Skaftafellsheiði

Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður, Ísland

9.4 miles (15.1 km) · 2,318 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Skaftafellsheiði is a 9.4-mile loop route in Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður, Ísland, gaining 2,318 feet of elevation. The route follows a up-and-over elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 4 distinct sections including 2 significant climbs. The longest climb covers 4.5 miles gaining 2,107 feet at an average 8.5% grade. About 45% of the terrain is runnable, with significant hiking sections. The route opens with a climb and finishes with a descent.

Route facts

Distance	9.4 mi (15.1 km)
Elevation gain	2,318 ft (707 m)
Average gain	246 ft per mile (47 m per km)
Longest climb	4.5 mi, 2,034 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	26.4%
Runnable	45% of the route
Climbs / descents	2 climbs, 2 descents
Profile shape	Up, then down
Difficulty score	13 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	4%
Mild uphill	18%
Moderate uphill	10%
Steep uphill	24%
Mild downhill	9%
Moderate downhill	14%
Steep downhill	22%

Questions about Skaftafellsheiði

How much elevation gain does Skaftafellsheiði have?

Skaftafellsheiði has 2,318 ft (707 m) of elevation gain over 9.4 miles (15.1 km). That averages 246 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Skaftafellsheiði?

The difficulty score for Skaftafellsheiði is 13 of 100. That is harder than 79% of routes at a similar distance. About 45% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Skaftafellsheiði?

The longest climb on Skaftafellsheiði runs 4.5 miles (7.3 km) and gains 2,034 ft (620 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 26.4%.