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Vaðalfjöll Climbing

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Elevation:	1,405 ft	428 m
GPS:	65.57927, -22.0757 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	822 total · 15/month
Shared By:	Gunkswest on Jun 28, 2021
Admins:	Matthew Clausen, Muscrat Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

This basalt area is located in northwest Iceland and is slightly reminiscent of Devils Tower in Wyoming. The area features trad climbing on basalt columns and bouldering on an overhanging wall made up of the end of the columns. In order to reach this area you need an SUV or would need to walk about 3.6km uphill. Do not try to access this area by vehicle if the ground is muddy or snow covered, as the single track road will get torn up, ruining it for everyone.

Getting There

The formation is located in northwest Iceland near the intersection of Routes 60 and 607, just east of the tiny settlement of Kinnarstaðir. The approximate coordinates of this intersection are 65.547693, -22.099499. From the intersection of Routes 60 and 607:

-Head west (toward the Hótel Bjarkalundur) about 50 yards.

-Turn right (north) onto a small dirt road with a sign "Vaðalfjöll."

-Drive steeply up this single track dirt road, passing rutted areas and lots of rocks. As you climb higher, the basalt plug will become more visible. Drive a total of 3.6km, mostly in 1st gear (takes about 30 minutes).

-Park below the plug at a point where the road turns right and becomes very rocky as it crosses a small drainage (approximate coordinates of 65.576539, -22.076953).

- Hike up the hillside along the left edge of the talus slope that is above the parking and below the formation for about 15 minutes. If you are bouldering, bear left to the overhanging wall. If you are trad climbing, bear right at the base of the wall above the talus. The coordinates of the decision point between bouldering and trad (at least for this area; you may have decided long ago) are 65.577910, -22.076609.