Photos: Hiking the remote and dramatic Dyrfjöll mountains 8373

Dyrfjöll mountains are among the most recognizable in Iceland, but also one of the most remote. The mountains tower over Borgarfjörður eystri in the Eastfjords. The mountains look like a giant wall, cut in two by a large gate-like formation, hence the name: Dyrfjöll translates as Gate- or Door Mountains. The gate was formed by glaciers in the valleys to either side of the mountains, the glaciers gradually carved their way through the mountain, leaving a 700 m (2,300 ft/0.4 miles) wide gap.

Climbing Dyrfjöll is not suitable to inexperienced hikers, and finding the path requires some skill. Along the way the hike covers steep cliffs with permanent snowbanks, deep crevises and gorges, difficult screes, and a small glacier. The snow in the mountains remains throughout summer, The first recorded climb to the highest peak of Dyrfjöll, Súla in Ytra Dyrfjall, (1,136 m3,727 ft) only took place in 1952.

Hiking Dyrfjöll is difficult, but extremely rewarding. Not only is the area considered to be among the more dramatic and beautiful in East Iceland; the view from the peak is also spectacular as you can see in these these photos. 

You can find more information about hiking in Dyrfjöll here.

Dyrfjöll mountains are among the most recognizable in Iceland, but also one of the most remote. The mountains tower over Borgarfjörður eystri in the Eastfjords. The mountains look like a giant wall, cut in two by a large gate-like formation, hence the name: Dyrfjöll translates as Gate- or Door Mountains. The gate was formed by glaciers in the valleys to either side of the mountains, the glaciers gradually carved their way through the mountain, leaving a 700 m (2,300 ft/0.4 miles) wide gap.

Climbing Dyrfjöll is not suitable to inexperienced hikers, and finding the path requires some skill. Along the way the hike covers steep cliffs with permanent snowbanks, deep crevises and gorges, difficult screes, and a small glacier. The snow in the mountains remains throughout summer, The first recorded climb to the highest peak of Dyrfjöll, Súla in Ytra Dyrfjall, (1,136 m3,727 ft) only took place in 1952.

Hiking Dyrfjöll is difficult, but extremely rewarding. Not only is the area considered to be among the more dramatic and beautiful in East Iceland; the view from the peak is also spectacular as you can see in these these photos. 

You can find more information about hiking in Dyrfjöll here.