Hiking the most insane mountain in the Westman Islands.
I found this hike by… you guessed it… scrolling around on Google Maps. I wanted to see puffins and a nice view of the island, yet I only had three hours so this sidequest had to be close enough to town where I wouldn’t waste time road-walking. This hike is very scary for people afraid of heights. It really isn’t even a hike, it’s more of a sketchy climb on a random road that is hooked to a rock a few hundred feet above your head. There is also an alleged continuation of the hike at the top of the ridge to the left, and we did see ropes, but it’s very sketchy at best without proper gear and a redundant rope in case the one thats there decides it's time to go night night. Did I see puffins? Yes, they were perching on the cliffs all cute. Did I get dizzy looking over the side? Absolutely. Was it one of the most beautiful short hikes I’ve ever done? Why is that even a question? If you do this hike, bring water and take your time as the sand slides away from your feet and every step you take becomes only a quarter step.
Location: At the edge of town off of Eiðisvegur
Difficulty Level: Very difficult
Distance and Duration: 1.3 km / not even a mile
Accessibility: You need to have good balance here and hopefully no fear of heights, although two people with me had a big fear and still made it (slowly). It’s not a trail, it’s a directly upward climb on a rope. Trail building basically doesn’t exist here.
Elevation Gain: 185 m / 606 ft
Trail Type: In-and-out (more like up-and-down)
Gear and Equipment: Bring everything you would for a half day/day hike. If you want to continue the climb, bring climbing gear. Watch your step and check the rock before putting any equipment in.
Essentials: Always bring the 10 essentials!
Permits and Fees: No permits or entrance fees for hiking here. You do need to take a ferry to the island.
Weather Check: It’s Iceland, always check weather but be ready for anything. Local emergency number is 112. There is a shelter in the camping area. It’s wonderful to walk in the forest in the rain.
Trailhead Description: As soon as you get off the ferry, turn right out of town and find the road called Eiðisvegur. You will have to cross a pile of rocks and go up and over a barbed wire fence. There is a ladder for you to cross the fence, so no worries.
Seasons: I’d probably only recommend this hike on a clear day, warm weather, although I could see how a winter climb here could be fun if there is enough stable snow or ice.
Scenic Points: Just the view, man.
Challenges: The whole thing is a challenge.
Wildlife Encounters: Sheep, puffins, seagulls, other birds.
