Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Munkadveragil Gorge

International > Europe > Iceland

Description

This popular crag is located roughly 15 minutes drive south of the city of Akureryi in northern Iceland. The cliff is known to Icelandic climbers as "Munkaþverá" after the nearby church. The cliff is in a gorge and very close to Highway 829.

 There are about 40 bolted routes here, ranging from 5.5 to 5.12d.  There is an online guide at: Munkaþverá

The difficulty of routes generally increases from left to right. All of the top anchors were replaced in May/June 2021. 

Getting There

Less than 20 kilometers south from Akureyri on the east side of the fjord, the road passes over a bridge. There are routes on both sides of the canyon under the bridge, but most of the climbs are on the south facing side of the river. Park in the pull-off right before the bridge and follow a well worn trail west then south down into the canyon and then east along the base of the wall.

From Akureyi, go west on 1 (Þjóðvegur) for 1.5km. Turn right on 829 (Eyjafjarðarbraut eystri) for 15km. Turn right into small pull off area just before the river (þvera efri) and after Munkaþvera Church.

Routes from Left to Right

5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 1
● Englaryk
Sport
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 1
● Talía
Sport
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 1
● Bókin
Sport
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 1
● Létta leiðin
Sport
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 1
● Góðir vinir
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 2
● UV
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 1
● Stuð fyrir stutta [Support for t…
Sport
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 2
● Sófus
Sport
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 1
● Stóru mistökin [The Big Mistake]
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Englaryk
 1
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
● Talía
 1
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport
● Bókin
 1
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
● Létta leiðin
 1
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Sport
● Góðir vinir
 1
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
● UV
 2
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
● Stuð fyrir stutta [Support…
 1
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
● Sófus
 2
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
● Stóru mistökin [The Big Mis…
 1
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Sport

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Beautiful scenery on a sunny day
[Hide Photo] Beautiful scenery on a sunny day
Munkadveragil Gorge<br> Routes under the bridge have anchors bolted right into the bridge itself...
[Hide Photo] Munkadveragil Gorge Routes under the bridge have anchors bolted right into the bridge itself...
Matthew Munkaþvera.
[Hide Photo] Matthew Munkaþvera.
The area is surrounded by 360 degrees of mountain views on a clear day.
[Hide Photo] The area is surrounded by 360 degrees of mountain views on a clear day.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Rufus Miller
Indian Hills, CO
[Hide Comment] Totally awsome place. Rap in or hike on a trail that is down river a bit. The 10's are stiff and entertaining. If there is a cow or several stuck under the bridge, they will eventually wander back to the meadow. They may lick you for awhile. Jun 22, 2022
Casey Elliott
Reno, NV
[Hide Comment] Favorite movement I found in Iceland other than the crack climbing. Really scenic and worthwhile. I broke some holes on the 7b+ in the middle and felt more like 7C/+ Jul 15, 2022