THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A rugged 11 km hike 30 minutes from Reykjavík that climbs to Stórhóll, drops to the secluded Helgufoss waterfall, and finishes with a visit to Halldór Laxness’s museum. Expect boggy ground, volcanic panoramas, and a private guided experience.
A rugged 11 km hike 30 minutes from Reykjavík that climbs to Stórhóll, drops to the secluded Helgufoss waterfall, and finishes with a visit to Halldór Laxness’s museum. Expect boggy ground, volcanic panoramas, and a private guided experience.
A cold wind pushes across the open fields as the van drops you at a narrow sign for Vindhöll. The path at first disappears into boggy grass and hummocks; underfoot the ground gives and pulls, then firms as the trail climbs. As you gain Stórhóll the low scrub opens and the horizon stretches—black lava ridges, volcanic plateaus, and distant peaks that seem to lean into the sky.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hikers of Iceland · Mosfellsbær, Capital Region
A cold wind pushes across the open fields as the van drops you at a narrow sign for Vindhöll. The path at first disappears into boggy grass and hummocks; underfoot the ground gives and pulls, then firms as the trail climbs. As you gain Stórhóll the low scrub opens and the horizon stretches—black lava ridges, volcanic plateaus, and distant peaks that seem to lean into the sky.
Geology here is blunt and recent: glacially scoured valleys cut into basalt and pillow lavas, with peat-filled basins that hold spring melt. Historically the Mosfellsdalur area was a working landscape of turf farms and sagas; later, writers like Halldór Laxness made farms and valleys into literary subjects, and his house-turned-museum lies a short drive from the trailhead.
Expect a raw, often unmarked route that feels less like a maintained trail and more like moving through terrain that insists on your attention. The summit offers wide Icelandic views; the descent leads to Helgufoss, a sheltered ribbon of water that hushes the wind and invites a break.
Practical guidance: this is a 11 km loop with roughly 450 m of ascent, rated moderate but requiring good balance for bogs and ditches. Weather shifts quickly—waterproof layers and sturdy boots aren’t optional. Your guide covers navigation and the museum entrance is included, so plan for about 5–6 hours total from Reykjavík. Carry extra water, snacks, and a charged phone; GPS helps but don’t rely on it alone. Leave no trace—this landscape recovers slowly and a dropped tent peg can become a permanent scar.
moderate.
5–6 hours.
Participants should have regular aerobic fitness and strong balance for off-trail footing
The route is moderate: 11 km with ~450 m gain over variable, often unmarked terrain—expect 5–6 hours with short rests.
Yes, admission to Halldór Laxness’s home museum is included in the tour price after the hike.
Participants must be 16+ and have a moderate level of cardiovascular fitness; the operator limits groups to small sizes for safety.
Guides monitor conditions and may cancel for safety if weather is severe; dress for rapid changes and carry layers.
The Mosfellsdalur valley has turf-farm roots and features in Icelandic rural life; Halldór Laxness lived and wrote in the area, drawing on these landscapes.
The peat and moss recover slowly from trampling—stick to durable surfaces where possible and pack out all waste to minimize impact.
Hikers of Iceland operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold wind pushes across the open fields as the van drops you at a narrow sign for Vindhöll. The path at first disappears into boggy grass and hummocks; underfoot the ground gives and pulls, then firms as the trail climbs. As you gain Stórhóll the low scrub opens and the horizon stretches—black lava ridges, volcanic plateaus, and distant peaks that seem to lean into the sky.
A cold wind pushes across the open fields as the van drops you at a narrow sign for Vindhöll. The path at first disappears into boggy grass and hummocks; underfoot the ground gives and pulls, then firms as the trail climbs. As you gain Stórhóll the low scrub opens and the horizon stretches—black lava ridges, volcanic plateaus, and distant peaks that seem to lean into the sky.
Geology here is blunt and recent: glacially scoured valleys cut into basalt and pillow lavas, with peat-filled basins that hold spring melt. Historically the Mosfellsdalur area was a working landscape of turf farms and sagas; later, writers like Halldór Laxness made farms and valleys into literary subjects, and his house-turned-museum lies a short drive from the trailhead.
Expect a raw, often unmarked route that feels less like a maintained trail and more like moving through terrain that insists on your attention. The summit offers wide Icelandic views; the descent leads to Helgufoss, a sheltered ribbon of water that hushes the wind and invites a break.
Practical guidance: this is a 11 km loop with roughly 450 m of ascent, rated moderate but requiring good balance for bogs and ditches. Weather shifts quickly—waterproof layers and sturdy boots aren’t optional. Your guide covers navigation and the museum entrance is included, so plan for about 5–6 hours total from Reykjavík. Carry extra water, snacks, and a charged phone; GPS helps but don’t rely on it alone. Leave no trace—this landscape recovers slowly and a dropped tent peg can become a permanent scar.