scheint ist das Wasser türkisch blau. Ich empfehle Wanderstöcke mitzunehmen.